Wavelength and resistance of an LDR

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) and their spectral response to different wavelengths of light. The original poster is exploring how to measure changes in light intensity from a single light source while accounting for the varying resistance of the LDR at different wavelengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers various types of LDRs and other resistors that might have uniform spectral responses. They also inquire about methods to compensate for the spectral response of the LDR when measuring light intensity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered suggestions for correcting readings based on the LDR's data and have raised questions about the nature of the light source. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, with one participant expressing appreciation for the guidance received.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is specifically interested in measuring the intensity of individual wavelengths from a light source that emits multiple wavelengths, which adds complexity to the problem.

Deleted member 74205

Homework Statement



Light Dependent Resistors appear to have a spectral response; that is, at different wavelengths of light, the LDR will become less resistant than at others. For example, a cadmium sulphide LDR has a high response at 550 as shown at http://www.biltek.tubitak.gov.tr/gelisim/elektronik/dosyalar/25/LDR_NSL19_M51.pdf on page 2. This may adjust the response to light at a singe given light intensity.
I am trying to measure the change in light intensity from a singular light source as it varies with wavelength, so as you can imagine the above factor causes me a problem. Is/are there either a) a kind of LDR that as a completely uniform "spectral response" or b) other kinds of resistors which have different spectral responses that could be used to compensate for this one or c) another way of compensating for the problem?

Homework Equations



Not Applicable

The Attempt at a Solution


Other kinds of LDR which have the same response at different wavelengths
an LDR with a uniform spectral response
some kind of scale which adjusts for the problem
 
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I think you have to use the data on the LDR to correct your readings for different wavelengths. You are given the relationship between resistance and Lumens, so that is a simple calculation. Then to correct for wavelength, divide the calculated intensity by the percentage response for that wavelength.
 
I think this is reasoable; what I'm confused is whether your light source has a spectral shift versus intensity and that's part of the problem. Maybe if I had a bigger picture of what you're trying to do here, could be of more help. When i worked with light as a grad student, monochromatic filters and neutral density filters were essential tools of the trade.
 
Thanks Mentz114, that was really helpful, and I think may have fixed my problem. :D

Just for completeness, in response to denverdoc, the light source has many wavelengths, the task is to find the intensity of each individual wavelength.
 

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