The V-I characteristics of a p-n junction device are plotted in the third quadrant. When the device is illuminated with light of intensities I₁ , I₂ , and I₃ , three distinct curves are obtained. If the magnitude of the reverse saturation current is maximum for I₁ and minimum for I₃ , identify the device and the correct relationship among the light intensities.

Step-by-step solution

A device operated in the third quadrant (reverse bias) whose current depends on illumination is a photodiode. In a photodiode, the magnitude of the photocurrent (reverse saturation current) is directly proportional to the intensity of incident light. Since the magnitude of the reverse saturation current is maximum for I₁ and minimum for I₃ , the incident light intensity must follow the order I₁ > I₂ > I₃ . Answer: Photodiode, I₁ > I₂ > I₃