INDEX

1. Introduction 01
2. Application 02
3. Aim 03
4. Apparatus 04
5. Theory 05
6. Procedure 08
7. Observation 11
8. Precautions 13
9. Source of error 13
10. Conclusion 14

INTRODUCTION
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.

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
· Electronic Scales - dual cell
· Automated Rear View Mirror
Digital Applications
· Automatic Headlight Dimmer
· Night Light Control
· Oil Burner Flame Out
· Street Light Control
· Position Sensor

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.

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

Circuit Diagram

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.