Definition

Noun: A photocell is a type of transducer that converts light or other electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal. It is used to detect, measure, or respond to the presence or intensity of light.

Usage

A photocell is a component in electronic circuits and devices. Its primary function is to generate an electrical current or change its electrical resistance when exposed to light. It is commonly used in automated systems.

Examples

• The streetlights turn on automatically at dusk thanks to a photocell.
• A photocell in the burglar alarm detects if a beam of light is broken.
• Scientists used a sensitive photocell to measure the faint light from the distant star.

Advanced Usage

• In a technical context: A photocell operates on the principle of the photoelectric effect, where photons of light eject electrons from a material, creating an electric current.
  • The experiment demonstrated how a photocell's output current is directly proportional to the light intensity.

Variants and Related Words

• Photoelectric cell: This is a full technical synonym for "photocell."
• Light-dependent resistor (LDR) or photoresistor: A specific, common type of photocell whose electrical resistance decreases when light intensity increases.
• Photodiode and Phototransistor: Semiconductor devices that function as more advanced and faster types of photocells.

Synonyms

• Light sensor
• Photodetector

Related Phrases and Technical Terms

• Photocell circuit: An electronic circuit designed to utilize the signal from a photocell.
  • He designed a simple photocell circuit to control a motor based on ambient light.
• To be triggered by a photocell: Describes an action initiated by the photocell's signal.
  • The camera shutter was triggered by a photocell when the flash fired.

Noun

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