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Glite Dictionary
Kerr cell

Kerr cell

9.9
A clear cell with electrodes that lets light pass when a voltage aligns the light, controlling it very quickly
  • noun
  • /kɜr sɛl/
  • Specialized
: célula de Kerr
  • By adjusting the voltage across the Kerr cell, the intensity of the laser beam was precisely modulated.

Examples

  • A Kerr cell shutter is often used in high-speed photography to freeze motion.

  • The Kerr cell allowed the scientists to control the passage of light with incredible speed.

  • The Kerr cell operates effectively in high-speed photography.

  • Many scientists use a Kerr cell for laser modulation.

  • A Kerr cell shutter is commonly used in high-speed photography to capture fast-moving subjects.

  • By varying the voltage on the Kerr cell, researchers can finely adjust the laser beam's intensity.

  • The Kerr cell enables precise control over light transmission in sophisticated optical experiments.

Surface Forms

Kerr cell singular
Kerr cells plural

Morphology

Kerr + cell

The headword 'Kerr' is a proper name (a scientist) with no lexical meaning for a B1 learner, and 'cell' is a generic noun; the compound denotes a specific technical optical device named after a person rather than a compositional object. Because the meaning is domain-specific and eponymous, it cannot be derived from knowing the constituent words alone and would require prior exposure or specialist knowledge.

Etymology

Kerr cell is named after the scientist John Kerr, and the word cell here means a small glass container with metal parts. Kerr found that putting electricity across the glass changes how light passes, so a Kerr cell is used to switch or control light very quickly.