Physics Coursework: Sensors, Photodiodes and Graphs

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around a physics coursework project involving the use of a photodiode as a sensor to measure resistance at varying light levels. The user, Padford, is testing the sensitivity of the photodiode by varying the distance from a light source and recording the resistance values. The consensus among participants is to plot resistance against distance, ideally using a log-log graph to reveal the power law relationship, specifically anticipating a 1/D² relationship due to the nature of light intensity from point sources. Practical applications of photodiodes in robotics and industrial monitoring are also discussed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photodiodes and their resistance characteristics
  • Knowledge of light intensity and its relationship with distance from a point source
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques, particularly log-log plots
  • Basic principles of potential dividers in electrical circuits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics of photodiodes and their applications in various fields
  • Study the principles of light intensity decay from point sources
  • Learn how to create and interpret log-log plots for power law relationships
  • Explore potential divider circuits and their role in sensor sensitivity
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on optics and sensor technology, as well as anyone involved in experimental design and data analysis in scientific research.

  • #31
damn, well, let's cut the problem down, a hellovalot
in regards to the working-out equations, i managed to work out them for the 1st four fixed resistance values. but that last two, which i shall attach again seemed not to work, but i believe i justifed these well:

"This sensor was the one I took man more values for, it seemed, while I was setting the sensors up, to be the most sensitive, though having done the result analysis and gathering, I see I was incorrect, but I think that taking all those results would give a more accurate graph – you can see, however how many anomalies there are, this, shall be due to either unsystematic errors, systematic errors, or the fact, again the fluctuations are caused by the sensitivity of this particular sensor. The sensitivity of this sensor was 25.1Vcm-1, which is good, but the great thing about this sensor is that it worked effectively over a comparatively long range, even after I stopped the voltage had not reached 4.5V (the maximum battery output).
"The formula tells us that, V = 25.1(LOG D) 0.05 – 24.04, this is actually quite incorrect, as you can see. It seems that the idea behind the relationship may only function correctly for those sensors with a relatively low fixed resistance. Though, if a decent relationship was found between the two values, then this sensor would be very effective, and efficient."
This set of results, and indeed all the results and tables are prime example of information displaying an “Empirical Relationship” they describe certain occurrences based on experimental observations, which are not fully understood yet. However, as you can see, these graphs and results can show us the relationship between voltage and distance from the point source quite effectively, though lacking is the understanding of regression techniques ."
is that ok, so i don't have to go into details about rectifying the formula with the polynomial regression techniques. i think i understand wat I'm talking about, so that's useful...
also, that foumula relating light inensity and voltage output together, where'd ou get it from?!
i used a 12V light buld 24W, and fixed resistances at 1kOHM 2,2, 22, 47, 100 and 470 - i think i WAY over-did it on the whole result taking thing, hence my finalk write up being 18 pages...
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
i have sorted my problem! which i good! Thanks very much for your help in this piece, is have referenced this thread in my acknowledgments

Padfrd
 
Last edited:
  • #33
Excellent! (Msg #30 was meant to provide an alternative in case you were having major problems. However, if you indeed wrote 18 pages, then you obviously have lots of good results to talk about and have done a great job!)

The logarithmic relationship between Photodiode output Voltage and incident Light Intensity can be found here:
http://www.centrovision.com/tech2.htm
----------> Scroll all the way down the page to Section called "Photovoltaic Operation - Rl>>Rd, load line (a)"


~~
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Replies
14
Views
717
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K