Abstract:
Apparatus and method for detecting relatively low intensity electromagnetic energy with high sensitivity comprises a transistor having a light sensitive base area, a current detector-load circuit coupled to its collector terminal, and a voltage control circuit coupled to its emitter terminal. The voltage control circuit serves to supply selective potentials to the emitter terminal in order to enable or inhibit conduction. The current detector-load circuit acts as a low impedance transistor collector load and monitors changes in conduction of the transistor.