  We consider the helical edge state of a Quantum Spin Hall insulator,
connected between two leads, and irradiated by a monochromatic and circularly
polarized electromagnetic wave. The photocurrent generated within the helical
edge state is studied as function of the characteristics of the electromagnetic
radiation and electronic doping of the edge state. We focus on the effect of
the leads on the photocurrent. We also investigate the photoconductance of the
helical edge state in presence of a voltage bias between the leads.
