This section provides an overview for photodiodes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 38 photodiode manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked photodiode companies as of November, 2024: 1.Optilab, LLC., 2.AC Photonics, Inc., 3.Clairex Technologies, Inc..
Table of Contents
A photodiode is an electronic component in which a minute electric current flows in a fixed direction when irradiated by light.
When a semiconductor is irradiated with light, the photoelectric effect causes electrons to be emitted by the excited atoms, creating an electric current. This mechanism is used to detect light.
Because of their high accuracy, photodiodes are especially necessary for optical communication devices. Photodiodes are also incorporated in other medical devices such as gas concentration measurement.
There are mainly PN junction, PIN junction, and avalanche types, each with different light-receiving sensitivities and response speeds, and they are used in different ways.
Components with similar characteristics to photodiodes include photoresistors and CCDs.
PN-junction photodiodes are used in CD players, TV remote controls, and video tape recorders.
When a large number of PN-junction photodiodes are grouped and used side by side, they become solar cells.
On the other hand, PIN junction photodiodes are more sensitive than PN junction photodiodes and are used in optical communication systems that require more accurate detection.
They are also used in medical equipment such as tomographic X-ray machines.
When light is irradiated onto a photodiode, the atoms in the semiconductor junction are excited, releasing electrons, which form an electric current; this way light can be detected by measuring the current.
The wavelength of light that can be detected depends on the material of the diode, so this must be selected according to the application. Major materials include silicon, germanium, and lead sulfide.
When light is irradiated to the depletion layer at the boundary between P-type and N-type semiconductors, electrons flow toward the N-type semiconductor, and holes are formed in the P-type semiconductor due to the electron transfer.
Since a flow of electrons occurs while light is irradiated, the diode operates by detecting the flow of electrons. The downside is that the response speed is somewhat slow.
This is the most widely used type of photodiode due to its low noise.
A P-type semiconductor, an I-type semiconductor, and an N-type semiconductor are functioned in a sequence. By applying a reverse bias voltage to the I-type semiconductor, excited electrons can flow smoothly to the N-type semiconductor, resulting in a faster response speed.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Moxtek, Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of advanced X-ray and nano-optical components founded in 1986 and based in Orem, Utah, USA. The company’s products are designed for imaging devices, display electronics, and analytical instrumentation. These include portable and benchtop x-ray instruments, high- and low-energy x-ray windows, and wire-grid polarizers for visible to near-infrared applications. The company’s products have applications in various industries such as transportation, energy storage manufacturing, and the security industry.
OSI Optoelectronics, headquartered in Hawthorne, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of advanced optoelectronics and electronic assemblies. The company’s product portfolio includes photo detectors, laser diodes, medical sensors, and more. It also offers turnkey manufacturing solutions for high tech applications, supporting customers from product development to production. The company’s products and solutions cater to different industries, including aerospace, defense, medical, and life sciences. The company serves clients in the international markets through facilities in multiple locations, including North America, Asia, and Europe while operating under ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, among other certifications.
Clairex Semiconductor, established in 2017, and located in Plano, Texas, is a manufacturer that specializes in design and produces optoelectronic components. The company offers a range of products related to optoelectronics, including IREDs, LEDs, photodiodes, and phototransistors. It also offers both custom-designed and standard optoelectronic components. Its products emit radiation from the junction at wavelengths dependent on the bandgap energy of the dopants used in the processing. Its products are suitable for use in commercial, medical, and military.
Optilab, LLC was established in 2002 with its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona is a manufacturer of laser and photonics systems and instruments for the fiber optics and optoelectronics industries. The company produces laser diodes, pulse lasers, optical modulators, lightwave transmitters, photodiodes, and, amplifiers, that have applications in the aerospace, communications, national research laboratories, and defense sectors. They have also developed MTS-16 Modulator Test Station for automated measurement of bias stability, optical transmission, and, insertion loss of optical modulators as well as firmware for each channel's wavelength and output power control through the touchscreen.
