A photodiode is a type of semiconductor device that is sensitive to light and converts light energy into electrical current. The BPW34 is a type of photodiode that is made from a p-type semiconductor material and has a spectral sensitivity that is peaked in the visible spectrum. This means that it is most sensitive to light in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and is less sensitive to light in the infrared or ultraviolet ranges. Photodiodes are commonly used in a variety of applications, including in optical sensors, light meters, and spectrometers. They can also be used as photovoltaic cells to convert light energy into electricity.

The BPW34 is a tiny, general purpose PiN photodiode. This photodiode has a ton of uses, one of which is to use it is a mini solar cell to power your project. The cell is sensitive to a wide range of light wavelengths (430-1100nm), so it should produce power in a number of different settings. The rated open circuit voltage is 350mV (900nm, 1mW/cm² light source), and short circuit current is 47μA.

These photodiodes are better able to detect quick changes in light than LDRs and provi