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

BATTERY, BOOSTER.—This is the battery that is connected in series with the crystal detector.

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

Our crystal detector produces the same results so far as giving us a steady component of current to send through a telephone receiver.

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

Don't expect a loop aerial to give worthwhile results with a crystal detector.

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

The crystal detector is the cheapest and simplest, but it is not as sensitive as the vacuum tube detector and it requires frequent adjustment.

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