Photocurrent

Photocurrent is the electric current through a photosensitive device, such as a photodiode, as the result of exposure to radiant power.

The photocurrent may occur as a result of the photoelectric, photoemissive, or photovoltaic effect.

The photocurrent may be enhanced by internal gain caused by interaction among ions and photons under the influence of applied fields, such as occurs in an avalanche photodiode (APD).

When a suitable radiation is used, the photoelectric current is directly proportional to the intensity of the radiation.

Notes

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".