Types of Photo Cell

The physics world circumcises the inner workings of the world. It revolves around the study of forces and energies that surround us. This dome of study is keenly related to light energy. 

One such explanation for light energy in physics is photocells or photoelectric cells. These photoelectric cells play a role in the explanation of what could happen to light energy. It also emphasizes what can be utilized through light energy. The photo cells can be classified into various types. However, before we dive into knowing the types of the photocell, it is very important to know the base. Let us begin with understanding what photocell is. We will then have a look at the types of the photocell. 

What is a photocell?

In a general explanation, a photocell is a medium to convert light energy into electrical energy. Photocells are considered to be resistors that continue to fluctuate the resistive value. This fluctuation depends majorly on the light and its intensity.

The idea on which the photocell works is the resistance of electricity and the effect of photoelectric. Photoelectric is the process where electrons emit after electromagnetic radiation hits an object. Here, light is considered to be electromagnetic radiation and emits electrons. 

The photocells are also known by different terms. Photocells are called CdS cells, as they are made of Cadmium-Sulfide. The photocells are also known by the term Light-Dependent Resistors (LDR). The photocells are also known to be sensors as they can depict the smallest fraction of light. The photocells are also known as photoresistors. 

Today, photocells are used across various fields. Right from making the toys to creating various equipment, the use of photocells has spanned various fields. Let us understand where the application of photocells has worked. 

Application of photocells:

The use of photocells has expanded to various fields. Technicians are making use of this resistor plus sensor to create various innovations and apply it to different sectors. Below are some points that emphasize the application of photocells. 

• Photocells are an essential component in streetlights. The streetlights are automatic lights. The photocells are used to activate the light when it is dark. It deactivates the street light during the daytime. 
• Photocells are also used in races. These cells are used in timers to calculate the timing and speed of the racer. 
• Photocells are also an essential medium to count the number of vehicles on the road or any showroom. 
• Photocells are also used in alarms, especially to detect any kind of movement. These alarms are used in colonies to avoid suspected theft. 
• In robotics, photocells are used to direct the robots’ movements. These cells can direct the robot to hide in the dark or follow the light. 
• Photocells are also a kind of sensor. They are used in stores and shops to detect unpurchased items. 
• Photocells are used for sound production. 

These are the applications of photocells. There are various types of the photocell. Let us know them in detail. 

Types of photocell:

There are 3 common types of the photocell. These are:

Photovoltaic cell:

A photovoltaic cell is a type of photocell that is used to convert solar energy to electrical energy. It consists of a semiconductor material that absorbs the photons that are present in the rays of sunlight to generate a flow of electrons. This flow of electrons generates an electric current that is often referred to as solar electricity.

Charge coupled devices:

Almost all the pictures that are taken today are done using a photosensor. One of the most accurate photosensors is a charge-coupled device or CCD. It captures the photons that are reflected by an object and breaks down the image into pixels.

Each photon that hits the CCD is converted into an electrical charge. The intensity of the electrical charge is matched with the energy of the photon. It is often used in scientific imagery from taking in-depth pictures of molecules or large galaxies.

Photoresistor:

A photoresistor is a special type of photocell that changes its resistance based on the amount of light that is falling on it. One of the best examples of such a photocell is an LDR or a Light Dependent Resistor.

An LDR is a component used in electric circuits, the resistance of an LDR decreases with an increase in the amount of light that falls onto it. For example, if an LDR is connected to a battery and more light falls on it, it will allow more current to pass through it.

Conclusion:

In a general explanation, a photocell is a medium to convert light energy into electrical energy. Photocells are considered to be resistors that continue to fluctuate the resistive value. This fluctuation depends majorly on the light and its intensity. The ideal on which the photocell work is the resistance of electricity and the effect of photoelectric. Photoelectric is the process where electrons emit after electromagnetic radiation hits an object. Here, light is considered to be electromagnetic radiation and emits electrons. Photocells can be designed to work differently to achieve different goals. They can be designed to convert solar energy into electricity like a photovoltaic cell or can be used to pass more or less current in a circuit based on the light that falls on them as in an LDR and so on. The use of photocells has expanded to various fields. Technicians are making use of this resistor, plus sensor to create various innovations and apply it to different sectors.