Advantages

1. Low resistance
2. Very good spectral response
3. Fastest photo detector

Disadvantages

1. Light sensitive device
2. Dark current increased with temperature
3. Should not exceed the working temperature limit specified by the manufactures.

Applications

1. Light detector
2. Demodulators
3. Encoders
4. Optical communication system
5. High speed counting and switching circuits
6. Computer punching cards and tapes
7. Light operated switches
8. Sound track films
9. Electronic control circuits