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Understanding Optical Isolators and Circulators

An optical isolator, also known as an optical diode, allows light transmission in one direction to prevent feedback in optical systems, primarily utilizing the Faraday effect. Optical circulators, which are multi-port devices, enable sequential light output from different ports while maintaining low loss and high isolation. Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) amplify light signals using semiconductor materials, playing a crucial role in optical communication networks despite their limitations in noise and gain.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
25 views19 pages

Understanding Optical Isolators and Circulators

An optical isolator, also known as an optical diode, allows light transmission in one direction to prevent feedback in optical systems, primarily utilizing the Faraday effect. Optical circulators, which are multi-port devices, enable sequential light output from different ports while maintaining low loss and high isolation. Semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) amplify light signals using semiconductor materials, playing a crucial role in optical communication networks despite their limitations in noise and gain.

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vaishnavig0704
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

An optical isolator is also known as an optical diode, photocoupler, an optocoupler.

It is a passive
magneto-optic device, and the main function of this optical component is to permit light
transmission in one direction only. So it plays a main role while preventing unnecessary feedback to
an optical oscillator namely laser cavity. The working of this component mainly depends on the
Faraday’s effect which is used in the main component like Faraday rotor.

Working Principle

An optical isolator includes three main components namely a Faraday rotator, i/p polarizer, & an o/p
polarizer. The block diagram representation is shown below. The working of this is like when light
passes through the i/p polarizer in the forward direction & turn into polarized within the vertical
plane. The operation modes of this isolator are classified into two types based on the different
directions of light such as forward mode & backward mode.

working-principle-of-optical-isolator

In forward mode, the light enters into the input polarizer then becomes linearly polarized. Once the
light beam arrives at the Faraday rotator, then the rod of the Faraday rotator will turn with 45°.
Therefore, finally, the light leaves from the o/p polarizer at 45°. Similarly in backward mode, initially
the light enters into the o/p polarizer with a 45°. When it transmits throughout the Faraday rotator,
rotates continuously for another 45° in a similar path. After that, the 90° polarization light turns into
vertical toward the i/p polarizer & cannot depart the isolator. Thus, the light beam will be either
absorbed or reflected.

Types of Optical Isolator

Optoisolators are classified into three types which include Polarized, Composite, and Magnetic
optical-isolator

Polarized Type Optical-Isolator

This isolator uses the polarization axis to keep light transmit in one direction. It allows light to
transmit in forwarding direction, however, prohibits every light beam to transmit back. Also, there
are dependent and independent polarized optical-isolators. The latter is more complicated and often
used in EDFA optical amplifier.

Composite Type Optical-Isolator

This is an independent polarized type optical-isolator, which can be used in EDFA


optical amplifier which includes different components like wavelength-division multiplexer (WDM),
erbium-doped fiber, pumping diode laser, etc..
Magnetic Type Optical-Isolator

This type of isolator is also named as the polarized optical-isolator in a new face. It pressures the
magnetic element of a Faraday rotator, which is usually a rod designed with a magnetic crystal
beneath the strong magnetic field through Faraday Effect.

Applications

Optical isolators are used in different optical applications like an industrial, laboratory, and corporate,
settings. They are dependable devices while used during conjunction with fiber optic amplifiers, fiber
optic links in CATV, fiber optic ring lasers, high-speed logical FOC systems.

Optical Circulators
Optical circulator is a multi-port optical device with nonreciprocal property. It is based on the
nonreciprocal polarization of an optical signal by Faraday effect. When an optical signal is input from
any port, it can be output from the next port sequentially with very low loss, and the loss from this
port to all other ports is very large, so these ports are not communicating with each other.

That means that optical circulator is a three- or four-port optical device designed such that light
entering any port exits from the next. If light enters port 1 it is emitted from port 2, but if some of
the emitted light is reflected back to the circulator, it does not come out of port 1 but instead exits
from port 3. This is analogous to the operation of an electronic circulator.

Fiber-optic circulators are used to separate optical signals that travel in opposite directions in an
optical fiber, for example to achieve bi-directional transmission over a single fiber. Because of their
high isolation of the input and reflected optical powers and their low insertion loss, optical
circulators are widely used in advanced communication systems and fiber-optic sensor applications.

