Rein D. Otsason edited Photodiodes.tex  about 10 years ago

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\subsubsection{Photodiodes}  Photodiodes are a type of photodetector which can convert light into either current or voltage depending on how they are used. They are semiconductor devices which respond to light by generating electrons and holes separated by a junction area. They have a demonstrate a linear relationship between light intensity and current performance, have fast response times and are frequently used in industrial applications. As a result of these features, the photodiodes was selected as the light sensor of choice \cite{M.R.Emami:2014}. The flickering of the candlelight dictated the need for a fast response time, which the photodiode is best suited to provide.   Photodiodes are made from a variety of materials and are therefore sensitive to different frequencies of light. [INSERT FIGURE] Figure \ref{fig:photomaterials}  illustrates a few materials and the ranges for which they are sensitive. From this figure, it can be seen that photodiodes are sensitive to wavelengths that stretch well into the infrared spectrum.