A light dependent resistor (LDR), also known as a photoresistor or photocell, is a type of resistor whose resistance decreases with increasing incident light intensity. This change in resistance is due to the interaction of light photons with the semiconductor material within the LDR. When exposed to light, more photons are absorbed by the semiconductor, creating electron-hole pairs that increase its conductivity, thereby lowering its resistance. In darkness, the resistance of the LDR is high, limiting current flow.
The Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a passive electronic component that changes its resistance based on the amount of incident light. It consists of a semiconductor material, typically cadmium sulfide (CdS) or cadmium selenide (CdSe), whose conductivity varies with light intensity. This property makes LDRs useful in light-sensing applications where their resistance can be used to detect or measure the presence or absence of light. They are commonly used in circuits for controlling streetlights, photography exposure meters, and automatic night lights.
LDRs are widely used in various applications that require light sensing or control. They are commonly found in automatic lighting systems, where they detect ambient light levels and automatically switch on or off lighting fixtures based on the detected light intensity. LDRs are also used in cameras and photographic equipment to measure light levels for proper exposure settings. Additionally, they find applications in solar panels for tracking sunlight intensity and adjusting panel orientation for optimal energy generation.
An LDR sensor refers to a light dependent resistor that is integrated into a circuit or device specifically designed for light sensing purposes. These sensors utilize the variable resistance of the LDR to convert changes in light intensity into electrical signals that can be processed by electronic circuits or microcontrollers. LDR sensors are used in various automation and control systems where precise light detection or monitoring is required, such as in burglar alarms, outdoor lighting systems, and industrial automation.
Another common name for a Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) is a photoresistor. This term reflects its function as a resistor whose electrical resistance changes in response to incident light. The name “photoresistor” emphasizes its light-sensitive properties, distinguishing it from other types of resistors that do not exhibit such sensitivity to light. Photoresistors are widely used in electronics, automation, and consumer devices for light detection, control, and measurement applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.