Light sources convert electric current into light and are therefore used at the transmitter in an optical fiber

communication.

On the receiving side, this process should be reversed. That means light should be converted back to electrical signal.

This is done by using the OPTICAL DETECTORS.

1. Small size 2. Very high sensitivity 3. Fast response

Different types of Detectors such as a silicon photo-diode, phototransistor and photoresistors have been tried. But they not satisfy all the requirements listed above.

following devices satisfy all above requirements:

1. P-I-N photodiode 2. Avalanche diode

The i layer is called as intrinsic layer i.e. pure layer. The intrinsic layer is made so thicker so that almost all the photons which pass through the junction are absorbed within this layer.

1. The light to be converted into electrical signal is made to fall on the junction of the photodiode. The photodiode is reverse biased. 2. Photons enter the depletion region, and they generate electron-hole pairs inside the depletion region. 3. Due to reverse voltage applied, these pairs are drawn across the junction and leakage current proportional intensity starts flowing. Thus light is converted into electric current.