** MATERIAL ON LDR ** (A - S)

LDR is a Light Dependent Resistor( or also called a photoresistor) that is used in circuits
where it is necessary to detect the presence of light.

LDRs are capable of producing large changes in resistance for various ranges of light.
LDRs are easy to use, easy to manufacture and are low in cost.

Explain the LDR?

LDR or a photoresistor is an electronic component that is sensitive to light.When light falls on

it, there is a change in the resistance.

The resistance will be very large like several megaohms in darkness, while when it is brought
into the light the resistance reduces to about a few hundred ohms. Therefore we get the idea
that the sensitivity of a light dependent resistor varies with the wavelength of incident light.

This leads to further conclusion that LDR is made up of semiconductor materials which allow
them to have light sensitive properties. Many semiconductor materials can be used such as
cadmium sulphide.

What does a photoresistor look like?

Diagram of a photoresistor?

How does an LDR work?

 ● Electric current is nothing but the movement of electrons. Good conductors have a large
number of electrons that drift under the application of a potential difference. Insulators
have a large resistance due to the less number of electrons.

● The semiconductor materials in an LDR is having high resistance. This is because there
are less number of electrons that are able to move freely.
● There is a crystal lattice in which many electrons are locked that are unable to move.
Hence the resistance is high.

● When various wavelengths of light are incident on the semiconductor, the light photons
will be absorbed by the crystal lattice and the energy will be induced into the electrons.
This energy is sufficient enough for them to break free from the crystal lattice and start
conducting electricity. As a result there is a decrease in the resistance due to light
photons.

When more light is incident, more electrons will start moving to conduct electricity.

Some points:

- LDR resistance varies with different frequencies of light.

- The variations in the resistance also depend upon the semiconductor material.

Their applications are quite many. They are used in fire or smoke alarms, even burglary alarms
as we know that. Even our body emits light and hence can be used in burglar alarms. Find more
about their applications!!!