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(3.5)
Where, i represents the internal efficiency of LED, h is the photon energy and (i/e) are the total
number of electrons entering junction per unit time.
For wavelengths in the range (0.8 < < 1.5 m) that are used for fiber optic communications, the
quantity h/e evaluates to ~ 1 W/A, hence the optical power in mW is roughly equal to the
current in mA multiplied by internal efficiency i. The optical power of an LED can also be
related to the electrical power Pelec by a simple equation.
(3.6)
Table 3.1 shows some of the commonly used material in manufacturing of LEDs along with their
associated band gap energies and possible wavelength ranges [17].
(3.7)
Similarly, 3dB optical bandwidth is defined as The point at which the optical power is reduced
by a factor of two [18].
3.8)
3.3.2.1 Threshold
Lasing does not occur below a certain level called threshold level. Although laser diode does
transmit a weaker light signal below threshold (spontaneous emission) but high powered laser
seed is produced only after threshold level [18].
Laser Output
Power
Stimulated
Emission
Spontaneous
Emission
ith
3.3.2.2 Directionality
Light emitted by a laser source is highly directional in nature. For a source like an LED angular
distribution of the emitted light signal follows the Lamberts Law.
(3.9)
For laser sources the above equation can be modified and re-written as [18]:
(3.10)
conduction band leaving a hole behind (alternately creating ions in the depletion region). This
ionization process also widens the depletion region. Free electrons and holes created by the
absorption of photons are attracted towards their oppositely charged ends and current flows.
Table 3.2 lists the operating characteristics of three common types of pin photo-diodes [15].