Difference between

Photodiode & Phototransistor

One of the major difference between the photodiode and the phototransistor is that the
photodiode uses PN-junction diode which converts the light energy into an electric
current, whereas the phototransistor uses the ordinary transistor (NPN transistor) for
the conversion of light into current. Some other differences between the photodiode
and phototransistor are shown in the comparison chart.

Both the photodiode and phototransistor work on the principle of the inner
photoelectric effect. The photodiode uses ordinary PN junction diode which has two
terminals namely cathode and anode. And in phototransistor, the normal transistor is
used. The only difference between the transistor and the phototransistor is that the
phototransistor does not have the base terminal. The base side of the phototransistor
captures the light from the source.

Comparison Chart

Basis For
Photodiode Phototransistor
Comparison

Definition It is a type of PN- It is a type of

junction diode which transistor which
generates electric converts the light
current when light or energy into an
photon is incident on electrical energy
their surface.

Symbol

Generates Current Current and Voltage

 Basis For
Photodiode Phototransistor
Comparison

Output Fast Slow

Response

Sensitivity Less More

Biasing Both forward and Forward biasing

reversed biasing. (emitter is more
negative as compared
to the collector. )

Uses For generating solar Smoke detector,

power, for detecting compact disc players,
ultraviolet or infrared invisible light receiver,
rays, for measuring light in laser etc.
etc.

Definition of Photodiode
The photodiode is a type of semiconductor diode which converts the
light into the electric current. This type of diode is also called photo-
detector or light sensor. It works on both the reversed and forward
biasing. The small leakage current flows in the reversed direction,
even when no light incident on it. The current constitutes in the
diode are directly proportional to the intensity of light absorb it.

The photodiode is used in switching circuit, and in electronics

devices like a smoke detector, compact disc players, in light meter,
etc. The circuit diagram of the photodiode is shown in the figure
below. The arrow shows the positive terminal of the photodiode and
the base shows the negative terminal of the diode.
The working of the photodiode depends on the intensity of light
strike on it. The light incident on the diode reduces the width of
their depletion region, and hence the electrons and hole starts
moving across the region. The electron moves towards the cathode,
and the hole moves toward the anode. Because of this movement’s
current is induced in it.

Definition of Phototransistor
The phototransistor is a two or three terminal semiconductor device
which converts the light energy into an electric current or voltage. It
is a special designs transistor which has a light-sensitive base
region. When the light incident at the base of an NPN transistor the
base current develops. The magnitude of current depends on the
intensity of the light incident on it. The phototransistor amplifies the
input light, and the output current is obtained from the collector of
the transistor.
The circuit symbol of the photo-transistor is shown in the figure
below. The arrow shows the light energy incident on their base
surface.

The photo-transistor is enclosed inside the opaque container so that

the light particles or photons are easily reached on their surface.
The collector region of the phototransistor is large as compared to
the ordinary transistor because it is made up of heavy
diffuse semiconductor material.

When the base of the phototransistor absorbs light, they release the
electron-hole pairs. Because of this hole pair, the depletion layer of
the diode decreases and electron starts moving from the emitter to
the collector region. For the small amount of light energy, the
transistor amplifies the large collector current.
 Key Differences between Photodiode and
Phototransistor

1. The photodiode is a semiconductor device which converts the

light’s energy into an electrical current. Whereas, the
phototransistor uses the transistor for the conversion of light
energy into an electrical current.
2. The phototransistor generates current whereas the photodiode
produces both the voltage and current.
3. The response of the photodiode is much faster than the
phototransistor.
4. The photodiode is less sensitive as compared to the
phototransistor because the phototransistor produces the large
output current.
5. The photodiode works in both the forward as well as reversed
biased whereas the phototransistor work in forward biasing.The
emitter of the phototransistor is negative as compared to the
collector region.
6. The photodiode is used in solar power plant, in a light meter, etc.
whereas the phototransistor is used for detecting the light.

Conclusion
The photodiode and photodiode both convert the light energy into
electrical energy. But phototransistor is more sensitive as compared
to photodiode because of the use of the transistor. The transistor
amplifies the base current which causes because of the absorption
of light and hence the large output current is obtained through the
collector terminal.The time response of the photodiode is much
faster than the phototransistor, and hence it is used in the circuit
where fluctuation occurs.