A device that changes resistance when light falls on it Similar to a light dependent resistor or LDR This cell does not produce an output current - see Solar cell for output current
{i} electric eye, photoelectric cell, device that uses light to regulate or produce an electrical current
or photoelectric cell or electric eye Solid-state device with a photosensitive cathode that emits electrons when illuminated and an anode for collecting the emitted electrons. Illumination excites electrons, which are attracted to the anode, producing current proportional to the intensity of the illumination. In a photovoltaic cell, light is used to produce voltage. In a photoconductive cell, light is used to regulate the flow of current. Photocells are used in control systems, where interrupting a beam of light opens a circuit, actuating a relay that supplies power to a mechanism to bring about a desired operation, such as opening a door or setting off a burglar alarm. Photocells are also used in photometry and spectroscopy
A light-controlled variable resistor that has a light-to-dark resistance ratio of 1: 1,000; used in various types of control and timing circuits