Hamamatsu Photonics will discontinue its cadmium sulfide (CdS) photocell product line by December of 2005.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (ROHS) Directive will restrict the import of cadmium containing products to the European Union. As a direct result of this, Hamamatsu will cease its production of photocells containing cadmium in the very near future. "Last orders" will be taken for the product through the end of this year, with December, 2005, as being the absolute cut-off date. After that time, we will be unable to accept any further orders. We will continue production to fulfill all of our final commitments though the end of June, 2006.

Please contact your local Hamamatsu office as soon as possible to discuss last orders and alternative products.

CdS sensors are low cost photoconductive devices for visible light measurement. Their resistance decreases as the light level increases. They are often used to qualitatively measure ambient light. They are found in toys, consumer applications and street light controls.