Static sensitivity of conventional diodes and leds?

[blackbeard]

hey guys. i was wondering something about diodes the other day. since diodes are made from silicon are they susceptible to static discharge like transistors or ICs? now assuming they are to some degree i have a bit of an odder extension to this question. Are they also susceptible to emp the same way that transistors are? meaning should there be something like a nuclear explosion would we be SOL for things like rectifiers with conventional diodes?

[voyager2]

LEDs and diodes are not static sensitive
I'm not saying you should let them out in a thunderstorm though!
I've done some brutal things to mine, even hooked one up to 6v for half a second...

EMP?
I'm not sure, and I don't want to find out!
I have had LEDs and diodes right next to magnets, and they work fine.

[Razor Concepts]

LEDs and diodes are not static sensitive.

Wrong

Some diodes are sensitive to ESD, refer to the datasheet for the handling instructions.

[Soeren]

Hi,

General purpose silicium diodes (like eg. 1N4007) are low impedance passive devices with much heavier silicium stretches than active components and not really susceptible to ESD in the common sense.

EMP wouldn't kill those directly, but if an active semiconductor was killed by an EMP, it will depend on what else goes on in a circuit (you might get a surge that could kill it off).
Vacuum tubes are inert to EMP as well, so if you fear a nuke, build your 'bot with tubes 

[voyager2]

LEDs and diodes are not static sensitive.

Wrong

Some diodes are sensitive to ESD, refer to the datasheet for the handling instructions.

I've stepped on, reverse voltaged and over powered LEDs, I've even handled them when charged...
I have yet to blow one for purposes other than over voltage!
Doesn't stop distributors putting them in nice anti-static baggies!
Same with diodes, but I suspect diodes are more resilient to reverse voltage (there meant for that!)

[blackbeard]

hmm i'll have to break out the Vandergraaf generator one of these days (and by break out i mean make) to try it out. i was mainly just curious as to whether they worked on a close enough principle to be effected.