A thermopile is a device that is used to detect radiant energy. When radiant energy is absorbed by a thermopile, it generates a small voltage, which can be measured by a voltmeter. This is because the thermopile is made up of a series of thermocouples, which are devices that generate a voltage when there is a difference in temperature between their ends. When the thermopile absorbs radiant energy, it causes a temperature difference between the ends of the thermocouples, which in turn generates a voltage. Therefore, the correct option is: radiant energy.