Optical circulators are non-reciprocal optics, which means that changes in the properties of light
passing through the device are not reversed when the light passes through in the opposite direction.
This can only happen when the symmetry of the system is broken, for example by an external
magnetic field. A Faraday rotator is another example of a non-reciprocal optical device, and indeed it
is possible to construct an optical circulator based on a Faraday rotator.

Structure Principle
It consists of a Faraday rotator and two polarizing prisms on both sides. When polarized light passes
through a Faraday rotator, its polarization plane can rotate 45°under the action of an external
magnetic field. As long as the optical axes of the two polarizing prisms are set at an appropriate angle
to each other, the insertion loss of the inter-connected optical paths can be very low and the
isolation of the disconnected optical path is very large.
A Semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) is a device that amplifies light signals using a
semiconductor material. It works much like a laser diode connected to an optical fiber. Instead of
regular mirrors at the ends, it uses coatings to prevent light from reflecting back. A tilted waveguide
can also be used to reduce reflections even more. The signal light travels through a narrow path in
the semiconductor, about 1-2 micrometers wide and 0.5-2 millimeters long. This path aligns perfectly
with the area where the amplification happens.

By applying an electric current, a specific concentration of charged particles in the semiconductor is


created. This setup allows the light to change energy levels, which makes it more powerful. The light
gets its biggest boost when its energy is just slightly higher than a particular threshold. SOAs play an
important role in amplifying optical signals, enabling high-speed data transmission, and enhancing
the performance of various optical communication systems.

Semiconductor optical amplifiers have low gain, which means that they may not be able to amplify
weak signals to the same level as traditional optical amplifiers. Their relatively high noise figure
means that they may add more noise to the amplified signal than traditional optical amplifiers.

Working of SOA

A simple diagram of a semiconductor optical amplifier is shown in the figure above. Here inside a
laser resonator structure, the resonator is replaced with a semiconductor material. When an optical
input signal is introduced into the SOA, it interacts with excited electrons within the
semiconductor's quantum wells or quantum dots. Through the process of stimulated emission, these
electrons emit photons of the same wavelength as the input signal, creating a population inversion
that generates gain within the semiconductor. This gain amplifies the optical signal as it travels
through the SOA. The device's laser resonator structure aids in guiding and confining the optical
signal, enhancing the interaction length and the overall amplification. Consequently, the amplified
optical output emerges from the SOA, maintaining the input signal's wavelength.

Advantages of SOA

 Compact Size
 Wavelength Versatility

 High-Speed Operation

 Cost-Effective Solutions

Disadvantages of SOA

 High Levels of Noise

 High Nonlinearity

 Gain Saturation and Limited Gain Range

 Polarization Sensitivity

 Limited Output Power

 Reliability and Longevity

 Sensitive to Temperature Fluctuations

 Limited Transparency Range

Applications of SOA

SOAs are widely used in optical communication networks, including metropolitan area networks
(MANs) and access networks. They play a crucial role in amplifying signals, extending the reach of
optical links, and compensating for signal loss in optical fibers. SOAs are especially valuable in short-
haul and high-speed communication systems.

They are integral to a range of optical signal processing functions, including wavelength conversion,
pulse reshaping, and clock recovery. These capabilities are essential for managing and optimizing
optical signals in modern communication networks.

SOAs are also employed in optical switching applications. Their fast response times and ability to
control the gain of optical signals make them suitable for building all-optical switches and routers,
enabling efficient data routing without the need for electrical-to-optical conversions.

In the realm of quantum communication, SOAs are used to amplify weak quantum signals. They help
boost the signals in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems, enhancing the security and reliability of
quantum communication channels.
Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)

SONET stands for Synchronous Optical Network. It is a communication protocol, developed by


Bellcore which is used to transmit a large amount of data over relatively larger distances by
using optical fiber. By SONET, multiple digital data streams are transferred over optical fibers at the
same time.

. SONET rings, known as "self-healing rings," use two or more transmission paths between network
nodes, which are typically digital cross-connects (DCSs) or add/drop multiplexers (ADMs). If there is a
break in one line, the other may still be available, providing the second is not in close proximity to
the first and also damaged. For the best security against failure, when possible, different physical
routes are used for the two lines. The most fault-tolerant architecture is the four-fiber bi-directional
ring.

Advantages of SONET

 High Data Capacity: SONET is suitable for the large-scale telecommunications networks
owing to its ability to transmit large volumes of data.
 Efficient Synchronization: It enables an excellent synchronization of several parallel digital
data streams utilizing the common clock, thus minimizing the timing problems.

