APPLICATIONS OF RADIANT ENERGY 16-3

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WAVE
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LENGTH IN MICRONS
1 micron =
10,000 Angstroms =
1/10,000 centimeter
FIG. 16-2. Relative response of several sensitive elements to energy of different
wavelengths.
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MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS OF LIGHT
Automatic Control with Photoelectric-Cell-Operated Relays
A number of energy-beam, photocell-operated relay applications have
been developed.
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Typical of the common uses are door opening and
closing, burglar alarm operation, safety shutoff of hazardous machinery,
conveyor control, production-unit counting, and production-quality con-
trol. In schoolrooms photocell control of electrical illumination has been
used.
A light, ultraviolet, or infrared energy beam and photocell combination
may be arranged in such a manner that action takes place either upon
incidence of the beam on the cell or upon interception of the beam and
darkening of the cell. Typical installations are shown in Fig. 16-3
Use of Light in Horticulture
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The growth of plants is a complicated process. Roots absorb water and
mineral salts from soil. A stem carries these materials to leaves and
blossoms. Leaves extract carbon dioxide from the air. With the aid of a
green pigment known as chlorophyll, carbon dioxide has the ability to
absorb light energy which, combining with water and mineral salts taken
from soil by roots, forms the sugars and the starches needed for plant life.
The process is known as photosynthesis. During the process a leaf breathes
in carbon dioxide, retains carbon in carbohydrates, and liberates oxygen.
The time of bloom of most plants is determined primarily by the total
number of hours of light received in each 24-hour day.