Photodiode

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Photodetector from a CD-ROM Drive. 3 photodiodes are visible.

Symbol for photodiode.

A photodiode is a type of photodetector capable of converting light into either current or voltage, depending upon the mode of operation.^[1] The common, traditional solar cell used to generate electric solar power is a large area photodiode.

Photodiodes are similar to regular semiconductor diodes except that they may be either exposed (to detect vacuum UV or X-rays) or packaged with a window or optical fiber connection to allow light to reach the sensitive part of the device. Many diodes designed for use specifically as a photodiode will also use a PIN junction rather than the typical PN junction.