Using an Ammeter to Measure Photodiode Illumination: Diagram Included

[einstein2603]

As berkeman has already said you can use an ammeter. Basically, you need to connect the positive lead from your ammeter to the cathode of the photodiode and the Earth or negative lead to the anode of the photodiode. This will allow you to measure the rate of flow of electrons, which is proportional to the illuminiation of the photodiode (and dependant on the wavelength of light). If you plot current against distance from source, you should be able to determine a relationship between the two variables.

this was from another thread. I know this sounds stupid, but could you draw the diagram.

 

[anathema]

Sure, I'd be happy to draw a diagram for you. Please see the image below:

[Image description: A simple diagram showing how to use an ammeter to measure the rate of flow of electrons in a photodiode. The positive lead of the ammeter is connected to the cathode of the photodiode, while the negative lead is connected to the anode. The photodiode is placed at a certain distance from the light source, and the ammeter measures the current flowing through the circuit. This current is proportional to the illumination of the photodiode and can be plotted against the distance from the source to determine a relationship between the two variables.]

 

[kyle8921]

Sure, here is a diagram to help illustrate how to use an ammeter to measure photodiode illumination:

[Image of a simple circuit diagram with a photodiode connected in series with an ammeter. The positive lead of the ammeter is connected to the cathode of the photodiode, and the negative lead is connected to the anode of the photodiode. A light source is shining on the photodiode, causing an electric current to flow and be measured by the ammeter.]

As mentioned, the current flow through the photodiode is directly related to the illumination of the photodiode, which is dependent on the intensity and wavelength of the light source. By plotting the current against the distance from the light source, you can determine the relationship between these two variables. This method can be useful in studying the behavior of photodiodes and their response to different light sources.