Optical Sensors - Photodiodes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VEMD1160X01

VEMD1160X01

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

PHOTODIODE 780 TO 1050 NM

3001

GUVA-T11GD

GUVA-T11GD

Genicom

UV-A SENSOR (220-370NM)

692

MTPD1346D-150

MTPD1346D-150

Marktech Optoelectronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE TO46-3

138

225-23-21-040

225-23-21-040

Luna Optoelectronics (Advanced Photonix)

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 660NM TO8

0

GUVA-C32SM

GUVA-C32SM

Genicom

DIGITAL UV SENSOR / COB2023

2717

OP950

OP950

TT Electronics / Optek Technology

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 935NM SIDE

1934

SFH 229FA

SFH 229FA

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Inc.

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 900NM RADIAL

0

MTPD1346D-080

MTPD1346D-080

Marktech Optoelectronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 1300NM TO46-3

0

VEMD2003X01

VEMD2003X01

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

PHOTODIODE 440 TO 620 NM

4686

OPR2100

OPR2100

TT Electronics / Optek Technology

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 890NM SMD

355

VTB9412BH

VTB9412BH

Excelitas Technologies

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 580NM 2DIP MOD

0

MT03-018

MT03-018

Marktech Optoelectronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 950NM TO5-2

0

PDB-C110

PDB-C110

Luna Optoelectronics (Advanced Photonix)

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 950NM RADIAL

86

BPW 34 FASR-Z

BPW 34 FASR-Z

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Inc.

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 880NM 2SMD

1758

MTD3910D3

MTD3910D3

Marktech Optoelectronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 940NM RADIAL

239

ODD-42W

ODD-42W

Opto Diode Corporation

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 940NM TO8

579

MT03-001

MT03-001

Marktech Optoelectronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 940NM TO5

235

VEMD5110X01

VEMD5110X01

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

PHOTODIODE 750 TO 1050 NM

48

VTP7840H

VTP7840H

Excelitas Technologies

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 925NM RADIAL

0

GUVB-S31GD

GUVB-S31GD

Genicom

UV-B SENSOR (220-320NM)

2159

Optical Sensors - Photodiodes

1. Overview

Photodiodes are semiconductor devices that convert optical signals into electrical currents. Operating under reverse bias voltage, they generate electron-hole pairs when exposed to light, enabling precise light intensity measurement. As critical components in optoelectronics, photodiodes enable applications ranging from industrial automation to medical diagnostics, offering advantages like fast response times, high reliability, and compatibility with digital systems.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
PIN PhotodiodeWide depletion region for high quantum efficiencyHigh-speed optical communication (e.g., 10Gbps fiber links)
Avalanche Photodiode (APD)Internal gain through impact ionizationLIDAR systems, single-photon detection
Schottky PhotodiodeLow capacitance for fast switchingUV radiation monitoring in semiconductor manufacturing
Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM)Planar structure for high-frequency operationOptical interconnects in data centers
UV PhotodiodeSpectral sensitivity below 400nmFlame detection systems, water purification monitoring

3. Structure and Components

Photodiodes typically consist of a p-n junction or p-i-n structure fabricated from silicon, germanium, or indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs). The core components include: (1) Light-receiving window with anti-reflective coating, (2) Active semiconductor layer for photon absorption, (3) Electrodes (anode/cathode) for current collection, (4) Ceramic or plastic package with optical filter integration. Advanced designs incorporate micro-lenses and back-illuminated structures to enhance quantum efficiency.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Responsivity (A/W)Current output per unit optical powerDetermines signal strength at given irradiance
Dark Current (nA)Leakage current without illuminationImpacts signal-to-noise ratio in low-light conditions
Rise Time (ns)Response speed to intensity changesCritical for high-frequency modulation applications
Junction Capacitance (pF)Parasitic capacitance at depletion regionLimits bandwidth in transimpedance amplifier circuits
Spectral Response Range (nm)Effective wavelength detection windowDictates compatibility with light sources (e.g., 850nm VCSELs)

5. Application Fields

  • Industrial Automation: Object detection in conveyor systems
  • Medical Imaging: X-ray detectors in CT scanners
  • Consumer Electronics: Proximity sensors in smartphones
  • Telecommunications: 100Gbps coherent optical receivers
  • Environmental Monitoring: Solar radiation sensors for weather stations

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Features
Hamamatsu PhotonicsS1223-6BQHigh-speed Si photodiode with 1.3GHz bandwidth
OSRAM OptoBFW21RBlue-enhanced PIN diode for LiDAR applications
First SensorFDS030Low-noise APD for single-photon counting
Excelitas TechnologiesC30655GHInGaAs photodiode for 1.55 m telecom wavelengths
Vishay SemiconductorsBPW34SHigh-radiation hardness for industrial sensors

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations include: (1) Spectral matching with light source (e.g., InGaAs for 1550nm fiber systems), (2) Response time requirements (PIN vs APD tradeoffs), (3) Operating temperature range (-40 C to +85 C industrial grade), (4) Packaging constraints (SMD vs through-hole), and (5) Cost vs performance optimization (e.g., APDs require bias voltage regulators).

Industry Trends

Current development focuses on: (1) Graphene-based photodiodes for THz imaging, (2) CMOS-integrated single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for LiDAR, (3) Flexible organic photodiodes for wearable devices, (4) Quantum dot photodiodes for extended IR sensitivity, and (5) AI-driven smart sensors with on-chip signal processing. Market growth is projected at 7.2% CAGR through 2028, driven by 5G optical networks and autonomous vehicle sensing systems.

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