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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

crystal detector

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

This set is built up exactly like the crystal detector described above and shown in Fig.

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

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 A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins

The oscillations then flow through the closed circuit where they are rectified by the crystal detector and transformed into sound waves by the telephone receiver as described in connection with Set No. 1.

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

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

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

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