OMMIC, founded in Lowell, MA, in 1950 is a manufacturer of semiconductor products for Data Center, Telecommunication and Industrial and Defense applications. The company's product portfolio includes Optical Networking Solutions, Lightwave Components, Diodes, MMICs, and SDI Products. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They have design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia and have ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard.
AC Photonics, Inc. was founded in 1995, and is based in Santa Clara, California is a manufacturer of photonic systems & components for various industries including aerospace, communication, defense, LiDAR & sensing, and medical. The company offers passive components, photonics, optics, medical devices, LiDAR, sensing, silicon photonics, and engineering solutions as well as services including component design, system& module design, system troubleshooting facilities for semiconductor manufacturing, fiber optics, electronics, and networking sector. They are ITAR registered and also have received quality management system ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (Vishay) was incorporated in 1962 and is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania. The company serves the industrial, automotive, telecommunications, consumer products, and medical end markets and sells its products under numerous brand names inlcuding Siliconix, Draloric, Beyschlag, UltraSource, and Applied Thin-Film Products. The company manufactures and sells discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components in globally while operating in six market segments: MOSFETs, diodes, optoelectronic components, resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
Opto Diode Corporation, established in 1992 and based in Camarillo, California is a manufacturer, and supplier of IR detectors, LEDs, and IR emitters & controllers. The photodiode product segment includes AXUV, UVG, NXIR, PSDs, and multi-element & array detectors used for detecting UV rays, X-rays, high-energy particles, and electrons in the mid-IR spectrum. They also offer various LEDS including visible, near-infrared high power, visible high power, and near-infrared radiometric emissions capacity of between 365 nm and 940nm. These products are used for position sensing, laser monitoring, fire detection, and manufacturing automation in aerospace & defense, biotechnology & medical and industrial applications.
OSI Laser Diode is a US-based company that was founded in 1967. The company is a manufacturer and designer of advanced optoelectronic components and solutions. The company's products include laser diodes, fiber optic receivers, and high-speed detectors. These products are used in various applications such as defense, aerospace, medical, telecommunications, and industrial markets. The company also provides technical support, product training, and repair and maintenance services to ensure the optimal performance of its instruments.
Excelitas Technologies Corp., headquartered in Waltham, USA, is a manufacturer of photonic solutions. The company provides photonic solutions for the illumination, optical and imaging needs of the OEM and end-user customers. The products like cameras, sensors and light sources serve an array of applications across many sectors. These range of applications include clinical diagnostics, autonomous vehicles and X-ray security screening. The company also offers bespoke photonic solutions such as discrete components, sub-assemblies, or complete turnkey solutions tailored to the customers' specific requirements.
Allied Electronics Inc., founded in 1991 with headquarters in the USA, is a distributor and supplier of fuel and vehicle servicing station equipment and accessories. The company's extensive product line of over 57,000 products includes forecourt controller parts, fuel dispenser parts, air compressors, and power conditioners. The company also provides rebuilt parts by brands that include Bennett, Daktronics, FE-Petro, and Gasboy. The company's services include equipment financing, primarily serving the retail petroleum industry, including car wash and price sign manufacturers.
Rochester Electronics, LLC is a manufacturer stocking distributor of end-of-life semiconductors and the broadest range of active semiconductors that is headquartered in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and was founded in 1981. The company caters to manufacturing services ranging from design, wafer processing, testing, reliability, and IP Archiving. These specifically include OCM, build-to-order products, process flows, and standard packaging creation. The company pivots on manufacturing and distributing semiconductors that are no longer produced by its original manufacturer.
Newport is a division of MKS Instruments, Inc. that was incorporated in 1961 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts. The company is a manufacturing company that serves the specialty industrial, advanced electronics, and semiconductor industries. The company markets its products through Spectra-Physics, MKS Instruments, Richardson Grating, and other brands. Their product categories include motion, optomechanics, optics, and vacuum instruments. Product categories include lasers, MKS vacuum & gas solutions, laser diode controls, and tables & isolation systems.
