phototransistor
noun
pho·to·tran·sis·tor
ˌfō-tō-tran-ˈzi-stər 
-tran(t)-ˈsi-
: a photoconductive semiconductor device used especially as a photodetector
Examples of phototransistor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The scientists developed a 2D active pixel sensor array in which each pixel possessed a single programmable phototransistor.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2022
Reflected light from the upper eyelid is measured 500 times per second by a phototransistor positioned alongside the LED.
—Jim Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 7 July 2014
The capsule has tiny phototransistors that send the light information to a microprocessor, which broadcasts it wirelessly to a computer or smartphone.
—Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, 25 May 2018
Not much, but enough for a custom phototransistor to capture it and relay that information to a microprocessor—which sent the signal to an Android app developed by an undergraduate engineering student.
—Megan Molteni, WIRED, 24 May 2018
IEEE Spectrum, 30 Nov. 2022
Reflected light from the upper eyelid is measured 500 times per second by a phototransistor positioned alongside the LED.
—Jim Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 7 July 2014
The capsule has tiny phototransistors that send the light information to a microprocessor, which broadcasts it wirelessly to a computer or smartphone.
—Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, 25 May 2018
Not much, but enough for a custom phototransistor to capture it and relay that information to a microprocessor—which sent the signal to an Android app developed by an undergraduate engineering student.
—Megan Molteni, WIRED, 24 May 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phototransistor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1950, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near phototransistor
Cite this Entry
“Phototransistor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phototransistor. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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