A photosensitive detector used to convert a light signal back into an electrical form is a(n) _____.

A photosensitive detector is a crucial component in fiber optic communication systems as it plays the role of converting incoming light signals into electrical signals. This process is essential for interpreting the information carried by the light wave.

The photosensitive detector works by absorbing photons and generating an electrical current or voltage that corresponds to the light intensity and characteristics of the signal. In this context, it functions as a receiver, effectively translating the optical data into a format that can be processed by other electronic systems. This process is vital for any fiber optic application, as it enables the information encoded in light to be understood and utilized.

The other roles mentioned, such as a transmitter, modulator, and amplifier, do not pertain to this conversion from light to electricity. Transmitters are responsible for sending the light signals, modulators are used to encode the data onto the light signal, and amplifiers boost the strength of the signal to prevent loss over distance. Therefore, the designation of the photosensitive detector as a receiver is aligned with its primary function in the optical communication chain.