Electronic Components. P2

PARTIAL EXAM 2

Photonic devices

Devices that convert electric signals into light or optical siganls thorugh a porcess called electroluminescence. This is the fundamental step for producing light or optical signals in photonics.

Components (photo emitters)

There are two types

• Wide Spectrum emitters : emitt light over a broad range of wave lenght

• Narrow Spectrum emitter: emit light over a narrow (specific) wavelength range.

Examples of phto emitters

For wide:

• Fluorescent lamps

• Incandescent lamps

• Halogen lamps

• White LEDS

For Narrow:

• LED ( Light emitting diodes)

• Laser ( Light Amplification by Estimulated Emission of radiation)

Optical Signal Detection

This stage converts optical signals back into electrical signals using the photoelectric effect. It enables the retrieval of information from optical signals.

Photodetectors:

Key devices used for optical signal detection include:

• Photodiodes (PIN, APD):

  • Convert light into current or voltage.

  • PIN: High-speed photodiodes used in communication systems.

  • APD (Avalanche Photodiodes): Amplify signals internally for higher sensitivity.

• Phototransistors:

  • Function like photodiodes but with additional gain.

  • Used in applications requiring higher current outputs.

• CCD (Charge-Coupled Device):

  • Image sensors used in cameras and imaging devices.

  • Convert light into electronic signals for image processing.

Applications of Photonic Components:

• Displays and Imaging: LCDs, projectors, MOEMS for visual presentations.

• Communication: Fiber-optic systems for high-speed data.

• Sensing: Optical sensors for industrial, medical, and environmental applications.

• Energy: LED lighting and solar cells.

high-level representation of photonic systems and their components.

• Generation produces optical signals.

• Signals are presented visually or encoded for transmission.

• Signals travel through a medium during transmission.

• Detection retrieves the signal as electrical information for processing.