phototransistor
Optical signal amplifier
A phototransistor is a semiconductor device that converts light into electrical current, functioning like a regular transistor but with light replacing the base signal.
When photons strike the base region, they generate current that the transistor then amplifies, making phototransistors more sensitive than simple photodiodes.
They're commonly used in light sensors, optical switches, and automatic lighting systems.
The garage door opener uses a phototransistor to detect when something breaks the infrared beam.
Metalloid in electronics
- germaniumAtomic number thirty-two
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- collectorOne who gathers items
- emitterThing that gives off
doping · solid-state · carrier · substrate · chip · wafer · diffusion
Device detecting luminosity
- photodetectionMeasuring electromagnetic radiation arrival
- proximity sensorContactless object detector
- ambient lightExisting illumination in space
- photosensitivityReactivity to radiant energy
threshold · response time · wavelength · illumination · incident light · saturation · barcode reader · light meter
Increase in intensity
- gainPositive return received
- DarlingtonNortheast English market town
- comparatorTwo-input magnitude decider
- fall timeSeason after summer
silicon
Metalloid in electronics
emitter · doping · solid-state · carrier · substrate · chip · wafer · diffusion
light sensor
Device detecting luminosity
- photodetectionMeasuring electromagnetic radiation arrival
- proximity sensorContactless object detector
- ambient lightExisting illumination in space
photosensitivity · threshold · response time · wavelength · illumination · incident light · saturation · barcode reader · light meter
amplification
Increase in intensity
- gainPositive return received
- DarlingtonNortheast English market town
- comparatorTwo-input magnitude decider
phototransistorthermistor
Temperature-dependent resistor
pressure sensor · microphone · pressure transducer · accelerometer · magnetometer
photo, transfer, transition, photography, transistor, photon, photosynthesis, photocell, phototherapy