In 1887, Heinrich Hertz's discovery of the photoelectric effect paved the way for the invention of the photocell, a device that converts light into electrical energy. This breakthrough enabled the development of light-sensitive consumer electronics, including automatic doors and cameras. Hertz's work laid the foundation for modern physics and technology, influencing various fields such as telecommunications and renewable energy.

The invention of the photocell in 1887, which applied the photoelectric effect, inspired modernist poetry with metaphors of light sensitivity and perception. Poets began to explore the relationship between technology and human experience, reflecting on how innovations shape our understanding of the world.