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Reference.org
Photodiode
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<p>A photodiode is a semiconductor <a href="/facts/Diode/JyaoyGnk">diode</a> sensitive to <a href="/facts/Photon/mFNhAEzA">photon</a> radiation, such as visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation, <a href="/facts/X-rays/wseP79cN">X-rays</a> and <a href="/facts/Gamma_rays/5Drf913J">gamma rays</a>. It produces an electrical current when it absorbs photons. This can be used for detection and measurement applications, or for the generation of electrical power in <a href="/facts/Solar_cells/3L814UCC">solar cells</a>. Photodiodes are used in a wide range of applications throughout the electromagnetic spectrum from visible light photocells to gamma ray spectrometers. </p>