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 in fact a wider branch of physics that deals with all interactions between light and electric fields, whether or not they form part of an electronic device.

Optoelectronics is based on the quantum mechanical effects of light on electronic materials, especially semiconductors, sometimes in the presence of electric fields.

• Photoelectric or photovoltaic effect, used in:
  • photodiodes (including solar cells)
  • phototransistors
  • photomultipliers
  • integrated optical circuit (IOC) elements
• Photoconductivity, used in:
  • photoresistors
  • photoconductive camera tubes
  • charge-coupled imaging devices
• Stimulated emission, used in:
  • injection laser diodes
  • quantum cascade lasers
• Lossev effect, or radiative recombination, used in:
  • light-emitting diodes or LED
• Photoemissivity, used in
  • photoemissive camera tube

Important applications of optoelectronics include:

• Optocoupler
• Optical fiber communications

Noun

Optoelectronics

Singular optoelectronics

Plural uncountable

optoelectronics (uncountable)

1. (physics) The branch of physics that deals with the interaction of light with electronic devices, or the production of light from such devices

Derived terms

• optoelectronic

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Science: Physics: Optics: Optoelectronics ...
Jan 2, 2007 ... the entire directory, only in Optoelectronics /Optical_Comput ing ... Open Directory - Science: Physics: Optics: Optoelectronics : Optical ...

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Nov 25, 2008 ... Kingsun Optoelectronic Co., Ltd - Manufacturer of LED street lights. ... itec Technologies Ltd - Manufactures optoelectronics components for ...

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Science: Physics: Optics
Jul 19, 2010 ... Photonics Online - Daily news and product updates for professionals in the optoelectronics industry: manufacturing, technology, equipment, ...