photoelectric cell

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photoelectric cell

A scientist uses a photoelectric cell to measure the light from a lamp.

Definition

Noun: A photoelectric cell is a transducer that converts light or other electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal. It operates on the principle of the photoelectric effect, where incident light causes the emission of electrons, generating a current or changing electrical resistance.

Usage

A photoelectric cell is used to detect, measure, or control light and other radiations. It is a core component in various sensing and automation devices. - It is typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., use, contain, trigger). - It can be the subject of a sentence describing its function.

Examples
  • As a subject:
    • The photoelectric cell automatically turns the streetlights on at dusk.
    • A photoelectric cell in the burglar alarm detects any interruption of the light beam.
  • As an object:
    • The scientist used a photoelectric cell to measure the light intensity.
    • Many modern cameras contain a photoelectric cell for their light meters.
Advanced Usage
  • In Technical Contexts: The term is precise and used in physics, engineering, and electronics to describe the specific component, as opposed to more general terms like "light sensor."
    • The experiment's accuracy depended on the calibrated photoelectric cell.
Variants and Related Words
  • Photocell: A common shortened form of "photoelectric cell." It has the same meaning.
    • The gate is opened by a photocell.
  • Photoemissive cell: A specific type of photoelectric cell where light causes electron emission from a photocathode.
  • Photoconductive cell: A type where light changes the electrical resistance of a material like cadmium sulfide.
  • Solar cell: A related device that converts light into electrical energy, but is typically designed for power generation rather than just detection.
Synonyms
  • Light sensor: A more general term for any device that detects light.
  • Photodetector: A broad term for any device that detects light or other electromagnetic radiation.
  • Eye (informal/figurative): In some automation contexts, it may be referred to poetically as the "eye" of the system.
Related Phrases and Compounds
  • Photoelectric effect: The underlying physical phenomenon on which the cell operates.
  • Photoelectric smoke detector: A common application where a photoelectric cell detects smoke particles scattering a light beam.
photoelectric cell

A scientist uses a photoelectric cell to measure the light from a lamp.

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

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