Sensor Description:

The DT009 is a high precision, quick response light sensor, designed for measurements of light in a range of 0¸ 6.6 Lux. The DT009 uses Fourier Systems’ Egg-Shaped sensor case. The DT009 is ideal for light interference and light diffraction measurements.

Inside the DT009 there is a high precision Photoelectric cell. Inside a photoelectric cell there is a small plate, made of elements called "pin-diodes". When a photoelectric cell is charged with a fixed voltage, any photon (the particles light is composed of) that hits the pin-diodes will make the photoelectric cell release an electron. The result is that when light level is higher, the photoelectric cell will output a higher electric current. The current from the cell then goes through a resistor. Voltage is measured on the resistor and then adjusted to the range of 0-5 Volts, accepted by the analog-digital converter of the Data Logger. The proper result is then recorded into the Logger’s memory.

The DT009 is automatically calibrated. No further calibration is needed.

The DT009 has two main uses: First, as a high precision light sensor, the DT009 is used in experiments such as diffraction and interference of light. Second, due to it’s quick responsiveness, the DT009 can use as an excellent photogate. Such a Photogate is used in experiments such as Impulse and Momentum. The following graph displays an experiment of impulse and momentum performed using the DT009.