Just as photodiodes have similar structure as a regular diode, a phototransistor has similar structure as any other transistor. The difference between them arises in that an increase in the output current from phototransistors and photodiodes is triggered by incoming light, rather than by changing the input voltage. Phototransistors and photodiodes are analogs of regular transistors and diodes, although phototransistors and photodiode work like photovoltaic cells in that they convert light to electricity. Photodiodesīefore getting into phototransistors, it helps to understand how they are different from photodiodes. These circuits are simple enough that they can be brought into standard configurations in transistors, and their behavior can be easily adjusted by applying a base/gate voltage. This circuit provides linear response or stable switching behavior when photons are incident in the gate/drain region, creating an easy-to-use optical switch for a variety of applications. However, one very useful option is a phototransistor circuit. When we think of optical sensors, we usually think of something like a CCD, CMOS sensor, or photodiode. Your next electro-optical system might need a photodiode circuit.
