A photodiode can detect a signal if the energy of the incident photon is greater than or equal to the band gap energy of the semiconductor (E≥Eg).
This implies that the wavelength of the incident signal must be less than or equal to the maximum threshold wavelength (λ≤λmax).
Given, Eg=2.5 eV.
We know that Eg=λmaxhc.
Using the standard approximation hc≈12400 eV⋅A˚ or 1242 eV⋅nm:
λmax=2.5 eV12400 eV⋅A˚=4960 A˚
For the photodiode to detect the signal, the wavelength λ must be ≤4960 A˚.
Checking the options:
Option A: 6000 A˚>4960 A˚ (Cannot detect)
Option B: 4000 nm=40000 A˚>4960 A˚ (Cannot detect)
Option C: 6000 nm=60000 A˚>4960 A˚ (Cannot detect)
Option D: 4000 A˚<4960 A˚ (Can detect)
Therefore, the photodiode can detect the signal of wavelength 4000 A˚.