photoelectric cell

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photoelectric cell (photocell) Device that produces electricity when light shines on it. It used to be an electron tube with a photosensitive cathode, but nearly all modern photocells are made using two electrodes separated by light-sensitive semiconductor material. Photoelectric cells are used as switches (electric eyes), light detectors (burglar alarms), devices to measure light intensity (light meters), and power sources (solar cells).

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