A phototransistor is a photosensitive transistor that is used to boost the photocurrent produced by changing the energy of light.
A photodiode is an electrically powered photosensitive diode that transforms light energy. It is constructed out of silicon or germanium. It is a single-PN junction device that employs the photoelectric effect as its governing theory.
Comparing photodiode and phototransistor: Key Differences
- A semiconductor called a photodiode transforms light energy into an electrical current.
The phototransistor, however, employs a transistor to transform light energy into an electrical current.
- Because the phototransistor generates a significant output current, the photodiode is less sensitive than the phototransistor.
- The phototransistor only operates in forward biasing, but the photodiode can operate in both forward and reversed biasing.
- The phototransistor is used to detect light, whereas the photodiode is utilized in solar power plants, light meters, etc.
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