Definition

Noun: 1. A photoelectric device: An electronic transducer or sensor that detects the presence, absence, or intensity of light (or other radiant energy) and converts it into an electrical signal, often used for automatic control, counting, or security. 2. An automatic control component: A common term for a photoelectric cell or photodetector used to automatically operate doors, triggers alarms, or count objects by interrupting a light beam.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The supermarket door opened automatically, triggered by an electric eye.
  • An electric eye at the factory entrance counts each product as it passes on the conveyor belt.
  • The security system uses an invisible electric eye beam across the hallway.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In technical and engineering fields, the term "electric eye" is considered a dated or layman's term. The more precise terms are photoelectric cell, photodetector, or photocell.
  • The circuit design requires a photodetector, not just a simple electric eye.
• Function Description: The phrase often describes the function rather than the specific device.
  • The system uses an electric eye principle to detect when the bin is full.

Variants and Related Words

• Photocell (n): A short form of "photoelectric cell"; a device whose electrical properties change when exposed to light.
• Photodetector (n): A more general term for any device that detects light or other electromagnetic radiation.
• Photoelectric sensor (n): A complete device that includes a light source, the detector (the "eye"), and control electronics.

Synonyms

• Photoelectric cell: The formal technical term.
• Photocell: A common abbreviation.
• Light sensor: A general term describing its function.

Related Phrases

• To be triggered by an electric eye: To be activated automatically when a light beam is broken.
  • The alarm is triggered by an electric eye.
• Electric eye beam: The path of light monitored by the device.
  • Do not break the electric eye beam during testing.

Noun

1. a transducer used to detect and measure light and other radiations