Photoleitfähigkeitsänderungen

Photoleitfähig is a German term that translates to photoconductive in English. It describes the property of certain materials to increase their electrical conductivity when exposed to light. This phenomenon is the basis for many electronic devices. When photons, the particles of light, strike a photoleitfähig material, they transfer energy to the electrons within the material. If this energy is sufficient, electrons can be excited from their bound states into a state where they are free to move, thus increasing the material's conductivity. The greater the intensity of the light, the more photons are available to excite electrons, leading to a proportional increase in conductivity, up to a saturation point.

The degree of photoconductivity varies significantly depending on the material. Common examples of photoleitfähig materials include semiconductors like cadmium sulfide (CdS) and selenium. These materials are employed in a wide range of applications. For instance, they are used in light sensors for automatic streetlights, cameras, and solar cells, where they convert light energy into electrical signals or energy. The spectral response, meaning which wavelengths of light are most effective at inducing photoconductivity, is another important characteristic of these materials, allowing for specialized applications.