Is the quantum efficiency of a photodiode dependent upon its temperature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether the quantum efficiency (QE) of a photodiode is influenced by its temperature. Participants explore the relationship between temperature and the voltage or current generated by photodiodes, particularly in the context of sensor applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the voltage produced by a photodiode is dependent on its temperature when a fixed number of photons is present.
  • Another participant suggests that the ideal diode equation, which is temperature dependent, implies that efficiency may improve at lower temperatures.
  • It is noted that reverse leakage current increases with temperature, potentially reducing the effective current generated by the photodiode.
  • A participant describes experiencing significant drift in the QE of their photodiode sensor, which they believe is not consistent with the data sheet specifications.
  • Concerns are raised about the reverse bias used in the current-to-voltage converter and whether external noise sources could be affecting the measurements.
  • The participant mentions testing their circuit under varying temperatures and finding it stable, but they are exploring alternative amplifier setups to reduce drift.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which temperature affects the QE of photodiodes, with some suggesting a clear relationship while others highlight complexities and uncertainties in the measurements and setups.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that the relationship between temperature and photodiode performance may depend on specific configurations, including the type of amplifier used and the presence of noise, which complicates the analysis.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those working with photodiodes in sensor applications, particularly in contexts where temperature variations are a concern for performance stability.

Topher925
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Like the title states, is the voltage produced by a photodiode, or any PV device for that matter, dependent upon that devices temperature? To rephrase, if you have a fixed amount of photons coming in contact with the business end of a photodiode, is the voltage or current generated by the photodiode dependent upon the diode's temperature?
 
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At the very least, the reverse leakage current will increase with temperature, so even if the photons are generating electron current, some of that current gets stolen back as reverse leakage before doing anything useful.

Do you have a specific application in mind, Topher?
 
berkeman said:
Do you have a specific application in mind, Topher?

Yes, I'm trying to use a photodiode for a sensor but the thing seems to be drifting all over the place. Its QE seems to change quite a bit over a period of hours and I can't figure out why. The data sheet says the QE should only change about 0.05%/C at the wavelength I am using but its more like 50-75%. The lab temperature I'm using it in only varies by 2-3C over a period of a day so there shouldn't be that large of a drift. I'm hoping I just have something hooked up wrong.
 
Last edited:
Hmm, that is weird. How much reverse bias are you using in your current-to-voltage converter amp for the photodiode? Are there other sources of noise, either RF or light, that could be causing the drift?
 
berkeman said:
Hmm, that is weird. How much reverse bias are you using in your current-to-voltage converter amp for the photodiode? Are there other sources of noise, either RF or light, that could be causing the drift?

At the moment I'm just using an instrument amplifier (voltage sensing) because it has fantastic noise rejection but I'm going to try using one with current sensing. My original set up used a shunted resistor with the photodiode in reverse bias but I still think I got a lot of drift from that set up too.

The sensor including the photodiode is optically sealed and there isn't any significant noise. I tested the entire circuit and its rock solid, as in no drift for a period of weeks with drastic changes in temperature. Hopefully when I get some current sense amplifiers the drift will go away.
 

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