Introduction to Light and Light

Detectors

Presenter: Eklavya Sharma

Content 1. Understanding Light

2. Fundamentals of Light Sensors

3. Types of Light Sensors

4. Importance of Light Sensors

5. Challenges and Opportunities in Light

Sensor Industry

6. Key Takeaways: Harnessing the Potential of

Light Sensors

7. References
 Section 1

Understanding Light
The Nature of Light
01
Electromagnetic
Radiation
Light is a form of electromagnetic
radiation (EMR), consisting of
electric and magnetic fields
oscillating perpendicularly to each
other and to the direction of
propagation. It travels at the
speed of light and can be
described both as waves and as
particles called photons.
02 03
Spectrum of Light Thermal Radiation
The spectrum of EMR extends from In the spectrum, the range from
gamma rays with very short about 3 to 20 micrometers is
known as thermal radiation, which
wavelengths to AM radio waves
is the natural emission from
with much longer wavelengths.
objects at temperatures that do
The term "light" typically refers to
not cause them to visibly glow.
the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and
infrared (IR) parts of the spectrum,
with each having specific
wavelength ranges.
What are Light Sensors?
01
Definition and Function
Light sensors, or photodetectors, are devices that convert
light energy (photons) detected to electrical energy
(electrons). They can be categorized into quantum and
thermal detectors based on the type of response they
generate upon light absorption.
02
Quantum vs. Thermal Detectors
Quantum detectors operate from UV to mid-infrared
ranges and rely on the photoelectric effect, while thermal
detectors are more efficient in the mid- to far-infrared
range at room temperature, responding to heat rather
than individual photons.
 Photodiodes

Operation and Characteristics

• Photodiodes are semiconductor devices that
convert light into electrical current. They can
operate in photovoltaic mode without bias
voltage or in photoconductive mode with reverse
bias, affecting their response speed, noise level,
and sensitivity.
• Photodiodes are mainly made from silicon and
germanium materials and comprise optical
filters, built-in lenses, and surface areas.
• Here are some of the applications of photodiode:
Compact disc players
Smoke detectors
Remote control devices
Solar panels
Medical applications
 Phototransistors

Enhanced Sensitivity
• The phototransistor light sensor can be
described as a photodiode + amplifier.
With the added amplification, light
sensitivity is far better on the
phototransistors. However, it does not
fair better in low-light detection than
in photodiodes.
• A phototransistor can be either a two-
lead or a three-lead device. In the
latter case, the base lead is available
and the transistor may be used as a
standard bipolar transistor with or
without the additional capability of
sensing light, thus giving a designer
greater flexibility in circuit
development. However, a two-lead
device is the most popular as a
dedicated photosensor.
 Photoresistors

Resistance Change with

Light
• The most common light sensor type
used in a light sensor circuit are
photoresistors, also known as Light-
Dependent Resistors (LDR).
Photoresistors detect whether a light is
on or off and compare the relative
light levels throughout the day.
• In short, Photoresistors are resistive
devices whose resistance changes
with incident light.
• Common materials like cadmium
sulfide (CdS) and cadmium selenide
(CdSe) are used, with their resistance
decreasing as light intensity increases.
Cooled Detectors

Low-Temperature Operation
• For detecting long-wavelength photons,
cooled detectors are used to reduce
intrinsic noise and improve signal-to-
noise ratio.
• The operating principle of a cryogenically
cooled detector is about the same as
that of a photoresistor, except that it
detects far-longer wavelengths at much
lower temperatures. Thus, the sensor
design becomes quite different.
Depending on the required sensitivity
and operating wavelength, the following
crystals are typically used for this type of
photoresistors: lead sulfide (PbS), indium
arsenide (InAs), germanium (G), lead
selenide (PbSe), and mercury-cadmium-
telluride (HgCdTe).
 Imaging Sensors for Visible Range

CCD and CMOS

Technologies
• Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) and
Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors are
the primary technologies for capturing
images in the visible range.
• Both types of the imagers convert light
into electric charge and process it into
electronic signals.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under
CC BY-SA
Importance of Light Sensors

+ Enable automation and control in

various applications (e.g. smart lighting,
security systems)

+ Improve energy efficiency and reduce

costs

+ Enhance user experience in devices

(e.g. auto-brightness adjustment in
smartphones)

+ Play a crucial role in safety and security

systems (e.g. intrusion detection,
emergency lighting)
Challenges and Opportunities in the Light
Sensor Industry

Navigating the Industry Landscape

Miniaturization Challenges: The miniaturization of light sensors

presents manufacturing and design challenges to meet the
demands for compact and efficient sensor solutions.

Opportunities in IoT: The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things

(IoT) presents extensive opportunities for light sensor integration
in smart devices and interconnected systems.
Key Takeaways: Harnessing the Potential of
Light Sensors
01
Diverse Applications
Light sensors find
applications in diverse fields,
including consumer
electronics, automotive,
industrial automation, and
environmental monitoring.
02
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements
are driving the development
of light sensors with improved
performance, reliability, and
expanded functionality.
03
Rising Demand
The growing demand for
smart and energy-efficient
solutions bolsters the
adoption of light sensors
across various industries and
consumer devices.
 REFERENCES
1. J. Fraden, Handbook of Modern Sensors, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-19303-8_15

2. https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2020/01/08/what-is-a-light-sensor-types-uses-arduino-guide/

3. https://techovedas.com/what-are-light-sensors/

4. https://techiescience.com/light-sensors/

5. https://blog.endaq.com/how-light-sensors-work/

6. https://www.watelectronics.com/light-sensor-circuit-working-operation/

7. https://electronicguidebook.com/where-are-light-sensors-used-8-common-applications/

8. https://e.sentech.nl/en/news/21-sensor-technology-future-trends/

9. https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/light-sensors-an-overview

10. https://petapixel.com/what-is-ccd-cmos-sensor/

11. https://www.diffen.com/difference/CCD_vs_CMOS
Thank You