Photoswitch
Encyclopedia
A photoswitch is a kind of sensor
that detects the presence of light
, generally in a certain wavelength
. Photoswitches are used for numerous scientific and manufacturing applications. They are also commonly used in residential areas to turn lights on and off based on the time of day. It is a photo-electric cell connected to a circuit that measures how much electricity the cell produces and according the setting of minimum and maximum lux level, the circuit decides and gives the output.
(popular culture) Photoswitch shows itself in many places, not least of which is Star Trek. In Episode 207, entitled "Rules of Acquisition", the Ferengi character Quark receives a large load of "Photoswitches" in the early part of the show. From the episode:
Sensor
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, a mercury-in-glass thermometer converts the measured temperature into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated...
that detects the presence of light
Light
Light or visible light is electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye, and is responsible for the sense of sight. Visible light has wavelength in a range from about 380 nanometres to about 740 nm, with a frequency range of about 405 THz to 790 THz...
, generally in a certain wavelength
Wavelength
In physics, the wavelength of a sinusoidal wave is the spatial period of the wave—the distance over which the wave's shape repeats.It is usually determined by considering the distance between consecutive corresponding points of the same phase, such as crests, troughs, or zero crossings, and is a...
. Photoswitches are used for numerous scientific and manufacturing applications. They are also commonly used in residential areas to turn lights on and off based on the time of day. It is a photo-electric cell connected to a circuit that measures how much electricity the cell produces and according the setting of minimum and maximum lux level, the circuit decides and gives the output.
Popular Culture
In popular culturePopular culture
Popular culture is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the...
(popular culture) Photoswitch shows itself in many places, not least of which is Star Trek. In Episode 207, entitled "Rules of Acquisition", the Ferengi character Quark receives a large load of "Photoswitches" in the early part of the show. From the episode:
- Quark's Cousin: Where does this load of Photoswitches go?
- Quark: Um, Over there.