An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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A detector usually constituted by a p-n junction. Upon irradiation, the electron-hole pairs which are created, are immediately separated by the strong electric field across the junction, and a current is generated, which is proportional to the number of incident photons per second.

→ photo- + → voltaic; → detector.

Of, relating to electricity or electric currents, especially when produced by chemical action, as in a cell. → photovoltaic detector.

Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), Italian physicist, known for his pioneering work in electricity.