Photo Diodes
Photo diodes are a semiconductor device, made of a material like silicon, which converts light into current. The current is generated when the photons are absorbed into it. Similar to semiconductor diodes, they may be either exposed (to detect UV or X-rays) or packaged with window or optical fibre connections to allow light to reach the sensitive part of the device. Their circuitry can be changed for digital, control switching or digital signal processing. Photo diodes are judged by their responses, dark current, response time and noise-equivalent power. There are several types of photo diodes. They can be combined with LED to detect the presence of a mechanical obstruction to a beam or to couple two circuits. The PN junction version is less used today and the PIN type is the most common because it generates more current. The avalanche photo diode has a reverse bias and increased responsivity. Generally, they can be operated in two modes: the photovoltaic or photoconductive mode. Photo diodes have a number of applications. They are used to make accurate measurements of light intensity in science and industry. The components in cameras to measure light are also photo diodes. They are installed in smoke detectors, CD players and the receivers for infrared remote control.
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Alrad Instruments Ltd
View company profileThrough our six technology divisions, ALRAD Imaging, ALRAD Electronics, ALRAD Photonics, ALRAD Medical, ALRAD Thermal and ALRAD Vacuum, we offer thousands of product items from the world's leading manufacturers. We also provide installation, demonstration, and product support services.
We represent many of our principals as their sole distributor in the UK. Some of these exclusive companies have been with us since the 1970s, many of our distribution agreements have been in place for a very long time and that must say something about the service we offer. The products and service we provide open up new opportunities for our customers to improve quality,automation and productivity which is why many of our existing customers have been experiencing ALRAD high quality service for decades.
Alrad employ experienced staff to help our customers generate a competitive edge for their companies backed by world class products.
Alrad are members of the UKIVA (United Kingdom Industrial Vision Association) group of organizations and companies within the PPMA ( Processing and Packaging Machinery Association).
ALRAD Imaging supplies imaging components, equipment and services to both industrial system integrators, OEMs, scientific and research customers.
ALRAD Electronics provides a wide range of optical detectors, laser products, high voltage components, optoelectronic sockets, analytical systems and densitometers.ALRAD Photonics offers Infrared detectors, power supplies, laser diode modules, photodetectors, optoelectronic components , optical filters, diffraction gratings and laser accessories.
ALRAD Medical is responsible for the marketing and sales of air disinfection systems, endoscope cameras, medical screening, molecular detection, personal protection equipment, temperature screening, UV sterilization and UV C Germicidal LED Lighting.
ALRAD Thermal is responsible for marketing and sales of automotive thermal cameras, commercial vision thermal cameras, thermal industrial cameras, thermal security cameras and thermography thermal cameras
ALRAD Vacuum provides a range of product for high vacuum and space applications including electron multipliers, long distance microscopes for vacuum chamber ports and vacuum image sensors
If you need any help in selecting the right product for your application
please call our friendly sales office on 01635 937000
we will be pleased to assist you.