Infrared Detectors for Wavelengths from 1.5 to 4 microns

TE-Cooled Photovoltaic (Most Sensitive)

Our most sensitive candidate is the TE-cooled photovoltaic PDI-2TE-4. It is approximately as sensitive as TE-cooled PbS at low frequencies and is considerably more sensitive at higher frequencies. Note that the PDI-series devices incorporate immersion lens technology and the lenses begin to absorb at wavelengths shorter than 1.5 microns, so they should not be used for these short wavelengths.

Uncooled Photovoltaic

We also have uncooled versions (PDI-4) which are a little more sensitive than PbS at moderate frequencies (10KHz) and much more sensitive at high frequencies (1 MHz).

Photoconductive (both cooled and uncooled)

Also the photoconductive PCI-4 and PCI-2TE-4 are designed for use in this region.   Photoconductive devices tend to have somewhat higher signal (responsivity) and sometimes S/N than photovoltaic equivalents when operated at optimum frequencies.   However, they exhibit excess noise at low frequencies (1/f noise) and require low noise electrical bias (PV devices are unbiased).  For this reason, the photovoltaic PDI-types are preferred for most applications.

Wide Spectral Region (Also Fastest)

Our fastest candidate devices are the photovoltaic PEM-L-series and PD-10.6 series, with < 0.5 and < 1 nanosecond response respectively.

Competing Technology

Competing technology is principally PbS and extended InGaAs. PbS is photoconductive, slow in response and exhibits significant 1/f noise. However, at its optimum chopping frequency PbS is more sensitive than our devices and it is cheap and plentiful. InGaAs is not so cheap and is faster than PbS. The longer the wavelength is extended, the poorer the performance.

• PDI-2TE Series
• PDI Series
• PCI Series
• PCI-2TE Series
• PEM-L Series

For a more general overview, see the Infrared Detectors page.

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