Global Communication Semiconductors, LLC, was founded in 1997 as a California corporation and in addition to its patented optical wafers and chips ("GCS Known Good Die" TM), GCS also provides foundry services for RF/Wireless, Optoelectronics, and Power Electronics. GCS establishes investments in personal development and enhanced manufacturing procedures as it produces III-V compound semiconductors for its water foundry service such as GaAs, InP, and GaN. Furthermore, the optical communication components include devices like Photodetectors and Lasers. Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFIC) and millimeter wave integrated circuits work for the wireless industries, and power devices for power electronics.
Rotary and Linear Motion Sensors (RLS) is a magnetic encoders and components manufacturer founded in 1989 and based in Komenda, Slovenia, partnering with British engineering company Renishaw PLC in 2000. The company primarily produces various incremental and absolute rotary and linear magnetic encoder models, magnetic sensor ICs, optomodules, and analogue interpolators. Other products include photodiode arrays used for spectroscopy, as well as optical scanning and barcode reading. These are used for applications in the manufacture of surgical and collaborative robots, submarine technology, heavy machinery, and the aerospace industry.
Optoi Srl, based in Trento, Italy, is manufacturer specializing in optical microelectronic components and smart optoelectronic sensors. Its product range encompasses optical components, position sensors, inertial sensors, level sensors, and integrated circuits. These components find utility in Industry 4.0, mobility, aerospace, biomedical sectors, and green solutions companies. The company has earned accolades including ISO 9001:2015 certification, ISO 6 cleanliness certification for its cleanroom, and a collaboration with the European Space Agency for manufacturing satellite sensors and components.
Located in Austria and Germany, Ams-Osram is a sensor design and manufacturing company that specializes in compact form factors, low power, high sensitivity, and multi-sensor applications. They were established in 1981 and were formerly known as austriamicrosystems AG. In 2012 it changed its name to ams AG. They have a technology portfolio for sensing, lighting, and visualization, ranging from light emitters and optical components to micro-modules, integrated circuits, and related software. Their work develops technology for use in the consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive sectors.
Appointech, Inc., established in 1998 and based in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is a manufacturer specializing in the production of light sources, power meters, and fiber optic testing equipment. The company boasts a comprehensive product line that includes handheld test instruments, LED modules, and fiber transceivers designed for precision and stability in optical testing and measurement. It holds ISO 9001 certification, and these instruments offer advantages such as absolute sensitivity, accuracy, and durability, making them ideal for applications in telecommunications, data centers, research and development, and network installation.
PREMA Semiconductor, founded in Germany, in 1970 is a manufacturer of semiconductors. The company's product portfolio includes Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, Memory Devices, Analog and Digital Integrated Circuits, power management solutions and RF and Wireless Semiconductors. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, prototyping, New Product Design and Development and Custom Manufacturing.
Shinkoh Electronics, established in 1974, is a manufacturer and retailer of electrical semiconductor products based in Kanagawa, Japan. The company’s product portfolio is composed of photo reflectors, prism photo sensors, photo interrupters, and photo interrupter separator-type & actuator-type. Their products are used in various settings including in amusement machines, slot machines, and cash machines for object detection, button detection, coin/bill passing detection, barcode reading, and mark detection. They are also used in testing equipment and medical and analytical equipment for various mechanism detection, and cover & object detection.
LuxNet Corporation is a Taiwanese manufacturer, established in 1999 is an optical semiconductor devices and packaged optical components for optical communication. The company products enable voice, video, and data communications for networking, storage, and cable TV applications. It has its own epi-layer design and fabrication process, as well as global manufacturing capability, and also offers wafer processing services and chip fabrications. They endeavor to provide products with high volume, high yield, and competitive prices. It has received various awards and rankings for its corporate governance and performance and serves customers in Taiwan, China, the US, and other countries.
Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., established in 1953 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors and emitters for both visible and invisible light. It stocks products like LEDs, lamps, and photodiodes used in several industries, including consumer electronics, dental imaging, and environmental monitoring. The sensor and light source components are also available as modules and units that can be incorporated into systems the company develops, like optical measurement systems or imaging systems. The ISO 9001-certified company stocks over 15,000 devices, units, and systems that ship to over 100 destinations worldwide, and it has ten research and production bases.
Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd., established in Taiwan in 1983, is a manufacturer of electronic components and automatic production systems for commercial and industrial clients worldwide. The company produces a wide range of resistors, inductors, light sensors, microwave components, and RF components. Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. offers its clients a complete custom design, testing, and manufacturing service. The company's main export markets include Africa, Asia, Oceania, LATAM, and North America.
Osram Opto Semiconductors, a company founded in 1999, based in Regensburg, Germany, is a manufacturer of optoelectronic semiconductors for illumination, sensing, and visualization sectors. The company offers various semiconductor products such as visible-light LEDS, high-performance infrared LEDS, optoelectronic detectors, and semiconductor lasers. These products are sold in various output categories with different sizes, brightness levels, and packaging formats. The company also offers various support that include customer-specific LED colors, intelligent sensor modules, and brand-specific headlight designs to meet customer specification.
Harvatek is a Taiwanese manufacturer and supplier of LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and optoelectronic components. Established in 1997 and specializes in the design, development, and production of a wide range of LED products, including SMD LEDs, through-hole LEDs, and custom-designed LED modules. One of their LED products is the high-power LED series, which includes the RGBW LED, white LED, and blue LED, designed to provide high brightness, long lifespan, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for various applications such as automotive lighting, outdoor lighting, and commercial lighting. They won awards such as Taiwan Excellence Award, Outstanding SME Award, and the National Innovation Award.
LED Microsensor NT, established in 2011 is a Russian-based manufacturer of optoelectronic devices used in medical diagnostics, ecological monitoring, and food industry and agriculture based in Saint-Petersburg. The company offers mid-infrared (2800-5000 nm range) and near-infrared (1000-2500 nm range) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), LED arrays, and matrices. They also manufacture infrared photodiode detectors at 2400, 3600, and 4300 nm and with sensitive areas of 0.3, 0.5, and 1mm. They also offer customized electronic units including LED drivers, SDM synchronous detectors, and PAb preamplifier for operation with mid-infrared LEDs and photodiodes.
First Sensor is a Berlin-based manufacturer of standard and custom sensor systems for medical, automotive, and industrial applications. Established in 1991, the company specializes in the production of microsystems technology and sensor chips used in complex machinery such as dialysis machines, radiation detectors, fuel injection systems, and airbag control units. The company’s product portfolio includes oxygen sensors for gauging oxygen concentration in gases and liquids, pressure sensors for measuring absolute or differential pressure, and light sensors for calculating optical position and distance. First Sensor is a subsidiary of TE Connectivity, which acquired the company in 2020.
ABLIC, Inc. is a manufacturer of analog semiconductors and integrated circuits (ICs) based in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Originally established in 2016, the company is a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments, Inc., and was renamed SII Semiconductor Corporation in 2018. The company produces memory, logic, and power management ICs, as well as various sensors for use in mobile computers, industrial equipment, wearable tech, and automotive systems. These supply clients in the consumer electronics, factory automation, and medical equipment industries.
TE Connectivity Ltd., started in 2007 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a designer and manufacturer of sensor and connectivity solutions for harsh conditions. It operates three primary segments, namely transport, industrial, and communication solutions, and its product portfolio includes automotive connectors, fiber optic connectors, analog power meters, RTD sensors, and circuit breakers. It serves customers in approximately 140 countries and several industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail, IoT connectivity, and E-mobility. The company manufactures 192 billion products annually and has invested over 610 million USD in research development and engineering.
Tyntek Corporation, established in 1987, and based in Taiwan, China, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality optoelectronic and LED lighting products. Tyntek offers a wide range of products, including LED lamps, displays, and modules, serving various industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. Courtesy of its wide research and development capabilities, Tyntek provides new and energy-efficient solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers. As a dependable provider of optoelectronic solutions, Tyntek continues to deliver good products and perfect customer service to clients worldwide.
LEDidea, founded in 1996 in Taiwan, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality LED lighting solutions. The company's main products include LED bulbs, tubes, strips, and modules used in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial lighting.LEDidea's LED lighting products offer energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination, contributing to energy conservation and sustainability. With an aim of research and development, LEDidea continuously introduces new LED lighting solutions to cater to the evolving needs of the lighting industries. The company is customized to providing good and affordable LED lighting solutions that enhance the lighting experience for its customers.
