HgCdTe (MCT) Amplified Photodetectors
- HgCdTe (MCT) Detectors with Optically Immersed Sensors
- Three Models Available Covering 2.0 to 10.6 µm
- Adjustable Gain Selection
PDAVJ8
2.0 - 8.0 µm,
DC to 100 MHz
PDAVJ10
2.0 - 10.6 µm,
DC to 100 MHz
PDAVJ5
2.7 - 5.0 µm,
DC to 1 MHz
Please Wait
MIR Detector Selection Guidea | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Item # (Detector) | Detector Type | Wavelength Range |
Maximum Bandwidth |
Thermoelectric Cooler |
PDA10DT (InGaAs) | Photodiode | 0.9 - 2.57 µm | 1 MHz | Yes |
PDA10D2 (InGaAs) | Photodiode | 0.9 - 2.6 µm | 25 MHz | No |
PDA10PT (InAsSb) | Photodiode | 1.0 - 5.8 µm | 1.6 MHz | Yes |
PDA07P2 (InAsSb) | Photodiode | 2.7 - 5.3 µm | 9 MHz | No |
PDAVJ8 (HgCdTe) | Photodiode | 2.0 - 8.0 µm | 100 MHz | No |
PDAVJ10 (HgCdTe) | Photodiode | 2.0 - 10.6 µm | 100 MHz | No |
PDAVJ5 (HgCdTe) | Photodiode | 2.7 - 5.0 µm | 1 MHz | No |
PDA13L2 (LiTaO3) | Pyroelectric | 0.6 - 16 µm | 10 kHz | No |
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A hyperhemispherical lens forms an image on a virtual plane behind the sensor element, resulting in an effective optical area greater than the physical sensor area.
Click for Details
A standard hemispherical immersion lens forms an image in the plane of the sensor element.
Features
- Photovoltaic Detectors Sensitive to MIR Light:
- PDAVJ8: 2.0 - 8.0 µm
- PDAVJ10: 2.0 - 10.6 µm
- PDAVJ5: 2.7 - 5.0 µm
- High Bandwidth:
- PDAVJ8: True DC - 100 MHz
- PDAVJ10: True DC - 100 MHz
- PDAVJ5: True DC - 1 MHz
- Effective Detector Area: 1 mm2 (1 mm x 1 mm)
- Post Mountable in Two Orientations Using Universal 8-32 & M4 Tapped Holes
- External SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads and Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
- Location-Specific Power Adapter Included
Thorlabs' Amplified HgCdTe (mercury cadmium telluride, MCT) Photovoltaic Detectors are sensitive to MIR light. A rotary switch controls the gain amplifier (shown in the photo below), allowing performance to be optimized for a variety of applications. The gain switch features eight discrete steps from 0 to 30 dB (Item #s PDAVJ8 and PDAVJ10) or 0 to 42 dB (Item # PDAVJ5). For best results, we recommend connecting the output cable (not included) to a 50 Ω termination.
Each HgCdTe (MCT) sensor element is integrated with a hyperhemispherical GaAs lens to achieve optical immersion, and each detector is provided with a wedged ZnSe window that is AR-coated for the 2 - 13 µm wavelength range.
Click to Enlarge
Side View Showing Gain Adjuster
The detector package incorporates many of the same mechanical features as our other mounted photodetectors. External SM1 (1.035"-40) and internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threading allows Ø1" lens tubes or Ø1/2" lens tubes to be mounted in front of the detector element. Universal 8-32 & M4 tapped holes connect a Ø1/2" post to the housing in one of two perpendicular orientations.
Optically Immersed Sensor Element
Optical Immersion is used in these MCT detectors to produce a 1 mm2 effective detector area, approximately two orders of magnitude larger than the actual sensor, resulting in increased responsivity and reduced capacitance. This technique is performed by integrating the sensor element with a GaAs hyperhemispherical microlens, which has a high refractive index (n = 3.3) and is transparent to MIR wavelengths. The diagrams to the right illustrate the benefit of using a hyperhemispherical lens, rather than a hemispherical lens. A hemispherical lens focuses light onto the sensor plane (left diagram) and produces an image with dimensions larger than the physical sensor by a factor of n. The hyperhemispherical lens (right diagram) forms an image on a virtual focal plane located behind the sensor, and this image has dimensions larger than the physical sensor by a factor of n2. Note that the acceptance angle is reduced to 35° by the hyperhemispherical lens, in contrast to the 180° acceptance angle that would be obtained if a hemispherical lens were used.
Power Supply
An LDS12B ±12 V linear power supply that supports input voltages of 100, 120, and 230 VAC is included with each amplified photodetector. Replacement power supplies are available separately below. Before connecting the power supply to the mains, ensure that the line voltage switch on the power supply module is set to the proper voltage range. The power supplies should always be powered up using the power switch on the power supply iteslef. Hot plugging the unit is not recommended.
All specifications are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% relative humidity.
