photodetector

noun

pho·​to·​de·​tec·​tor ˌfō-tō-di-ˈtek-tər 

: any of various devices for detecting and measuring the intensity of radiant energy through photoelectric action

Examples of photodetector in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a solid-state photodetector, is at the heart of this innovation. —Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2025

Rudra used the film to develop a photodetector for infrared light. —IEEE Spectrum, 7 Aug. 2025

Each robot also had a photodetector that could sense the polarity of light, allowing basic commands to be sent using a simple flashlight with a polarization filter. —Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025

The connecting electronics can also be made largely transparent so that the entire photodetector array transmits up to 95 per cent of the light hitting it. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for photodetector

• bisector
• collector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector

Medical Definition

photodetector

noun

pho·​to·​de·​tec·​tor -di-ˈtek-tər 

: any of various devices for detecting and measuring the intensity of radiant energy through photoelectric action

… the pulse oximeter incorporates both photodiodes and photodetector in a fingertip sensor that can be clipped or taped to the patient's finger.

—The New England Journal of Medicine