 Fault Management: SONET also supports high end options of error detection and recovery
built-in so that network down time can easily be avoided.

 Interoperability: As such SONET systems are compatible with the earlier laid down networks
and this is advantageous as newer technology can be implemented without having to redo
the whole network.

Disadvantages of SONET

 Region-specific: SONET is mainly present in North America only which is a disadvantage


when it comes to global integration.

 Complex Equipment: In general, implementation of SONET infrastructure involves


appropriate and very costly equipment.

 Costly Upgrades: With advent of newer technologies depending upon higher speeds, the
upgrading of SONET networks can be burdensome in terms of both of time and money.

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)

SDH stands for Synchronous Digital Hierarchy and it defines as a multiplex technology used in the
telecommunication. Synchronous Optical Network is internationally used. It is said to be a variant of
SONET and is taken equal to SDH. It characteristics are founded on high order multiplexing. These
technologies provide quite fast and low priced network interconnection than PDH (Plesiochronous
Digital Hierarchy).

Advantages of SDH

 Global Standard: SDH is implemented in most of Europe’s as well as some parts of Asia and
other parts of the world where fiber optic communication is standard.

 Flexible Data Rates: SDH has the ability of providing various options for the rates
transmission enables it to be implemented in different networks from small networks to the
large ones.

 Improved Network Management: SDH also has some advanced features such as efficient
network management tools for easier monitoring of networks and solving of related
problems.

 Supports Various Data Types: Telecommunication networks can support multiple kinds of
traffic including voice, video and IP across the same network.

Disadvantages of SDH

 Higher Complexity: SDH systems are complex and this may lead to more time to install the
systems yet, they require professional staff to manage them.

 Interoperability Issues with SONET: SDH and SONET are conceptually similar but they are
not interoperable, and hence when two different SDH or SONET networks are planned across
different regions they need conversion interfaces.
 Initial Setup Costs: This remains true despite the fact that there are likely to be high costs in
the initial investment of SDH infrastructure because of specialized equipment and stiff
network planning.

 In a point-to-point SDH network, two nodes are directly connected


through an SDH link. This type of network is commonly used for
connecting two locations over a long distance. It provides a dedicated
and reliable connection between the two points.
 Linear SDH Network
 A linear SDH network is a simple point-to-point or point-to-multipoint
connection where nodes are arranged in a linear fashion. This type of
network is suitable for connecting remote locations or extending network
coverage along a linear path, such as a railway line or highway.
 As shown in the figure-1, simple SONET/SDH network is composed of
sequence nodes referred as Add/Drop Multiplexers (ADMs). There will be
either two fibres or four fibres connected between them. In case of four
fibres one set acts as protection or back up pair.

 Ring SDH Network


 In the case of linear network even if both sets of fibres were used
between the nodes there will be possibility of both getting cut at the
same time and communication services will be hampered. The most
common topology is of type ring network in SDH. They are most popular
as they provide alternate path to communicate between two nodes. A
two fibre ring can be operated either as unidirectional ring or as bi-
directional ring.
 In unidirectional case, traffic is limited to one fibre and flows only in one
direction. The second fibre is used as protection fibre. In uni-direction
case, there will be propagation delay (PD) between two nodes. As shown
in the figure, if node B sends traffic to node A the PD is one link and if
node A sends to node B then it will be 3 links.


 In four fibres case, one set is working fibre and the other set is protection
fibre. Also data flows in both the direction and hence propagation delay
between nodes will be less.

 Mesh SDH Network


 This SDH network type consists of multiple interconnected nodes forming
a mesh topology. Each node in the mesh network is connected to
multiple other nodes, providing multiple paths for data transmission.
Mesh networks offer high scalability and flexibility, allowing for efficient
resource utilization and network optimization. They are commonly
deployed in large-scale telecom networks where multiple connections
and high fault tolerance are essential.

Difference Between SONET and SDH

SONET SDH

SONET stands for Synchronous Optical


SDH stands for Synchronous Digital Hierarchy.
Network.

It is a network node interface, user-network


It is a digital hierarchy interface for the optical
interface and U reference-point interface to
transmission.
assist BISDN.

It is developed by ITU-T (International


It is developed by ANSI (American National
Telecommunication Union –
Standards Institute).
Telecommunication Standardization Sector).

