photocells
Solar energy converters
Photocells are devices that convert light into electrical signals or vary their electrical properties in response to light.
They're found in automatic doors, streetlights that switch on at dusk, and solar panels.
The term covers several technologies—photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors—unified by their sensitivity to light: The photocells triggered the museum's security system.
Light-to-power converter
- renewable energySelf-replenishing natural power
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- clean energyPower from sustainable sources
- inverterChanges DC to AC
solar array · net metering · off-grid · thin-film · monocrystalline · polycrystalline
Light-sensitive amplifying component
- photoresistorComponent resisting less when bright
- light sensorDevice detecting luminosity
- detectorDevice that senses
- semiconductorPartial electrical conductor
transducer · circuit · LDR · vacuum tube · cathode · anode
Device measuring illumination intensity
- motion detectorDevice sensing nearby movement
- automatic doorEntry that opens itself
- streetlightRoadside illumination fixture
- security systemEquipment preventing unauthorized access
smoke detector · barcode scanner · colorimeter · spectrophotometer · proximity sensor
Smallest discrete unit
- electron emissionLiberation of negative particles
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- light sensitivityAdverse reaction to brightness
- electromagnetic radiationWave-propagating energy through space
illuminance · lux · irradiance · absorption
Sequential workstation manufacturing
- safety curtainFireproof theater partition
- quality controlMaintaining production standards
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- retroreflectiveReflects toward light source
solar panel
Light-to-power converter
- renewable energySelf-replenishing natural power
- sunlightRadiance from our star
- clean energyPower from sustainable sources
inverter · solar array · net metering · off-grid · thin-film · monocrystalline · polycrystalline
phototransistor
Light-sensitive amplifying component
- photoresistorComponent resisting less when bright
- light sensorDevice detecting luminosity
- detectorDevice that senses
semiconductor · transducer · circuit · LDR · vacuum tube · cathode · anode
light meter
Device measuring illumination intensity
- motion detectorDevice sensing nearby movement
- automatic doorEntry that opens itself
- streetlightRoadside illumination fixture
security system · smoke detector · barcode scanner · colorimeter · spectrophotometer · proximity sensor
quantum
Smallest discrete unit
- electron emissionLiberation of negative particles
- wavelengthSpatial repetition interval
- light sensitivityAdverse reaction to brightness
electromagnetic radiation · illuminance · lux · irradiance · absorption
assembly line
Sequential workstation manufacturing
- safety curtainFireproof theater partition
- quality controlMaintaining production standards
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- light-sensitivephotoreceptors, photodiodes, photoresistor, transition lenses, transition lens
- sensorsbiosensors, temperature sensor, pressure sensors, heat sensor, ammeter
- automatic door partssensors, motion sensors, actuators, motors, control panels
- lightinglamp, lamps, bulbs, light bulb, light bulbs
- opticslens, lenses, mirror, mirrors, prism
photocellsthermometers
Heat-measuring instruments
thermal sensors · thermocouples · thermistors · heat sensors · infrared detectors
photocellslight-emitting diodes
Semiconductors that glow electrically
LEDs · light bulbs · lamps · lasers · incandescent bulbs