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

The receptor for wireless telegraphy and telephony is the same and may include either a crystal detector or a vacuum tube detector, as will be explained presently.

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

Connect it into your secondary circuit instead of the crystal detector.

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

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

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

If you understand how the audion works as a detector you will have no difficulty in understanding the crystal detector.

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