Optoelectronics

Optoelectronics is the kind of name that might intimidate some people, but let it throw you off. In general, optoelectronics is the study and application of electronic devices that interact with light. For the most part, it is usually considered a sub-field of photonics.

As you know, light often includes those so-called invisible forms of radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, and infrared. These are the light waves that the human eye cannot see. Optoelectronic devices are simply electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical transducers. These devices use light as a part of their operation process.

There is another terms in use, electro-optics, that is sometimes used as a synonym, but that is an error. Electro-optics is, in fact, a wider branch of physics and it works with all interactions between light and electric fields, whether or not they form part of an electronic device.

Optoelectronics, on the other hand, is based on the quantum mechanical effects of light on semi-conducting materials. In other words, the light actually reacts with a part of the device which creates a photoelectric or photovoltaic effect. Some examples might make this more clear.

Photodiodes and this includes solar cells would fall under optoelectronics. Phototransistors, photomultipliers, and integrated optical circuit elements would also be in the optoelectronics area.

One of the results of optoelectronics is called photoconductivity, and this is ofrten used in photoresistors, photoconductive camera tubes, and charge-coupled imaging devices. You may also run into optoelectronics in lasers, injection laser diodes, light-emitting diodes or LED applications.

Two of the more important applications of optoelectronics include optocoupler applications and fiber optics communications.

It can be argued that while much has been done in the optoelectronics field a lot is still available to do. In fact, research is ongoing in this field and promises to reveal some truly remarkable applications as time goes by.

Just a few of the areas where optoelectronics may play a big part include such things as optical data recording, fiber optic telecommunications, laser printing (based on xerography), advanced displays, and optical pumping of high-power lasers.

The potential applications of optoelectronics are unlimited and include advanced chemical synthesis as well as advanced medical diagnostics. There are also military applications being considered and tested such as more secure data communication and laser defense systems.

You can learn much more about optoelectronics and this includes the basic principles behind it by doing an online search. Do keep in mind that strides are constantly being made in this area so try to avoid outdated material.