What is a Photodiode?

A photodiode is a light-receiving element in which a minute current flows in a certain direction when light is irradiated. When light hits a junction in a semiconductor, the internal photoelectric effect occurs, which excites electrons and conducts current, which is used to detect the level of the incident light. Because of its high accuracy in detecting received light, it is a component especially required for optical communication equipment. In addition, it is also incorporated in medical equipment such as gas concentration measurement. Diode structures are mainly classified into PN junction type, PIN junction type, and avalanche type, each of which has different photosensitivity and response speed.

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