crystal detector

American  

noun

Radio.

1. a device for rectifying a modulated radio-frequency signal, consisting of a crystal of germanium, silicon, galena, or the like with a cat whisker contact, permitting a high-frequency current to pass freely in one direction only: one of the two principal components of a crystal set.

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crystal detector British  

noun

1. electronics a demodulator, used esp in microwave circuits and in early radio receivers, consisting of a thin metal wire in point contact with a semiconductor crystal

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Etymology

Origin of crystal detector

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

But hidden in Becky's suitcase was a sophisticated sodium iodide crystal detector to sniff minute amounts of gamma radiation from as far away as another room.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then place the variable condenser, the rheostat, the crystal detector and the binding posts for the head phones in front of and in a line with each other.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)

Don't try to use a loud speaker with a crystal detector receiving set.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)

Whatever voltage there may be across the condenser of this circuit is applied to the crystal detector.

From Letters of a Radio-Engineer to His Son by Mills, John

Don't use a wire larger than No. 80 for the wire electrode of a crystal detector.

From The Radio Amateur's Hand Book by Collins, A. Frederick (Archie Frederick)