Photoconductive Cell
Definition: A photoconductive cell is a type of device that can detect and measure light (and sometimes other types of radiation). When light hits the cell, it changes the electrical conductivity of the material inside it, allowing it to generate an electric signal.
Usage Instructions: You can use "photoconductive cell" when talking about technology, especially in fields like electronics, physics, or photography. It’s a technical term, so it’s more common in scientific discussions.
Example Sentence: "The alarm system uses a photoconductive cell to detect changes in light levels, ensuring that it activates if someone enters the room."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, you might talk about the applications of photoconductive cells in solar panels, light meters, or cameras, where they play a crucial role in converting light energy into electrical energy or signals.
Word Variants: - Photoconductivity (noun): The property of a material to conduct electricity better when exposed to light. - Photoconductor (noun): A material or device that exhibits photoconductivity.
Different Meaning: While "photoconductive cell" specifically refers to devices that detect light, the term "cell" in other contexts can refer to a small room (like a prison cell) or a basic unit of life in biology (like a plant cell).
Synonyms: - Photoresistor - Light-dependent resistor (LDR)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "photoconductive cell," as it is a technical term. However, in discussions about technology, you might encounter phrases like "turn on the light" or "light up," though these do not directly relate to the term itself.
Summary: A photoconductive cell is a device that detects light, changing its electrical properties when exposed to light.