#.

LDR: A Brief Introduction

Circuits.light-activated

A photo resistor (or light-

dependent resistor, LDR, or
photo-conductive cell) is a light-
controlled variable resistor. The
resistance of a photo resistor
decreases with increasing
incident light intensity; in other
words, it exhibits
photoconductivity. A photo
resistor can be applied in light-
sensitive detector circuits, and And dark-activated switching
light-activated and dark- circuit
activated switching circuit.

A photo resistor is made of a high resistance semiconductor.

In the dark, a photo resistor can have a resistance as high as
several megohms (MΩ), while in the light, a photo resistor can
have a resistance as low as a few hundred ohms. If incident
light on a photo resistor exceeds a certain frequency, photons
absorbed by the semiconductor give bound electrons enough
energy to jump into the conduction band. The resulting free
electrons (and their whole partners) conduct electricity,
thereby lowering resistance. The resistance range and
sensitivity of a photo resistor can substantially differ among
dissimilar devices. Moreover, unique photo resistors may react
substantially differently to photons within certain wavelength
bands.
#. Structure of LDR
The basic structure of an LDR is shown below.

The snake like track shown below is the Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) film
which also passes through the sides. On the top and bottom are metal
films which are connected to the terminal leads. It is designed in such
a way as to provide maximum possible contact area with the two metal
films. The structure is housed in a clear plastic or resin case, to
provide free access to external light. As explained above, the main
component for the construction of LDR is cadmium sulphide (CdS),
which is used as the photoconductor and contains no or very few
electrons when not illuminated.

In the absence of light it is designed to have a high resistance in the

range of megohms. As soon as light falls on the sensor, the electrons
are liberated and the conductivity of the material increases. When
the light intensity exceeds a certain frequency, the photons absorbed
by the semiconductor give band electrons the energy required to jump
into the conduction band. This causes the free electrons or holes to
conduct electricity and thus dropping the resistance dramatically (< 1
Kilo ohm).
#. Circuit Diagram of a Light Dependent Resistor
The circuit diagram of a LDR is shown below. When the light intensity
is low, then the resistance of the LDR is high. This stops the current
flow to the base terminal of the transistor. So, the LED does not light.
However, when the light intensity onto the LDR is high, then the
resistance of the LDR is low. So current flows onto the base of the
first transistor and then the second transistor. Consequently the LED
lights. Here, a preset resistor is used to turn up or down to increase
or decrease the resistance.

Light Dependent Resistor Circuit

#. Working Mechanism of LDR
This resistor works on the principle of photo conductivity. It is
nothing but, when the light falls on its surface, then the material
conductivity reduces and also the electrons in the valence band of the
device are excited to the conduction band. These photons in the
incident light must have energy greater than the band gap of the
semiconductor material. This makes the electrons to jump from the
valence band to conduction.

Working Principle of LDR

These devices depend on the light, when light falls on the LDR then
the resistance decreases, and increases in the dark. When a LDR is
kept in the dark place, its resistance is high and, when the LDR is kept
in the light its resistance will decrease.
#. Variation in resistance with change in light intensity

Variation of LDR Resistance with Variation in Light Intensity

If a constant “V’ is applied to the LDR, the intensity of the light

increased and current increases. The figure below shows the curve
between resistances vs. illumination curve for a particular light
dependent resistor.

Light Intensity vs. LDR Resistance

#. Characteristics of LDR
LDR’s are light dependent devices whose resistance is decreased
when light falls on them and that is increased in the dark. When a
light dependent resistor is kept in dark, its resistance is very high.
This resistance is called as dark resistance. It can be as high as 1012
Ω and if the device is allowed to absorb light its resistance will be
decreased drastically. If a constant voltage is applied to it and
intensity of light is increased the current starts increasing. Figure
below shows resistance vs. illumination curve for a particular LDR.

Photocells or LDR’s are nonlinear devices. There sensitivity varies

with the wavelength of light incident on them. Some photocells might
not at all response to a certain range of wavelengths. Based on the
material used different cells have different spectral response
curves.

When light is incident on a photocell it usually takes about 8 to 12 ms

for the change in resistance to take place, while it takes one or more
seconds for the resistance to rise back again to its initial value after
removal of light. This phenomenon is called as resistance recovery
rate. This property is used in audio compressors.
Also, LDR’s are less sensitive than photo diodes and phototransistor.
#. Advantages of Light sensor
Following are the advantages of Light sensor:
➨It is easy to integrate with lighting system such as automatic
lighting system.
➨It is used for energy consumption or energy management by
automatic control of brightness level in mobile phones and auto
ON/OFF of street lights based on ambient light intensity.
➨LDR (i.e. photo resistor) based light sensors are available in
different shapes and sizes.
➨Light sensors need small voltage and power for its operation.
➨Photo resistors are lower in cost, bi-directional and offer
moderate response time.
➨Photodiodes offer quick response time, lower in cost and provide
digital output.
➨Phototransistors are very fast and provide immediate output
compare to photo resistors.
➨Phototransistors generate high current compare to photodiodes.

#. Disadvantages of Light sensor

Following are the disadvantages of Light sensor:
➨LDRs are highly inaccurate with high response time (about 10s or
100s of milliseconds).
➨Resistance varies continuously (analog) in photo resistor and are
rugged in nature.
➨Photodiodes are temperature sensitive and are uni-directional
unlike photo resistors.
➨Phototransistors cannot withstand voltages above 1000 volts.
➨Phototransistors are vulnerable to surges, spikes and EM energy.
#. Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) Applications

The important applications of LDR are,

1. LDRs are used in Light Sensors

2. LDR is also used in some cameras to detect the presence of the

light.

3. LDRs are used Light Intensity measurement meters.

4. In the manufacturing industry, LDR is used as a sensor for the

counting of the packets moving on a conveyor belt.

5. LDRs are also used in Light Activated Control Circuits.

6. LDRs are used in Street Lights which are automatically turn ON in

the night time.

7. LDRs are used in Burglar Alarm Circuits.

8. LDRs are used in Photosensitive Relays

9. LDR can be used in simple Fire alarm circuits.

10. The Light Dependent Resistors are used in modern televisions,

computer screens for automatic brightness and contrast control.
#. Practical Applications of Light Dependent Resistor
Light dependent resistors have a low cost and simple structure. These
resistors are frequently used as light sensors. These resistors are
mainly used when there is a need to sense the absence and presence
of the light such as burglar alarm circuits, alarm clock, light intensity
meters, etc. LDR resistors mainly involves in various electrical and
electronic projects. For better understanding of this concept, here
we are explaining some real time projects where the LDR resistors are
used.

The application of LDR in Automatic Night Lamp Circuit

Here a circuit diagram of Automatic Night lamp circuit using LDR is

given below. You can make this circuit for your home night lamp.

The working of the circuit is very simple. A 230V night lamp is

connected to the 230V power supply through a relay. During the night
time, the resistance of the LDR will be decreased so a current will
start flow through the LDR and Transistor T1. When the transistor
T1 is activated, it will activate the transistor T2. When the transistor
T2 activated then a current will flow through the Relay coil and the
Relay becomes NC to NO. Therefore the night lamp will be turned ON.
#. Conclusion
1. LDR- A Brief Introduction 1
Structure/Construction of
2. 2
LDR
3. Circuit Diagram of LDR 3

4. Working of LDR 4
Variation in resistance with
5. 5
change in light intensity

6. Characteristics of LDR 6

7. Advantages and Disadvantages 7

8. Application of LDR 8

9. Practical Application of LDR 9

10. Conclusion 10

11. Bibliography 11