Sglux, founded in Germany, in 2003 is a manufacturer of UV measuring components. The company's product portfolio includes UV Sensors, UV Detectors, UV Meters, UV Spectrometers and Custom UV Solutions. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. The company also provides services including research & development, national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Ophir Optronics Solutions Ltd, since 1976, is a manufacturer and distributor of infrared & laser optics, laser beam analysis, and laser power and energy measurement equipment and components headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. They offer various laser power and energy measurement equipment and components including laser power sensors, laser energy sensors, laser power & energy meters, and LED measurement equipment. Their IR optics include long-range IR, lightweight & foldIR zoom, and LWIR, MWIR & SWIR lenses. The company, a brand within MKS Instruments Photonics Solutions Division, offers its products for scientific research, defense, semiconductor manufacturing, industrial, and life & health sciences applications.
Laser Components was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Olching, Germany. The ISO 9001:2015 certified company also has locations and distributors across Europe and the United States. The company is a manufacturer and researcher for semiconductor technologies and dielectric coatings. Chemicals used include silicon, lithium tantalate, and deuterated L-alanine doped triglycene sulphate, known as DLATGS. The company’s product segments include IR Components, Photo Counters, Lasers, and Fiber Optics. The company’s services include repair, calibration, tool servicing, and job coatings.
Kodenshi Corp. is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949-certified manufacturer of optical devices that was established in 1972 in Kyoto, Japan. The company’s product lineup includes photointerrupters for sensing motion or positioning, photodiodes for converting light into electrical currents, and phototransistors for amplifying currents generated by photodiodes. It also offers encoders for converting motion into digital signals, and photo couplers for noise reduction or signal isolation. The company’s products are commonly used within the private security and transportation sectors, and have additional applications in the automotive industry.
ROHM Semiconductor was incorporated in 1940 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. ROHM manufactures and sells electronic components worldwide. ROHM operates through the segments ICs, discrete semiconductor devices, and modules. ROHM provides ICs comprising memory, amplifiers and linear, power management, clocks and timers, switches and multiplexers, logic, data converters, sensors and MEMS, display drivers, motor/actuator drivers, interfaces, communication and speech synthesis LSI, audio and video, and microcontrollers. ROHM also offers discrete semiconductor products include MOSFETs, bipolar transistors, and diodes; power devices, including power transistors and diodes, SiC power devices, IGBT, and IPM; passive devices, such as resistors, and conductive polymer and tantalum capacitors; and various modules among others.
Electro Optical Components Inc., founded in 1997 and based in Santa Rosa, California, is a distributor of special electronic components such as infrared detectors, electronic amplifiers, and gas sensors. It represents European companies in North America, some of which include IMM Photonics GmbH, LBP Optics, and LED Microsensor NT. The company has a turnover of between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000 and supports several charities around Sonoma County, including Windsor Rotary, The Living Room, and Salvation Army. It has also awarded over 100 scholarships to bright students from Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Optilab, LLC. |
6.5%
|
2 | AC Photonics, Inc. |
5.0%
|
3 | Opto Diode Corporation |
4.4%
|
4 | Clairex Technologies, Inc. |
4.2%
|
5 | PREMA Semiconductor GmbH |
4.0%
|
6 | Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., |
3.8%
|
7 | MACOM |
3.6%
|
8 | Token Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. |
3.6%
|
9 | OSI Optoelectronics |
3.3%
|
10 | IDEA, Inc. |
3.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the photodiode page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 14 | 46.7% |
Taiwan | 4 | 13.3% |
Germany | 3 | 10.0% |
Japan | 3 | 10.0% |
Austria | 2 | 6.7% |
Slovenia | 1 | 3.3% |
Italy | 1 | 3.3% |
Russia | 1 | 3.3% |
Israel | 1 | 3.3% |
1 product is listed.
Itwa Shoji
30+ people viewing
UV sensor different from others with proprietary technology Flame -specific UV sensor SKH047M instantly detects ultraviolet rays with the arson -i...