US3628017A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ultraviolet light-sensitive cell using a substantially chemically unchanged semiconductor electrode in an electrolyte
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co Inc
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Filing: 1970-06-18
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Granted: 1971-12-14
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Expires: 1990-06-18
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to an ultraviolet light-sensitive cell which is useful for detecting and measuring the intensity of ultraviolet light. The cell comprises an electrolyte, a metalcontaining semiconductor electrode and a counter electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry Lerner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:30
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M14/00; H01M14/005; G; G01; G01J; G01J1/00; G01J1/48; H01G; H01G9/00; H01G9/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An ultraviolet light-sensitive cell comprising an envelope surrounding an electrolyte, an electrode comprising a layer of a semiconductor having a maximum resistance of about 106 ohms and a counterelectrode, the semiconductor comprises a compound of a metal and a nonmetallic element of Group VIA of the Periodic Table and additionally comprising a means for passing a direct current between the counter electrode and the semiconductor electrode and the cell being such that increased electrical current is generated in the cell as the semiconductor electrode is exposed to increasing intensities of ultraviolet radiation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cell of claim 2 wherein the semiconductor comprises a metal oxide or metal sulfide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cell of claim 3 wherein the metal oxide is stannic oxide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cell of claim 3 wherein the metal oxide is titanium dioxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The cell of claim 3 wherein the semiconductor is transparent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The cell of claim 1 wherein the counterelectrode comprises a noble metal and additionally comprises means for providing current through the light-sensitive cell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
In an ultraviolet light-sensitive system, a cell as defined by claim 1 and an electrical device responsive to the output of said cell.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
94 words
The method for detecting and measuring the intensity of ultraviolet light comprising illuminating a semiconductor material in contact with an electrolyte having a counterelectrode in electrical contact therewith, the electrolyte being substantially incapable of causing permanent chemical change of the semiconductor electrode and wherein the semiconductor electrode remains substantially chemically unchanged during operation of the cell, and measuring the current between the said semiconductor material and said counterelectrode and the cell being such that increased electrical current is generated in the cell as the semiconductor electrode is exposed to increasing intensities of ultraviolet radiation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as in claim 9 including the step of passing a current through the semiconductor material-electrolyte counterelectrode path, and measuring the change in current upon illumination of the semiconductor material with ultraviolet light.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
Method as in claim 9 wherein the semiconDuctor is stannic oxide or titanium dioxide.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
Method as in claim 9 wherein the semiconductor is stannic oxide and titanium dioxide.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USRE19218E
Cited
US3129148A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-13 | 1975-06-14 | 1975-12-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-13 | 1979-06-14 | 1979-12-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-13 | 1983-06-14 | 1983-12-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |