Abstract
A descriptive account of the discussion on photoelectric cells arranged by the Physical and Optical Societies appeared in the issue of NATURE for June 21, 1930. This volume contains the original papers contributed by various authors, together with the general discussion which took place at the meetings at the Imperial College of Science and Technology. The subject affords an excellent illustration of the importance of research in pure science, as few of the original workers in the subject of photo-electricity could have anticipated the various technical applications which have arisen in connexion with their discoveries. Not only in photometry, but also in connexion with such diverse problems as talking films and photo-therapy, photo-electric cells have been employed, and the successful solution of the problem of television is probably to be found through their use. The relative merits of different types of cell provided material for much discussion, but as the sensitivity of a cell is largely a matter of definition, no general agreement was reached. It is probable that the rivalry between the alkali metal cell and the selenium cell will continue, as each type seems to possess advantages for special purposes. Although theoretical questions were not the main subject of the discussion, some interesting papers were contributed dealing with the theory of photo-electric action, notably Dr. N. R. Campbell's paper on selective photoelectric emission.
Photo-electric Cells and their Applications: a Discussion at a Joint Meeting of the Physical and Optical Societies, June 4 and 5, 1930.
Dr. John S. Anderson. Pp. 236. (London: The Physical and Optical Societies, 1930.) 12s. 6d.
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Photo-electric Cells and their Applications: a Discussion at a Joint Meeting of the Physical and Optical Societies, June 4 and 5, 1930 . Nature 127, 196 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/127196b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/127196b0