Infrared Detectors for wavelengths from 1.5 to 5 microns

TE-Cooled Photovoltaic (Most Sensitive)

Our most sensitive candidate is the TE-cooled photovoltaic PDI-2TE-5. It is more sensitive than TE-cooled PbSe at low frequencies and in 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-5) which are less sensitive than PbSe at moderate frequencies (10KHz) but much more sensitive at high frequencies (1 MHz).

Photoconductive (both cooled and uncooled)

Also the photoconductive PCI-M-5 and PCI-2TE-5 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 0.2 nanosecond response.

Competing Technology

Competing technology is principally PbSe and InSb. PbSe is photoconductive, slow in response and exhibits significant 1/f noise. However, at its optimum chopping frequency PbSe is quite sensitive and it is cheap and plentiful.

InSb is not so cheap and is faster than PbSe. It must be operated at LN₂ temperature which means bad logistics, costly dewars and high cost to purchase. For this you get only slightly better S/N than with the PDI-2TE-5.

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

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

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