Abstract

The general purpose photoconductive cell is also known as LDR – light dependent resistor. It is a
type of semiconductor and its conductivity changes with proportional change in the intensity of
light. There are two common types of materials used to manufacture the photoconductive cells.
They are Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) and Cadmium Selenide (CdSe). Extrinsic devices have
impurities added, which have a ground state energy closer to the conduction band - since the
electrons don't have as far to jump, lower energy photons (i.e. longer wavelengths and lower
frequencies) are sufficient to trigger the device. Two of its earliest applications were as part of
smoke and fire detection systems and camera light meters. The structure is covered with glass
sheet to protect it from moisture and dust and allows only light to fall on it.

Objective
To study the variations, in current flowing in a circuit containing a LDR, because of a variation:-
(a) In the power of the incandescent lamp, used to ‘illuminate’ the LDR. (Keeping all the lamps at
a fixed distance).
(b) In the distance of a incandescent lamp, (of fixed power), used to ‘illuminate’ the LDR.

Theory
1.) LDR and its characteristics When light is incident on it, a photon is absorbed and thereby it
excites an electron from valence band into conduction band. Due to such new electrons coming
up in conduction band area, the electrical resistance of the device decreases. Thus the LDR or
photo-conductive transducer has the resistance which is the inverse function of radiation intensity.

λ0 = threshold wavelength, in meters e = charge on one electron, in Coulombs Ew = work function

of the metal used, in Ev
Here we must note that any radiation with wavelength greater than the value obtained in above
equation CANNOT PRODUCE any change in the resistance of this device. The band gap energy
of Cadmium Sulphide is 2.42eV and for Cadmium Selenide it is1.74eV. Due to such large energy
gaps, both the materials have extremely high resistivity at room temperature.

Characteristics of photoconductive cells

Now when the device is kept in darkness, its resistance is called as dark resistance. This resistance
is typically of the order of 1013 ohms. When light falls on it, its resistance decreases up to several
kilo ohms or even hundreds of ohms, depending on the intensity of light, falling on it. The spectral
response characteristics of two commercial cells were compared in our laboratory. And we found
that there is almost no response to the radiation of a wavelength which was shorter than 300nm.
It was very interesting to note that the Cadmium Sulphide cell has a peak response nearer or within
the green color of the spectrum within a range of 520nm. Thus it can be used nearer to the infra-
red region up to 750nm. It was found that the maximum response of Cadmium Sulphoselenide is
in the yellow-orange range at 615nm and also it can be used in the infra-red region up to about
970nm.

Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a photo detector is the relationship between the light falling on the device and
the resulting output signal. In the case of a photocell, one is dealing with the relationship between
the incident light and the corresponding resistance of the cell.

Spectral Response
Like the human eye, the relative sensitivity of a photoconductive cell is dependent on the
wavelength (color) of the incident light. Each photoconductor material type has its own unique
spectral response curve or plot of the relative response of the photocell versus wavelength of light.

Materials Required:
• Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
• Connecting Wires
• Source of different power rating (bulbs)
• Bulb Holder
• Metre scale
• Multi Meter
• Battery

Circuit Diagram
Procedure:
Choose a specific position for the source and mount it using a holder, make sure it is stable.
 Select the bulb with the lowest power rating and connect it to the holder as shown in the figure.
 Connect the LDR, battery(6V) and the multimeter in series.
 Set the multimeter to ohm section and select suitable range and measure the resistance with a
bulb on.
 Similarly switch to current section and move to micro ampere in the multimeter. This gives the
value of the current.
 Repeat these steps with different power sources at different distances and note down
observations

Observations
The experiment has been conducted by using various sources with different power ratings. Voltage
of the battery = 6 V
Application :-
Lead sulfide (PbS) and indium antimonide (InSb) LDRs are used for the mid infrared spectral
region. GeCu photoconductors are among the best farinfrared detectors available, and are used
for infrared astronomy and infrared spectroscopy.

Analog Applications
· Camera Exposure Control
· Auto Slide Focus - dual cell
· Photocopy Machines - density of toner
· Colorimetric Test Equipment
· Densitometer
· Electronic Scales - dual cell
· Automatic Gain Control – modulated light source
· Automated Rear View Mirror

Digital Applications
· Automatic Headlight Dimmer
· Night Light Control
· Oil Burner Flame Out
· Street Light Control
· Position Sensor

Conclusion
 The LDR resistance decreases with increase in intensity of light and hence there is an increase
in the flow of current.
 There is an increase in the current as the distance from the source decreases.
 The intensity decreases as the distance from the source increases
 The error lies within the experimental limit.

References
 NCERT physics class XII
 Art of Electronics by paul worowitz
 www.wikipedia.com/
 www.electronics2000.co.uk/links/education-hobby/
 www.ecelab.com/