Optoelectronic

In the field of optoelectronics, we offer probably the broadest product portfolio of optoelectronic components, modules and systems in Germany. Our special strength lies in the interaction of the availability of standard products, the high flexibility and the application-oriented implementation of customer-specific adaptations and special solutions. We only offer quality products from leading manufacturers. Put simply: We offer optoelectronics from specialists!

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Optical Switches (690)

Photodetectors (168)

TOF (time of flight) (20)

UV-Technology (24)

VCSEL (23)

Systemhouse

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We are happy to advise you with our many years of experience in the selection of suitable components and possible adjustments.

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Our Optoelectronic-Manufacturer

Brochures, flyers and presentations

Bivar Product Catalog

PDF | Sites: 20 | 3.44 MB

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Coloured Luminous Diodes

PDF | Sites: 4 | 1.3 MB

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CubeSat Technologies

PDF | Sites: 4 | 2.2 MB

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LED-Modules and -Systems

PDF | Sites: 16 | 3 MB

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High Reliability Optoelectronics

PDF | Sites: 8 | 3.9 MB

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High Reliability Sensors

PDF | Sites: 8 | 0.4 MB

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Infrared Emitter

PDF | Sites: 9 | 2 MB

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Infrared HighPower VCSEL

PDF | Sites: 2 | 0.5 MB

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LED System House

PDF | Sites: 6 | 3.5 MB

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Optoelectronics Selection Guide

PDF | Sites: 60 | 16.8 MB

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PhotoSensors

PDF | Sites: 263 | 8.5 MB

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Time-of-Flight (ToF)

PDF | Sites: 8 | 1.1 MB

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UV-Technology

PDF | Sites: 28 | 3 MB

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2/13/2026

Neumüller Elektronik signs distribution agreement with Dr. Neumann Peltier-Technik

Weisendorf, February 2026 – Neumüller Elektronik GmbH and Dr. Neumann Peltier-Technik GmbH have entered into a d...

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Advisor - Basics - Knowledge

What is optoelectronics?

The term optoelectronics was coined in the 1950s by British physicist Herbert Kroemer. He used the term to describe the combination of optical and electronic elements in a device or system. The term optoelectronics encompasses all methods and techniques that enable the conversion of electronically generated data and energy into light emission and vice versa. Light serves as a signal carrier for the transmission of information, for the measurement of physical quantities or for the generation of images.

Optoelectronics is based on the properties of light and photons and has its origin in phototechnology, which deals with the generation and use of light. Light is electromagnetic radiation that travels at the speed of light from one place to another. The properties of light, such as wavelength and intensity, can be used to transmit information. Photons are the elementary particles that make up light.

Optoelectronic Components

Optoelectronic components can be divided into actuators (transmitters) and detectors (receivers). Optoelectronic actuators are semiconductor components that generate light from electricity, such as lasers and light-emitting diodes. The emission of light can be located in both the visible and invisible spectral range (UV or infrared). Optoelectronic detectors are the counterparts to actuators and include, for example, photoresistors, photodiodes, and phototransistors. There are also light sensors that are constructed as integrated circuits, such as CCD sensors.

Optoelectronic components can also be divided into active and passive components. Active components emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible or invisible range and include LED lights, infrared sensors, UV emitters, and laser diodes. Passive components, on the other hand, process visible and invisible light, but do not generate radiation themselves. Passive components include, for example, infrared ray receivers, phototransistors, and photodiodes.

Optoelectronic Sensors

Optoelectronic sensors are devices that use light as a measure to gather certain information about the environment. They consist of an optoelectronic actuator that emits light and an optoelectronic detector that detects and measures the emitted light. When the actuator and detector are operated as a system, an optical sensor, also called an optosensor, is created.

Optoelectronic sensors are used in many fields, such as industrial automation, medical technology, traffic technology, and even consumer electronics. They can be used to measure distances, speeds, tilt angles, accelerations, and many other quantities. There are different types of optoelectronic sensors that are suitable for different applications. For example, there are fiber-optic sensors that guide light in glass fibers and are used for data transmission or distance measurement. There are also photodiode sensors that detect light and are used for measuring light intensities or detecting movements.

Materials in Optoelectronics

Materials in optoelectronics play an important role in the development of devices and components that serve as an interface between electrical and optical components or contain such components. An important property of materials in optoelectronics is their ability to emit or detect light. Semiconductor materials are usually used for this purpose because of their electrical properties.

Popular semiconductor materials for optoelectronic components include:

Semiconductor materials such as silicon and gallium arsenide
Glass fibers for optical data transmission
Polymer materials for flexible electronic devices
Quartz for optical components and semiconductor lasers
Sapphire for optical components and LED housing
Germanium for infrared detectors
Aluminum oxide for optical components
Zinc selenide for infrared detector
Barium sulfide for optical components
Indium phosphide for optical components and optical waveguides

However, this is just a selection of materials used in optoelectronics. The choice of material depends on various factors such as the desired property of the component (e.g. emission spectrum or detection sensitivity), the application to be solved, and the manufacturing method. Material selection is therefore an important part of the development of optoelectronic components and devices.

Optoelectronic applications

Optoelectronics is used in many areas, including:

» Optical communication and data transmission

use light to transmit information over long distances. They are used, for example, in fiber optic cables, laser printers, and projectors.

» Optical sensors and measuring systems

use light to measure physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and movement. They are used, for example, in industry, medical technology, and environmental monitoring.

» Optical storage and data storage

use light to record and play back digital data. They are used, for example, in CD and DVD players, Blu-ray players, and hard drives.

» Optical image processing and image sensors

use light to generate and process images. They are used, for example, in cameras, smartphones, and drones.

» Optical display technology and lighting

use light to generate images and illuminate rooms and objects. They are used, for example, in monitors, televisions, projectors, and LED lamps.