photodetectors

Photodetectors are devices that sense and convert light into electrical signals. They operate by capturing photons—particles of light—and generating a small electrical current proportional to the light's intensity. These devices are essential in various applications like cameras, medical imaging, fiber-optic communications, and safety sensors. Different types, such as photodiodes and photomultiplier tubes, are designed for specific sensitivities and speed. Overall, photodetectors enable technology to interact with and interpret the visual world, translating light into useful electronic data for analysis or display.