Dark current refers to the flow of electric current through a device or circuit when no external light is present to stimulate it. The term “dark” in dark current originates from the condition where the device operates in darkness or under low light conditions, allowing the intrinsic properties of the device itself to be observed without interference from external light sources.
In theory, dark current is explained by the concept of thermal excitation of charge carriers within the device. Even in the absence of photons (light particles) that typically create electron-hole pairs in a photodetector or semiconductor device, thermal energy can still promote electrons across the bandgap of the material, generating a small amount of current. This thermal generation of charge carriers contributes to the baseline current flow known as dark current.
In electrical terminology, dark current specifically refers to the current that flows through a device or component when no external voltage is applied or when no light is incident upon it. This phenomenon is crucial in devices like photodiodes, photovoltaic cells, and image sensors, where dark current levels affect the device’s sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio.
The expression for dark current varies depending on the type of device and its operating conditions. Generally, it can be quantified as the current that remains when any photo-generated current (current due to incident light) is subtracted from the total current observed in the absence of light. The dark current level is influenced by factors such as temperature, material properties, and device design.
The source of dark current primarily stems from thermal energy within the device causing electrons to move across the bandgap and contribute to current flow. This thermal excitation creates a baseline current level that must be accounted for in sensitive applications to ensure accurate measurement of light levels or to minimize noise in imaging systems. Minimizing dark current is often achieved through optimizing device design, material selection, and operating conditions to enhance device performance and sensitivity in light detection applications.