Question

Which of the following semiconducting devices is used as a voltage regulator?
A. Zener diode
B. Laser diode
C. Photodiode
D. Solar cell

Answer 1

To pick up the correct option we must know about what a voltage regulator is: a voltage regulator is an electrical component in a power supply unit's circuit whose job is to maintain a consistent voltage supply under all operating situations. In short, we can say that it regulates voltage during variation of loads and in power fluctuations. And here we will check all the options one by one.

Complete answer:
Let’s check the option A.
Zener diode: A Zener diode is a device which is made up of silicon, this semiconductor device is that which allows current to flow both forward and backward. When a particular voltage is reached, the diode's special, severely doped p-n junction is designed to conduct in the other direction. The Zener diode has a well-defined reverse-breakdown voltage at which it begins to conduct current and may operate in reverse-bias mode indefinitely without damage. Zener diodes are great voltage regulators because the voltage drop across the diode remains constant over a wide range of voltages.

Laser diode: A laser diode, also known as an injection laser diode or a diode laser, is a semiconductor device comparable to a light-emitting diode in which a diode pumped directly with electrical current can produce lasing conditions at its junction. Electrical energy can be converted directly into light by laser diodes.

Photo diode: A Photodiode is a device which is made up of silicon, this semiconductor device with a p-n junction that converts the light into electricity. Electricity is formed when photons are absorbed in a photodiode.

Solar cell: A solar cell is nothing but a photovoltaic cell which is an electric device which converts the light energy directly into the electric energy. And the phenomenon is called a physical and chemical phenomenon.

Hence option A is the correct answer.

Note: Semiconductors are materials with conductivity intermediate between that of conductors and that of non-conductors or insulators. Most often the elements used for making semiconductors are made of silicon and germanium, as well as gallium arsenide (compound) and cadmium selenide. Small amounts of impurities are added to pure semiconductors in a process called doping, which causes substantial variations in the material's conductivity.