photodiode. A photodiode is a PN-junction diode that consumes light energy to produce an electric current. They are also called a photo-detector, a light detector, and a photo-sensor. Photodiodes are designed to work in reverse bias condition. Typical photodiode materials are Silicon, Germanium and Indium gallium arsenide.

A photodiode is one type of light detector, used to convert the light into current or voltage based on the mode of operation of the device. It comprises optical filters, built-in lenses, and also surface areas. These diodes have a slow response time when the surface area of the photodiode increases.

Principle of Photodiode: It works on the principle of the photoelectric effect. The operating principle of the photodiode is such that when the junction of this two terminal semiconductor device is illuminated then the electric current starts flowing through it.