Optocoupler

An Optocoupler, also known as an Opto-isolator or Photo-coupler, is an electronic components that interconnects two separate electrical circuits by means of a light sensitive optical interface.

Optocoupler Types
The photo-transistor and photo-darlington devices are mainly for use in DC circuits while the photo-SCR and photo-triac allow AC powered circuits to be controlled. There are many other kinds of source-sensor combinations, such as LED-photodiode, LED-LASER, lamp-photoresistor pairs, reflective and slotted optocouplers.

References :
http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/blog/optocoupler.html