What is the difference between responsivity and sensitivity in photodiodes?

  • Thread starter phy_optics
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sensitivity
In summary, the difference between responsivity and sensitivity of a photodiode or photodetector is that responsivity measures the output swing produced by a specified input swing, while sensitivity takes into account both the output and the noise in the detector. One way to measure sensitivity is through the noise-equivalent power, which determines the amount of power needed for a signal-to-noise ratio of 1.
  • #1
phy_optics
12
0
Hello frnds!

Nice to meet you all here.

Can anybody help me in understanding the exact differences between responsivity and sessitivity of a photodiode or photodetector?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Responsivity measures the amount of output swing produced by a specified input swing. For example, if you had a photodetector that produced a voltage output proportional to incident power, responsivity would be measured in V/W.

However, note that this is not enough information to tell you how "sensitive" a detector truly is, because you can always take an electrical signal and boost it with an low-noise amplifier. If you did this, your responsivity would go up, but the noise intrinsic to the detector would also be boosted (i.e., your signal-to-noise ratio would remain the same). There are multiple definitions for sensitivity; one common one is the noise-equivalent power, which is the amount of power required on the photodetector to produce a signal-to-noise ratio of 1.
 
  • #3
Thank you Manchot. :)
 

1. What is the difference between responsivity and sensitivity?

Responsivity is a measure of how well a system converts a stimulus into a response, while sensitivity is a measure of how small of a stimulus can be detected by a system. In other words, responsivity measures the strength of the response, while sensitivity measures the threshold for detection.

2. How are responsivity and sensitivity related?

Responsivity and sensitivity are closely related, as both are measures of a system's ability to respond to a stimulus. Generally, a higher responsivity corresponds to a higher sensitivity, as a more sensitive system will be able to produce a stronger response to a given stimulus.

3. Can responsivity and sensitivity be measured?

Yes, both responsivity and sensitivity can be measured through experiments and calculations. Responsivity is typically measured in units of response per unit of stimulus, while sensitivity is measured in units of stimulus per unit of response.

4. What factors can affect the responsivity and sensitivity of a system?

The responsivity and sensitivity of a system can be affected by various factors, including the quality and design of the system, external conditions such as temperature and humidity, and the type and strength of the stimulus being applied.

5. How can responsivity and sensitivity be improved?

To improve the responsivity and sensitivity of a system, it is important to optimize the system's design and parameters, minimize external factors that may affect the system's performance, and choose appropriate stimuli that can produce a strong response. Additionally, regular calibration and maintenance can help ensure accurate and consistent measurements of responsivity and sensitivity.

Similar threads

  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
10
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
27
Views
2K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
960
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
9
Views
907
  • Electrical Engineering
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top