Abstract: A sensor element with a memory for changes of the incident light intensity. The sensor element comprises a light-sensitive element connected in series with a fixed resistor, and a light modulator shunted either across the light-sensitive element or the resistor. The light modulator influences the incidence of light onto the light-sensitive element. The reflection, absorption and/or transmission behavior of the light modulator changes as a function of the applied voltage or the current. The sensor element according to the invention has the advantage that it can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively so that it is also suitable for use in large arrays.

Abstract: A position transmitter which determines the point of incidence of a light or particle beam on a sensor array, and the output signal of which gives the point of incidence in a digital code. The position transmitter comprises a sensor array having diodes which are arranged on a substrate and are connected at least partly to each other as well as to a digital bus, of which a part of the array generates electron-hole pairs if the light or particle beam strikes, and another part of the diode array arranged in accordance with the desired code is switched off in its function.