What is the difference between a photodiode and photodetector?

First of all, let's get to know photodiodes, photodiodes are devices made by using photoelectric detection chips, and then with different packages.Common packages are TO package, pigtail package, etc. The following is the picture of the packaged photodiode.

Typically, these packaged photodiode devices are not intended for direct use by the end user; the customer for these devices is the photodetector manufacturer.

Photodetector manufacturers use photodiodes for basic photoelectric conversion, converting light to electrical signals, and then add additional peripheral circuitry to make photodetector modules, depending on the needs of the application.Photodetector modules are available in a variety of shapes depending on input and output methods, bandwidth, gain, size, and other parameters.

And when we say photodetector, we usually refer to the photodetector module.Photodetector modules for end customers, you can choose the right photodetector module according to your specific application needs, such as LIDAR, fluorescence detection, laser pulse detection and other application scenarios needs.

From the application point of view, this is the difference between a photodetector and a photodiode.From the above we can also see the chip, device, module, application of an industry chain process.