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photoelectric cell
photoelectric cell
- An electronic device having an electrical output that varies in response to the strength of incident electromagnetic radiation, especially visible light. Photoelectric cells make use of the photoelectric effect , in which electrons are displaced by photons in substances such as silicon or selenium to generate a voltage in response to radiation. Photoelectric cells are used to detect light electronically in cameras and night vision apparatus and to generate electrical power in solar cells.
- Also called photovoltaic cell
- See also solar cell
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Word History and Origins
Origin of photoelectric cell1
First recorded in 1890–95
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