It has total number of transport overhead of It has total number of transport overhead of
9×3 = 27 bytes. 9×9 = 81 bytes.
SONET SDH

It can transmit in both synchronous mode and


It can transmit data in only synchronous mode.
asynchronous mode.

It does not provides better transmission rates It provides better transmission rates as
as compared to SDH. compared to SONET.

Optical Carrier level-1(OC-1) is the


fundamental unit of SONET. This unit serves as
the basis for other rates which are as follows-

 OC-3

 OC-12
Synchronous Transmission Module level-1
 OC-18 (STM-1) is the fundamental unit of SDH.
 OC-24

 OC-36

 OC-48

 OC-96 and OC-192

Optical interfaces

An optical interface is a critical component in fiber-optic communication systems that facilitates the
transmission and reception of data as light signals. Unlike traditional electrical interfaces, which rely
on electrical signals transmitted over copper wires, optical interfaces use light to carry information
through optical fibers. This method provides significant advantages in terms of speed, distance, and
bandwidth, making it the cornerstone of modern communication networks.

At its core, an optical interface performs the crucial task of converting electrical signals into optical
signals at the transmitter end and reversing this process at the receiver end.

This conversion is achieved using advanced components like laser diodes or light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) for transmitting light and photodetectors, such as PIN or avalanche photodiodes (APDs), for
detecting and converting light back into electrical signals.

These components work seamlessly with optical fibers, which serve as the transmission medium,
guiding the light from the source to the destination with minimal loss.

The structure of an optical interface involves several key elements.


The transmitter includes devices like lasers or LEDs that modulate light according to the input
electrical signal, encoding the data into the optical domain.

The receiver is equipped with photodiodes to decode the incoming light signals into electrical signals
that can be processed further. Between the transmitter and receiver, optical fibers carry the signals,
either in single-mode or multi-mode configurations, depending on the distance and data rate
requirements. Single-mode fibers are preferred for long-distance, high-speed applications, while
multi-mode fibers are used for shorter distances.

In addition to transmitting and receiving equipment, optical interfaces often include connectors,
couplers, and amplifiers. Connectors like LC, SC, or ST ensure a secure and lossless connection
between optical fibers and interface ports. Couplers and splitters are used to combine or distribute
optical signals as needed, especially in systems employing multiplexing technologies such as
Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). Amplifiers, such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs),
may be integrated to boost the signal strength for long-haul transmissions.

One of the distinguishing features of optical interfaces is their ability to support vast amounts of data
simultaneously. This is achieved using multiplexing techniques like Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (DWDM) and Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM), which allow multiple
signals to travel on different wavelengths within the same optical fiber. This capability significantly
increases the efficiency and capacity of networks, enabling high-speed internet, video streaming, and
large-scale data transfers.

The applications of optical interfaces span various domains. In telecommunications, they form the
backbone of global communication networks, connecting continents and countries with undersea
fiber-optic cables. Data centers rely on optical interfaces to ensure high-speed communication
between servers, storage systems, and network switches. They are also essential in Fiber-to-the-
Home (FTTH) deployments, bringing ultra-fast internet connections to residential and business
customers. Furthermore, optical interfaces are used in industrial automation, broadcasting, and
military communication systems, where reliability and high performance are critical.

Despite their numerous advantages, optical interfaces are not without challenges. The initial cost of
deployment, including the installation of fiber-optic cables and interface equipment, is high.
Maintenance and alignment of optical components require specialized skills and equipment. Signal
degradation, caused by factors such as dispersion and nonlinear effects, can affect performance,
particularly over long distances.

High-Speed Light Waveguides: Detailed Explanation

High-speed light waveguides are essential components in the field of photonics and optical
communication systems. These waveguides are designed to carry light signals with minimal loss
and distortion over distances, enabling high-speed data transmission. Unlike electrical waveguides,
which rely on electrical signals traveling through conductors like copper wires, light waveguides
use light as the transmission medium. This provides significant advantages in terms of data rate,
capacity, and range, making them indispensable for modern communication networks, data
centers, and high-performance computing systems.

What Are Light Waveguides?


A light waveguide is a structure that directs light waves from one point to another. The primary
role of a light waveguide is to guide the electromagnetic waves (usually in the form of light) within
a confined path, typically along optical fibers or integrated photonic circuits. The guiding principle
behind light waveguides is based on total internal reflection, which occurs when light strikes a
boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, reflecting completely inside the waveguide
without loss of energy to the surrounding environment.

