LDR Physics (Completed)

INDEX:
1. Introduction 02
2. Application 03
3. Aim 04
4. Apparatus 05
5. Circuit diagram 06
6. Theory 07
7. Procedure 08
8. Observation 09-10
9. Precautions 11
10. Source of error 12
11. Conclusion 13
12. Bibliography 14
INTRODUCTION:
The general purpose photoconductive cell is also known as LDR – light
dependent resistor. It is a type of semiconductor and its conductivity changes
with proportional change in the intensity of light. There are two common types
of materials used to manufacture the photoconductive cells. They are
Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) and Cadmium Selenide (CdSe). Extrinsic devices have
impurities added, which have a ground state energy closer to the conduction
band - since the electrons don't have as far to jump, lower energy photons (i.e.
longer wavelengths and lower frequencies) are sufficient to trigger the device.
Two of its earliest applications were as part of smoke and fire detection
systems and camera light meters. The structure is covered with glass sheet to
protect it from moisture and dust and allows only light to fall on it.
Application:
Lead sulfide (PbS) and indium antimonide (InSb) LDRs are used for the mid
infrared spectral region. GeCu photoconductors are among the best farinfrared
detectors available, and are used for infrared astronomy and infrared
spectroscopy.
Analog Applications
· Camera Exposure Control
· Auto Slide Focus - dual cell
· Photocopy Machines - density of toner
· Electronic Scales - dual cell
· Automated Rear View Mirror
Digital Applications
· Automatic Headlight Dimmer
· Night Light Control
· Oil Burner Flame Out
· Street Light Control
· Position Sensor
Objective:
To study the variations, in current flowing in a circuit containing a LDR, because of
a variation:-
(a) In the power of the incandescent lamp, used to ‘illuminate’ the LDR (Keeping
all the lamps at a fixed distance).
(b) In the distance of an incandescent lamp, (of fixed power), used to ‘illuminate’
the LDR.
APPARATUS:
• Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
• Connecting Wires
• Source of different power rating (bulbs)
• Bulb Holder
• Metre scale
• Multi Meter
• Battery
Circuit Diagram
Theory:
1.) LDR and its characteristics when light is incident on it, a photon is absorbed
and thereby it excites an electron from valence band into conduction band. Due
to such new electrons coming up in conduction band area, the electrical
resistance of the device decreases. Thus the LDR or photo-conductive transducer
has the resistance which is the inverse function of radiation intensity.
λ0 = threshold wavelength, in meters e = charge on one electron, in Coulombs Ew

= work function of the metal used, in Ev
Here we must note that any radiation with wavelength greater than the value
obtained in above equation CANNOT PRODUCE any change in the resistance of
this device. The band gap energy of Cadmium Sulphide is 2.42eV and for
Cadmium Selenide it is1.74eV. Due to such large energy gaps, both the materials
have extremely high resistivity at room temperature.
Characteristics of photoconductive cells
Now when the device is kept in darkness, its resistance is called as dark
resistance. This resistance is typically of the order of 1013 ohms. When light falls
on it, its resistance decreases up to several kilo ohms or even hundreds of ohms,
depending on the intensity of light, falling on it. The spectral response
characteristics of two commercial cells were compared in our laboratory. And we
found that there is almost no response to the radiation of a wavelength which
was shorter than 300nm. It was very interesting to note that the Cadmium
Sulphide cell has a peak response nearer or within the green color of the
spectrum within a range of 520nm. Thus it can be used nearer to the infra-red
region up to 750nm. It was found that the maximum response of Cadmium
Sulphoselenide is in the yellow-orange range at 615nm and also it can be used in
the infra-red region up to about 970nm.
Procedure:
 Choose a specific position for the source and mount it using a holder, make sure
it is stable.
 Select the bulb with the lowest power rating and connect it to the holder as
shown in the figure.
 Connect the LDR, battery (6V) and the multimeter in series.
 Set the multimeter to ohm section and select suitable range and measure the
resistance with a bulb on.
 Similarly switch to current section and move to micro ampere in the multimeter.
This gives the value of the current.
 Repeat these steps with different power sources at different distances and note
down observations.
Observations:
The experiment has been conducted by using various sources with different
power ratings. Voltage of the battery = 6 V
PRECAUTIONS:
1. LDR is placed normal to the light source so that angle of incidence of light
rays remains constant and normal throughout the experiment.
2. All the connections should be made tight.
SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The LDR may not be perpendicular to the source.
2. Connections may be faulty.
3. The experiment should be conducted in a dark room.
4. Measurements should be taken properly.
Conclusion:
The LDR resistance decreases with increase in intensity of light and hence there
is an increase in the flow of current.
There is an increase in the current as the distance from the source decreases.
The intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases
The error lies within the experimental limit.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
 NCERT physics class XII
 Art of Electronics by paul worowitz
 www.wikipedia.com/
 www.electronics2000.co.uk/links/education-hobby/
 www.google.com

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INDEX:

λ0 = threshold wavelength, in meters e = charge on one electron, in Coulombs Ew

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