Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 255 of 494
The external quantum efficiency (\( \eta_{\text{ext}} \)) of an LED is defined as the ratio of:
A
Total electrical input power to the total thermal power dissipated
B
Number of valence holes to the number of donor atoms
C
Peak forward current to the reverse breakdown current
D
Number of photons emitted into free space to the number of electrons injected across the junction
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: Number of photons emitted into free space to the number of electrons injected across the junction
Concept:

External quantum efficiency (\( \eta_{\text{ext}} \)) measures how effectively an LED converts injected electrons into emitted photons that escape the semiconductor package.

Formula:

$$\eta_{\text{ext}} = \frac{\text{Photons Emitted Externally / second}}{\text{Electrons Injected / second}} = \frac{P_{\text{optical}} / (h f)}{I_F / q} = \eta_{\text{int}} \cdot \eta_{\text{extraction}}$$

Solution:

  • Internal quantum efficiency (\( \eta_{\text{int}} \)) is the fraction of injected electron-hole pairs that recombine radiatively.


  • External quantum efficiency (\( \eta_{\text{ext}} \)) accounts for optical extraction losses, measuring the fraction of injected electrons that result in photons escaping into free space.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A: This describes power efficiency or thermal dissipation ratio, not quantum efficiency.
  • Option B: Carrier-to-dopant ratio relates to ionization fraction, not optical conversion.
  • Option C: Current ratios relate to rectification asymmetry, not photon emission.

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