Photodiode
A photodiode is a type of semiconductor device that converts light into an electrical current. It operates by absorbing photons of light and releasing electrons, which are then collected by an external circuit. Photodiodes are commonly used in space and astronautical engineering for various applications such as sensing and detecting light, measuring distances, and detecting radiation. They are also used in optical communication systems, where they convert light signals into electrical signals for transmission through fiber optic cables. Photodiodes can be designed to operate in different wavelength ranges, from ultraviolet to infrared, and can be made sensitive to specific colors of light. They are often used in combination with other optical components such as lenses, filters, and mirrors to achieve specific optical functions.
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