How Does Wavelength Affect Light Penetration in Photodetectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the physical significance of wavelength in relation to light penetration in photodetectors, specifically avalanche and p-i-n photo diodes. Participants explore how varying wavelengths affect the depth of light penetration in these devices, particularly in the depletion region.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the relationship between light energy and wavelength, and how this relates to the bandgap of semiconductors. They discuss the implications of longer wavelengths penetrating more deeply into photodetectors and seek to understand the physical significance of this phenomenon.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing conceptual hints and raising questions about the underlying principles of light behavior in semiconductors. There is an exploration of different interpretations regarding the effects of wavelength on penetration and absorption, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between wavelength and the behavior of light in materials, while others highlight the need to consider the concepts of sine and cosine functions as they relate to wavelength. The discussion is framed within the context of a homework assignment, which influences the nature of the responses.

RajChakrabrty
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Homework Statement



what is the physical significance of wavelength (not the definition)?

Homework Equations



suppose,
in photodetectors (like avalanche or p-i-n photo diodes) incident light having more wavelength,
penetrates more in the diode (particularly in depletion region : )

so, how this more penetration for higher wavelength can be described?

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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How is energy of light related to wavelength? And what is the relation between this energy and the bandgap of the semiconductor?
 
light energy is related to its own wavelength.
Eg=hc/lambda.
lambda=wavelength.

but for more wavelength,
incident light penetrates the photo-detectors more in their depletion region.
my question is how this more penetration for more wavelength can be described,
the physical significance of it.
 
Well penetration means it isn't absorbed. So you have to think of what can cause absorption in a semiconductor and how does this relate to the energy of the light.
 
RajChakrabrty said:

Homework Statement



what is the physical significance of wavelength (not the definition)?
A light wave can be thought of as a repeating pattern of electric and magnetic fields, propagating through space. The wavelength is related to that pattern.
 
Redbelly98 said:
A light wave can be thought of as a repeating pattern of electric and magnetic fields, propagating through space. The wavelength is related to that pattern.

so, what can be realized by wavelength, from this thought?
what is the difference for longer wavelength?
 
Have you been taught about sine and cosine functions in school, and the period of a sine or cosine graph? Those are the concepts that come into play here.

Since this appears to be a homework assignment, we don't just hand out answers. That's why I'm providing conceptual hints to help you think about what is going on.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Have you been taught about sine and cosine functions in school, and the period of a sine or cosine graph? Those are the concepts that come into play here.

Since this appears to be a homework assignment, we don't just hand out answers. That's why I'm providing conceptual hints to help you think about what is going on.
having sine and cosine graph concept and period ...

why light having more wavelength penetrates more?
like why infrared is used for shorter distance than bluetooth?

because of shorter wavelength of infrared.
but,
why short wavelength light is unable to penetrate more?
this is my question, you can say.
 

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