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photodetector

photodetector

1 7.2
A device that senses light and makes an electric signal
  • noun
  • /ˌfoʊtoʊdɪˈtɛktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fotodetector
  • The photodetector converted the incoming light into an electrical signal for analysis.
  • Graphene photodetectors
  • photodetector signal

Examples

  • The light beams combine again and pass through the polarizer and the first directional coupler to the photodetector.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The sensing system has a fiber-optic coil, directional couplers, a polarizer, a laser-diode light source, and a photodetector.

    Academic text (1994)
  • An option allows triggering to occur on either the rising or falling edges of the photodetector signal.

    Academic text (1996)
  • On readback, the light reflects from the disk and travels to a set of photodetectors.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Each passing blade reflects a portion of the source light, which is then transmitted through receiving optical fibers to a photodetector.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Photodetector temperature drift and instability are minimized through temperature compensation circuitry.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Analog pulses from the photodetector are shaped to digital pulses by the pulse shaper and sent to the pulse-to-digital converter.

    Academic text (1996)
  • The sensor consists of a pulsed light source and a pair of identical receiving fibers and photodetectors that detect the light reflected from the surface being measured.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The main factors affecting sensor resolution are light-source stability, light-footprint density, blade-tip reflectivity, ambient-light intensity and wavelength, photodetector sensitivity, and electrical background noise.

    Academic text (1996)
  • In addition to all necessary laser components and the laser diode driver, the kit also includes devices for analyzing the laser parameters, such as a 300-ps photodetector, a CCD array, and an IR-to-visible converter.

    Academic text (2006)

Synonyms

photocell
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
2 6.2

A device that senses light and makes an electric signal

is the more common general name used across contexts
photodiode
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A small device that makes electricity when light hits it to show how bright the light is

works for general light sensing but not limited to current production
phototransistor
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
1 7.4

A small device that changes its electric signal when light falls on it

is the basic device term and does not imply internal amplification
photomultiplier
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
1 9.4

An electronic machine that detects very weak light and makes it much stronger so it can be measured

is the general device name, not specialized for extreme sensitivity or gain
photoconductive cell
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A small device that lets more electricity pass when light hits it

is the broader converting device term, not restricted to resistance sensing
photoreceptor
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
6.3

A part in a camera or machine that detects light and makes an electric signal

is a general term for such devices beyond instrument parts
photoelectric cell
vsphotodetector
  • Specialized
4.6

A device that makes a small electric signal when light hits it to detect or measure light

is the standard technical name used more in formal contexts

How Sensitive

photomultiplier
  • Specialized
1 9.4
photodetector
  • Specialized
1 7.2

Surface Forms

photodetector singular

Morphology

photodetector = detector (semi-transparent) = photo + detect + or

The word is built transparently from 'photo-' plus 'detector', but the scientific combining form makes it slightly less obvious for general learners.

Etymology

The word photodetector is made of photo- 'light', as in photograph or photosynthesis, and detect 'find', as in 'detective'. So a photodetector is a device that 'finds' light and turns it into an electrical signal.