Quantum Efficiency
The quantum efficiency (QE), or incident photon to converted electron (IPCE) ratio, of a photosensitive device or a charge-coupled device (CCD) is the percentage of photons hitting the device's photoreactive surface that produce charge carriers. It is measured in electrons per photon or amps per watt. QE is a measurement of a device's electrical sensitivity to light. Since the energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength, QE is often measured over a range of different wavelengths to characterize a device's efficiency at each photon energy level. The QE for photons with energy below the band gap is zero. Photographic film typically has a QE of much less than 10%, while CCDs can have a QE of well over 90% at some wavelengths.
Read more about Quantum Efficiency: Quantum Efficiency of Solar Cells, Spectral Responsivity
Famous quotes containing the words quantum and/or efficiency:
“But how is one to make a scientist understand that there is something unalterably deranged about differential calculus, quantum theory, or the obscene and so inanely liturgical ordeals of the precession of the equinoxes.”
—Antonin Artaud (1896–1948)
“I’ll take fifty percent efficiency to get one hundred percent loyalty.”
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