For high-speed applications, waveguides are designed to handle very high frequencies with minimal
dispersion (broadening of the signal over distance) and attenuation (signal loss). This is essential for
ensuring that data transmitted through the waveguide maintains integrity, especially over long
distances or at high data rates.

Types of High-Speed Waveguides

1. Optical Waveguides:

o Fiber Optic Cables: These are the most common high-speed waveguides in
telecommunications. Optical fibers, the core component of fiber-optic cables, are
designed to carry light signals with minimal loss. Optical fibers are either single-
mode or multi-mode:

 Single-Mode Fibers (SMF): Used for long-distance, high-speed


communication, as they allow the light to travel in a single path, avoiding
modal dispersion and ensuring higher bandwidth.

 Multi-Mode Fibers (MMF): Used for shorter distances and lower-speed


applications, where light can travel along multiple paths.

o Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCF): A more advanced type of fiber that uses a periodic
microstructure to guide light. PCFs can offer better control over dispersion and
nonlinearity, making them suitable for high-speed, high-capacity communications.

2. Integrated Optical Waveguides:

o On-chip optical waveguides are used in integrated photonic devices, which are
essential for optical interconnects in modern computing and telecommunications
systems. These waveguides guide light on a chip, which could be made of materials
like silicon (Silicon Photonics), gallium arsenide, or indium phosphide. These high-
speed waveguides are crucial for reducing the size and power consumption of optical
devices while maintaining high bandwidth.

Key Characteristics of High-Speed Waveguides

1. Low Loss (Attenuation):

o One of the key attributes of a high-speed waveguide is its ability to transmit signals
with minimal energy loss. Low attenuation is crucial for maintaining signal integrity
over long distances. In optical fibers, this is typically achieved through the use of
high-quality materials, such as silica or specialty glasses, which minimize scattering
and absorption of light.

2. High Bandwidth:
o High-speed waveguides must support large bandwidths to transmit large volumes of
data rapidly. Optical fibers, for example, can support bandwidths of tens of terabits
per second (Tbps), making them suitable for high-speed internet backbones and data
centers. The waveguide's ability to maintain signal quality over broad frequency
ranges is critical for supporting modern, high-speed communication standards.

3. Dispersion Control:

o Dispersion occurs when different signal components travel at different speeds,


causing signal distortion. In high-speed systems, it is crucial to control or minimize
dispersion to avoid signal degradation. This is particularly important for long-
distance transmissions, where dispersion can cause severe signal spreading. In
optical fibers, dispersion management techniques such as chirped fiber Bragg
gratings are used to counteract these effects.

4. Scalability:

o High-speed waveguides need to be scalable to meet growing demand for data


transmission. This means that the waveguides must support multiple channels of
data transmission simultaneously, whether through Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (WDM) in optical fibers or through other multiplexing techniques in
microwave or RF systems.

Applications of High-Speed Waveguides

High-speed waveguides are integral to a variety of applications that require fast, reliable
communication and data transfer. Some of the key areas of use include:

1. Telecommunications Networks:

o High-speed optical fibers are the backbone of global telecommunications networks,


enabling high-capacity data transmission for internet, voice, and video services. With
the rise of technologies like 5G and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), optical waveguides
continue to play a central role in increasing the speed and efficiency of
communications.

2. Data Centers:

o In modern data centers, high-speed waveguides are used to connect servers and
storage systems, enabling rapid data access and processing. The need for fast,
reliable internal connectivity has driven the development of advanced optical
interconnects and integrated optical waveguides.

3. High-Speed Computing:

o Integrated optical waveguides are essential for optical interconnects in computing


systems, particularly in high-performance computing (HPC). As the demand for
processing power increases, optical waveguides help reduce latency and power
consumption in supercomputers and cloud infrastructure.

4. Satellite and Radar Communications:


o Microwave and RF waveguides are used extensively in satellite communication
systems and radar, providing the high-frequency signals necessary for clear, reliable
transmission over long distances.

5. Medical and Industrial Applications:

o High-speed waveguides are also used in medical devices for imaging and diagnostics,
such as in endoscopy and other imaging techniques that require fast transmission of
high-resolution data. In industrial applications, optical waveguides are used for
sensing, monitoring, and controlling various processes.
What is Avalanche Photodiode?

The diode which uses the avalanche method to provide extra performance as compared to other
diodes is known as avalanche photodiode.

