Definition

Optoelectronics is the study and application of electronic devices that source, detect and control light, usually considered a sub-field of photonics. In this context, light often includes invisible forms of radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet and infrared, in addition to visible light. Optoelectronic devices are electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical transducers, or instruments that use such devices in their operation. Electro-optics is often erroneously used as a synonym, but is a wider branch of physics that concerns all interactions between light and electric fields, whether or not they form part of an electronic device.

Application

1. LED’s could become the next generation of lighting and used anywhere like in indication lights, computer components, medical devices, watches, instrument panels, switches, fiber-optic communication, consumer electronics, household appliances, traffic signals, automobile brake lights, 7 segment displays and inactive displays, and also used in different electronic and electrical engineering projects

2. The solar cells are applicable in rural electrification, telecommunication systems, ocean navigation aids, and electric power generation in space and remote monitoring and control systems and also used in different solar energy based projects

3. Photodiodes are used in many types of circuits and different applications such as cameras, medical instruments, safety equipment’s, industries, communication devices and industrial equipments.

4. Optical fibers are used in telecommunications, sensors, fiber lasers, bio-medicals and in many other industries.

5. The laser diodes are used in fiber optic communication, optical memories, military applications, CD players, surgical procedures, Local Area Networks, long distance communications, optical memories, fiber optic communications and in electrical projects such as RF Controlled Robotic Vehicle with Laser Beam Arrangement and so on.

Types of Optoelectronics Devices

Optoelectronics are classified into different types such as

• Photodiode
• Solar Cells
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Optical Fiber
• Laser Diodes

Components of optoelectronics

• Light emitting diodes (LED)
• Laser diodes (LD)

Integrated optical circuit (IOC)

A circuit, or group of interconnected circuits, consisting of miniature solid-state optical components on semiconductor or dielectric substrates. 

Conclusion

Until recently all communication systems have relied on the transmission of information via electrical cables or have made use of radio frequency and microwave electromagnetic radiation propagating in free space. However, optical communication is now coming into its own and is becoming the preferred technology in many applications. In this way, integrated electronic circuits have defined the 20th century as the century of electronics, whilst the 21st century is emerging as the century of optoelectronics – as a result of light wave technology. The success of this evolution will lead to the development of new optoelectronic devices, a field where innovations are progressing at “light velocity”.

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