Optical Sensors - Photodiodes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
VEMD2503X01

VEMD2503X01

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

PHOTODIODE 430 TO 1100 NM

5799

C30662ECERH-1

C30662ECERH-1

Excelitas Technologies

INGAAS APD, 200UM, CERAMIC SUBMO

0

MT03-028

MT03-028

Marktech Optoelectronics

PHOTODIODE 950NM 15MM2 TO-5 ISO

5

SFH 2401

SFH 2401

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Inc.

PHOTODIODE DIL SMD

0

C30618BFCH

C30618BFCH

Excelitas Technologies

INGAAS PIN, 350UM, TO-18 WITH FC

0

C30808EH

C30808EH

Excelitas Technologies

SI PIN, 2.5MM, TO-5, N-TYPE PHOT

0

GVBL-T12GD

GVBL-T12GD

Genicom

UV / VISIBLE SENSOR (330-445)

36

MICRORB-10035-MLP-TR1

MICRORB-10035-MLP-TR1

Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 905NM 4SMD

0

VEMD5080X01-GS15

VEMD5080X01-GS15

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 950NM 4SMD

0

172-14-21-021

172-14-21-021

Luna Optoelectronics (Advanced Photonix)

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 950NM TO5

0

ARRAYC-30020-16P-PCB

ARRAYC-30020-16P-PCB

Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 420NM 84CLCC

0

A5C-35

A5C-35

OSI Optoelectronics

35-ELEMENT SILICON PHOTODIODE AR

37

RPMD-0132

RPMD-0132

ROHM Semiconductor

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 940NM 3SMD

0

CLS15-22C/L213G/TR8

CLS15-22C/L213G/TR8

Everlight Electronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 550NM 4SMD

0

02A6A-125-XMD

02A6A-125-XMD

PI225MC-A6 710225-A6

139

NJL6195R-W-TE1

NJL6195R-W-TE1

New Japan Radio (NJR)

PHOTO DIODE

0

VEMD4110X01

VEMD4110X01

Vishay / Semiconductor - Opto Division

PHOTO PIN DIODE IN LOW PROFILE 0

1551

SFH 3410R

SFH 3410R

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Inc.

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 570NM 3SMD GW

0

MICRORB-10035-MLP-TR

MICRORB-10035-MLP-TR

Sanyo Semiconductor/ON Semiconductor

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 905NM 4SMD

0

EAPDLP03RDAA0

EAPDLP03RDAA0

Everlight Electronics

SENSOR PHOTODIODE 940NM RADIAL

0

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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