Article
Article
Photoconductive cell
Article By:
Borrello, Sebastian R. Central Research Laboratories, Texas Instruments, Inc., Dallas, Texas.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.509300
A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation (photons) by variation of the electrical conductivity of a substance (a photoconductor) upon absorption of the radiation by this substance. During operation the cell is connected in series with an electrical source and current-sensitive meter, or in series with an electrical source and resistor. Current in the cell, as indicated by the meter, is a measure of the photon intensity, as in the voltage drop across the series resistor.
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