A Guide to Optoelectronic Devices
Optoelectronics is a branch of study and application centered around electronic devices that are capable of sourcing, detecting, and controlling light. From LED displays to remote controls, optoelectronics encompass many of the photonic devices that we rely on in consumer, commercial, and industrial sectors alike. In this blog, we will provide an overview of some of the various types of optoelectronic devices that are commonly available, allowing for you to better understand their functionalities and uses.
Generally speaking, the two primary categories of optoelectronic devices are those that emit light and those that detect light. With light-emitting optoelectronics, such devices utilize voltage to generate electromagnetic radiation for the means of illumination or indication. For light-detecting devices, on the other hand, electromagnetic radiation is received by the device, allowing for it to convert the energy into a current or voltage. As such, light-detecting devices primarily serve light sensing and communication applications as switches, remotes, and more. Within both categories, a number of optoelectronic devices are available, including common types such as photodiodes, solar cells, light emitter diodes, laser diodes, and optical fibers.
The photodiode is a light-detecting semiconductor device, and it is used to transform light into an electrical current. To do this, the photodiode absorbs photons with its p-n junction and creates a photocurrent through the inner photoelectric effect. With its ability to create electrical current with light, photodiodes are commonly used for circuitry and may be found in medical instruments, industrial equipment, photography equipment, communication devices, and more.
Similar to a photodiode, a solar cell is another optoelectronic device that creates electricity through light. By placing a solar cell in the light of the sun, photons from sunlight are harnessed by silicon atoms as high-energy electrons. As electrons flow into an external circuit, electricity can be used for the powering of other hardware. Due to its method of capturing sunlight, solar cells do not require any other fuel supply for operation, and they are very reliable and low-maintenance.
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are a common semiconductor device that are capable of emitting light when induced with an electrical current. As current flows through the LED device, the anode lead reaches a higher positive voltage than the cathode lead, causing light to emit. As there are various types of LED devices, the produced emission may come in the form of visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light.
The laser diode is another light-emitting semiconductor device, creating lasers when an electrical current is induced to the device. Acting similarly to a PIN diode, the laser diode’s doped p-n-transition permits the recombination of the electron with a hole, and this results in the generation of emitted photons as the electron energy level drops. As the most common type of laser device, laser diodes may be implemented within fiber optic communication devices, barcode readers, laser printers, DVD disc reading devices, and much more.
As a more upcoming technology that is rapidly expanding in use, optical fibers are devices that may transmit light for the means of communication, power transmission, and more. By bundling together many transparent fibers constructed from thin glass or plastic, light is transmitted between fiber ends through light pipe or waveguide functionality. With the cable construction of optical fiber devices, transmissions can be conducted with higher bandwidths over larger distances as compared to conventional electrical wiring.
With reliable optoelectronic devices, light can be harnessed or emitted for a number of applications and systems with ease. At One Click Purchasing, we can help you secure the new, used, and obsolete optoelectronic devices that you have been searching for with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times. Explore our expansive part catalogues, and you may request a quote for the parts that you are interested in at any time by utilizing our Instant RFQ service. Get started today and experience how One Click Purchasing is revolutionizing the parts procurement process for the benefit of our customers.