These diodes are used to change the signals from optical to electrical. These diodes can be operated
in high reverse bias. The avalanche photodiode symbol is similar to the Zener diode.

Avalanche Photodiode Symbol

Avalanche Photodiode Construction

The construction of both the PIN photodiode and Avalanche photodiode is similar. This diode
includes two heavily doped & two lightly doped regions. Here, heavily doped regions are P+ & N+
whereas lightly doped regions are I & P.
Avalanche Photodiode
Construction

In the intrinsic region, the depletion layer width is fairly thinner in this diode as compared to the PIN
photodiode. Here, the p+ region works like the anode whereas the n+ region acts as the cathode.

As compared to other photodiodes, this diode works in a high reverse bias condition. So this allows
avalanche multiplication of the charge carriers formed through the light impact or photon. The
avalanche action allows the gain of the photodiode to be enhanced several times to provide a high
range of sensitivity.

Working Principle

Avalanche breakdown occurs mainly once the photodiode is subjected to maximum reverse voltage.
This voltage enhances the electric field beyond the depletion layer. When incident light penetrates
the p+ region then it gets absorbed within the extremely resistive p region then electron-hole pairs
are generated.

Charge carriers drift including their saturation velocity to the pn+ region wherever a high electric
field exists. When the velocity is highest, then charge carriers will collide through other atoms &
produce new electron-hole pairs. A huge charge carrier’s pair will result in high photocurrent.

Avalanche Photodiode Operation

This diode operation can be done in a depleted mode completely. However, they can also work in the
Geiger mode in addition to the linear avalanche mode. In this type of operation mode, the
photodiode can be operated at the above breakdown voltage. At present, another mode is launched
namely “Sub-Geiger mode”.

Avalanche Photodiode in Optical Fiber Communication

In optical fiber communication (OFC) systems, avalanche photodiodes are generally used for the
recognition of weak signals but circuits need to optimize enough so that high Signal to noise ratio
(S/N). Here, SNR is

S/N = Power from the photocurrent/photo detector’s power + Amplifier noise power
For obtaining the perfect signal-to-noise ratio, quantum efficiency should be high because this value
is almost maximum, so most of the signals are noticed.

Avalanche Photodiode Characteristics

Avalanche photodiodes are highly sensitive, high-speed-based diodes which use an internal gain
method that works through applying a reverse voltage. As compared to PIN type photodiode, these
diodes measure low range light so used in different applications where high sensitivity is required like
measurement of optical distance and optical communication for long-distance.

There are different avalanche photodiode families which are designed mainly for detecting short
wavelengths otherwise near-infrared.

What is the Difference between Pin Photodiode and Avalanche Photodiode?

Avalanche Diode PIN Diode

Avalanche diode includes four layers like P+, I, P & N+. PIN diode includes four layers like P+, I & N+.

Response time is very high. Response time is very low.

Output current is high Small current

Internal gain is 200 dB. Internal gain is insignificant.

Sensitivity is high. Sensitivity is low.

High noise. Low noise.

The reverse bias voltage is very high. The reverse bias voltage is very low.

High-temperature stability. Low-temperature stability.

The amplifier is not necessary because of the available gain. The amplifier is mandatory due to not availabl

The difference between photodiode and avalanche diode includes the following.

Advantages &
Disadvantages
The advantages of avalanche photodiode include the following.

 The sensitivity range is high.

 High performance.

 Quick response time.

 These diodes are applicable here the gain level is very important as the high voltage
required, through lower reliability means that they are frequently less convenient to utilize.

 It detects low-intensity light.

 A single-photon generates a huge number of charge carrier pairs.

The disadvantages of avalanche photodiode include the following.

 The required operating voltage is high

 The output of this diode is not linear

 High range of noise

 It is not used regularly because of the low reliability

 It uses high reverse bias for its proper operation

Applications

The applications of avalanche photodiode include the following.

 LASER scanner

 Analyzer bridge of antenna

 PET scanner

 Barcode reader

 Laser microscopy

 Laser Rangefinders

 Speed gun

 APDs are used in receivers of OFC (optical fiber communications), imaging, finding the range,
laser microscopy, laser scanners & OTDR (optical-time domain reflectometers).

 These are used in optical communications like receiving detectors. Their wide bandwidth &
high sensitivity will make it very famous with designers. These diodes work through a reverse
voltage beyond the junction that allows the formation of charge carrier pairs in reply to the
radiation.

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