The light from fiber optic cables is converted into electric current using a photodiode at the receiving end.
The Process Explained
Here's a breakdown of how this conversion happens:
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Fiber Optic Transmission: Data is transmitted as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic called fiber optic cables.
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Reaching the Receiver: These light pulses travel through the cable to their destination.
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The Photodiode: At the receiving end, a photodiode acts as a light detector. A photodiode is a semiconductor device designed to convert light into an electric current.
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The Conversion: When light (photons) strikes the photodiode, it excites electrons within the semiconductor material. This excitation generates electron-hole pairs.
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Creating Current: These electron-hole pairs are then separated and moved by an internal electric field within the photodiode. This movement of electrons constitutes an electric current. The intensity of the light directly influences the amount of current generated – brighter light produces a stronger current.
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Signal Processing: The resulting electric current, which mirrors the original light pulses, is then amplified and processed to recover the data that was initially transmitted.
In essence, the photodiode acts as a transducer, transforming optical signals into electrical signals that can be understood and processed by electronic devices.
