photodetectors
Optical sensing devices
Photodetectors are devices that convert light into electrical signals.
They form the sensing elements in cameras, solar panels, fiber-optic communication systems, and scientific instruments.
Common types include photodiodes, phototransistors, and photomultiplier tubes, each suited to different wavelengths and sensitivity requirements: The telescope's photodetectors can register individual photons from distant galaxies.
Heat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- near-infraredRadiation just past visible
- far-infraredLongest heat wavelengths
- X-rayPenetrating diagnostic beam
gamma-ray · terahertz · broadband · narrowband · multispectral · hyperspectral · monochromatic · wavelength
Responsiveness to stimuli
- responsivityCapacity to respond
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
- saturationState of complete permeation
- linearityStraight-path property
Study of light-matter interaction
- fiber-opticsLight-based data transmission
- telecommunicationsRemote signal transmission technology
- cameraImage capturing device
- astronomyScience of celestial objects
Metalloid in electronics
Light-sensitive imaging chip
- photoresistorComponent resisting less when bright
- photocellLight-sensitive electronic component
- junctionPoint where things meet
- thermopileSeries-connected temperature-sensing junctions
Continuous-to-discrete signal transformation
- preamplifierInitial signal amplification stage
- multiplexerMulti-input signal selector
- filteringSelective passage of elements
- digitizationAnalog-to-electronic transformation
infrared
Heat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- ultravioletWavelengths shorter than violet
- near-infraredRadiation just past visible
- far-infraredLongest heat wavelengths
X-ray · gamma-ray · terahertz · broadband · narrowband · multispectral · hyperspectral · monochromatic · wavelength · UV-A
sensitivity
Responsiveness to stimuli
- responsivityCapacity to respond
- bandwidthData transmission capacity
- saturationState of complete permeation
linearity · threshold · gain · amplification · signal-to-noise
spectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
- fiber-opticsLight-based data transmission
- telecommunicationsRemote signal transmission technology
- cameraImage capturing device
silicon
Metalloid in electronics
CCD
Light-sensitive imaging chip
- photoresistorComponent resisting less when bright
- photocellLight-sensitive electronic component
- junctionPoint where things meet
analog-to-digital
Continuous-to-discrete signal transformation
- preamplifierInitial signal amplification stage
- multiplexerMulti-input signal selector
- filteringSelective passage of elements
photodetectorsLEDs
Semiconductor light sources
light sources · lasers · light-emitting diodes · lamps · illuminators