Fotoladdad

Fotoladdad is a Swedish term that literally translates to “photocharged” and is used to describe materials, surfaces, or devices that acquire a net electric charge as a result of exposure to light or as a consequence of light-induced charge separation. The word combines foto- (light) and laddad (charged).

Usage and context: The term is predominantly found in Swedish-language science communication, education, and some research discussions. It is not a standard term in formal dictionaries or in all technical literature. The concept aligns with phenomena in photochemistry and solid-state physics where photons generate electron-hole pairs, leading to charge separation and sometimes surface charging.

In practice, fotoladdad may refer to photogenerated charge carriers in a semiconductor, light-induced charging of a colloidal particle or electrode, or surface charge buildup on photocatalysts or solar cells when illuminated. It can be used to describe the state of a device or material under illumination rather than a specific mechanism.

Limitations: Because fotoladdad is a colloquial term, its precise meaning depends on context and may vary between writers. For rigorous discussion, terms such as photogenerated charge, charge separation, surface charge, or photocurrent are preferred.

See also: Photochemistry, Photophysics, Photovoltaics, Photoelectric effect, Photocatalysis, Charge transfer.