LDR (Light Dependent Resistor)

An LDR (Light dependent resistor), as its name suggests, offers resistance in response to the ambient light. The resistance decreases as the intensity of incident light increases, and vice versa. In the absence of light, LDR exhibits a resistance of the order of mega-ohms which decreases to few hundred ohms in the presence of light. It can act as a sensor, since a varying voltage drop can be obtained in accordance with the varying light. It is made up of cadmium sulphide (CdS). 

 

An LDR has a zigzag cadmium sulphide track. It is a bilateral device, i.e., conducts in both directions in same fashion.

PIN Diagram :

Working : 

  The animation opposite shows that when the torch is turned on, the resistance of the LDR falls, allowing current to pass through it.

  LDRs or Light Dependent Resistors are very useful especially in light/dark sensor circuits. Normally the resistance of an LDR is very high, sometimes as high as 1000 000 ohms, but when they are illuminated with light resistance drops dramatically.

This is an example of a light sensor circuit :

When the light level is low the resistance of the LDR is high. This prevents current from flowing to the base of the transistors. Consequently the LED does not light.

However, when light shines onto the LDR its resistance falls and current flows into the base of the first transistor and then the second transistor. The LED lights.

The preset resistor can be turned up or down to increase or decrease resistance, in this way it can make the circuit more or less sensitive.