# photocathode

> surface which converts light into electrons via the photoelectric effect

**Wikidata**: [Q1891923](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1891923)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photocathode)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/photocathode

## Summary
A photocathode is a surface that converts light into electrons via the photoelectric effect. It is a specialized type of electrode used in various electronic and optical devices, including photomultipliers and solar cells. The term is used across multiple languages, reflecting its global relevance in scientific and industrial applications.

## Key Facts
- A photocathode is a subclass of an electrode, specifically designed to convert light into electrons.
- It is known by aliases such as Fotokathode, 光電發射體, 多鹼光陰極, 光阴极, and المهبط الضوئي.
- The GND ID for photocathode is 4174510-3.
- The IEV number for photocathode is 881-13-64.
- The Freebase ID for photocathode is /m/02ghp8, referenced from a publication dated October 28, 2013.
- The Wikipedia title for photocathode is "Photocathode," available in multiple languages including Arabic, Belarusian, Catalan, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Armenian, Kazakh, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Simple English, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
- The Wikidata description of a photocathode is "surface which converts light into electrons via the photoelectric effect."
- The Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID for photocathode is technology/photocathode.
- The Great Russian Encyclopedia portal ID for photocathode is fotokatod-edfd14.
- The Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued) for photocathode is 13115443.

## FAQs
**What is the primary function of a photocathode?**
A photocathode converts light into electrons through the photoelectric effect, making it essential for devices like photomultipliers and solar cells.

**In which languages is the Wikipedia article on photocathode available?**
The Wikipedia article on photocathode is available in Arabic, Belarusian, Catalan, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Armenian, Kazakh, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Simple English, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

**What are some of the aliases for photocathode?**
Photocathode is also known as Fotokathode, 光電發射體, 多鹼光陰極, 光阴极, and المهبط الضوئي.

**What is the GND ID for photocathode?**
The GND ID for photocathode is 4174510-3.

**What is the IEV number for photocathode?**
The IEV number for photocathode is 881-13-64.

## Why It Matters
A photocathode plays a crucial role in various electronic and optical applications by efficiently converting light into electrons. Its ability to harness the photoelectric effect makes it indispensable in devices such as photomultipliers, which amplify light signals, and solar cells, which convert sunlight into electrical energy. The widespread use of photocathodes in scientific research and industrial applications underscores their significance in advancing technologies related to light detection and energy conversion.

## Notable For
- Being a subclass of an electrode, specifically designed for light-to-electron conversion.
- Having multiple language aliases, reflecting its global application in scientific and industrial fields.
- Being referenced in the Encyclopædia Britannica Online and the Great Russian Encyclopedia, indicating its broad recognition in academic and encyclopedic contexts.
- Having a Wikipedia article available in multiple languages, demonstrating its widespread interest and study across different regions.

## Body
### Classification and Function
A photocathode is a specialized type of electrode that converts light into electrons through the photoelectric effect. This process is fundamental in devices such as photomultipliers and solar cells, where light detection and energy conversion are critical functions.

### Identifiers and References
The photocathode is identified by several unique identifiers, including the GND ID 4174510-3 and the IEV number 881-13-64. It is also referenced in the Freebase database under the ID /m/02ghp8, with a publication date of October 28, 2013. Additionally, the Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued) for photocathode is 13115443.

### Language and Cultural Representation
The photocathode is represented in various languages, with a Wikipedia article available in Arabic, Belarusian, Catalan, German, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Armenian, Kazakh, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Simple English, Swedish, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. This multilingual presence highlights its global relevance and study.

### Academic and Encyclopedic Recognition
The photocathode is recognized in academic and encyclopedic sources, including the Encyclopædia Britannica Online under the ID technology/photocathode and the Great Russian Encyclopedia portal under the ID fotokatod-edfd14. These references underscore its importance in scientific and educational contexts.

### Aliases and Terminology
The photocathode is known by several aliases, including Fotokathode, 光電發射體, 多鹼光陰極, 光阴极, and المهبط الضوئي. These terms reflect its usage in different linguistic and cultural contexts, further emphasizing its widespread application.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)