Wave Wrapper and LEDs: Question ???

[KA4HJH]

>:::Is there any effect of photosensitivity of the LEDs. Do they form a
>:::detector that could photon couple noise (ambient light etc) into the
>:::circuit if they were exposed (like through a front panel...
>:::
>Every semiconductor junction end even a semiconductor piece will react to
>light with sufficient energy (color) by hole/electron generation. Light
>modulates current. Therefore most semiconductors are in light sealed
>packages. If I have forgotten to turn out the microscope light I'll
>sratch my head and say: Umm, these diodes down there come quite damn
>leaky this time ;->>

[already sent Harry a version of the following story--stupid Eudora doesn't
reply to the list when I want it to]

Forrest Mimms, III has a patent based on that (unless it's lapsed). The
basic idea was to attach an LED to each end of an optic fiber, which is a
very convenient and simple arrangement. Later he found out that Bell Labs
was tinkering with the idea. When he informed them that they were in
violation of his patent, out came the legal dept. When it finally became
obvious they couldn't have the idea for free (he was perfectly willing to
license it), they developed a severe case of NIH--Not Invented Here.

Remind you of anything? Like the Philo Farnsworth story?  8/

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"

ICQ: 45652354