The photodiode, in either single-detector form or in linear or two-dimensional arrays, is widely used as the photodetecting element in optical systems for applications ranging from sensing to imaging and telecommunications. Being solid-state, they are small, rugged, reliable, and often low in cost.  

This webcast presents an overview of photodiode technology and applications, concentrating on silicon devices but covering photodiodes of other materials such as indium gallium arsenide.