Item # | PDAVJ8 | PDAVJ10 | PDAVJ5 |
---|---|---|---|
Optical Specifications | |||
Wavelength Range | 2.0 - 8.0 μm | 2.0 - 10.6 μm | 2.7 - 5.0 μm |
Peak Wavelength (λP) | 6.5 μm | 6.5 μm | 4.75 μm |
Window Material | ZnSe | ||
Saturation Input Power | 250 µW | 500 µW | 200 µW |
Max Input Power (Photodiode Damage Threshold) |
CW or >1 µs Pulse: 2.5 W/cm2 <1 µs Pulse: 10 kW/cm2 |
||
Electrical Specifications | |||
Responsivity × Effective Detector Width @ λP | ≥0.04 A·mm/Wa | ≥0.01 A·mm/Wa | - |
Current Responsivity @ λP | - | - | ≥1 A/W |
Detectivity (D*) @ λP | ≥6.0×108 cm·Hz1/2·W-1 | ≥2.0×108 cm·Hz1/2·W-1 | ≥1.5×1010 cm·Hz1/2·W-1 |
Gain Adjustment Range | 30 dB | 30 dB | 42 dB |
Gain Steps | 8 | ||
Conversion Gain @ Gain = 8, λP | 6000 V/W | 4000 V/W | 200 000 V/W |
Conversion Gain @ Gain = 1, λP | 185 V/W | 120 V/W | 1500 V/W |
Output Bandwidth (3 dB) | DC - 100 MHzb | DC - 100 MHzb | DC - 1 MHzc |
Noise Equivalent Power (NEP)d | 170 pW/Hz1/2 | 210 pW/Hz1/2 | 14 pW/Hz1/2 |
Output Voltage (Max) | 0 - 1.0 V (50 Ω) 0 - 2.0 V (Hi-Z) |
||
Output Impedance | BNC, 50 Ω | ||
Output Current (Max) | 50 mA | ||
Output Offset Voltage | <±25 mV | ||
General Specifications | |||
Optical Input | Free Space | ||
Electrical Output | BNC | ||
Detector Element | HgCdTe (MCT), Optically Immersed | ||
Effective Detector Size | 1 mm x 1 mm, Multilayer | 1 mm x 1 mm, Multilayer | 1 mm x 1 mm, Single Layer |
Housing Dimensions | 70.9 mm × 54.1 mm × 22.5 mm (2.79" × 2.13" × 0.89") |
||
Depth of Detector Surfacee | 4.3 mm | ||
Depth of Protective Windowe | 1.1 mm | ||
Weight | Detector: 0.18 lbs (80 g) Power Supply: 0.9 lbs (400 g) |
||
Included Power Supply | ±12 V @ 250 mA (100/120/230 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, Switchable) |
||
Operating Temperature | 15 to 30 °C | ||
Storage Temperature | 0 to 45 °C |
Output Signal
BNC Female
0 - 1.0 V at 50 Ω
0 - 2.0 V at High Z
50 mA Max Current
Power Input
3-Pin Female
Photodiode Tutorial
Theory of Operation
A junction photodiode is an intrinsic device that behaves similarly to an ordinary signal diode, but it generates a photocurrent when light is absorbed in the depleted region of the junction semiconductor. A photodiode is a fast, highly linear device that exhibits high quantum efficiency and may be used in a variety of different applications.
It is necessary to be able to correctly determine the level of the output current to expect and the responsivity based upon the incident light. Depicted in Figure 1 is a junction photodiode model with basic discrete components to help visualize the main characteristics and gain a better understanding of the operation of Thorlabs' photodiodes.
Figure 1: Photodiode Model
Photodiode Terminology
Responsivity
The responsivity of a photodiode can be defined as a ratio of generated photocurrent (IPD) to the incident light power (P) at a given wavelength:
Modes of Operation (Photoconductive vs. Photovoltaic)
A photodiode can be operated in one of two modes: photoconductive (reverse bias) or photovoltaic (zero-bias). Mode selection depends upon the application's speed requirements and the amount of tolerable dark current (leakage current).
Photoconductive
In photoconductive mode, an external reverse bias is applied, which is the basis for our DET series detectors. The current measured through the circuit indicates illumination of the device; the measured output current is linearly proportional to the input optical power. Applying a reverse bias increases the width of the depletion junction producing an increased responsivity with a decrease in junction capacitance and produces a very linear response. Operating under these conditions does tend to produce a larger dark current, but this can be limited based upon the photodiode material. (Note: Our DET detectors are reverse biased and cannot be operated under a forward bias.)
Photovoltaic
In photovoltaic mode the photodiode is zero biased. The flow of current out of the device is restricted and a voltage builds up. This mode of operation exploits the photovoltaic effect, which is the basis for solar cells. The amount of dark current is kept at a minimum when operating in photovoltaic mode.
Dark Current
Dark current is leakage current that flows when a bias voltage is applied to a photodiode. When operating in a photoconductive mode, there tends to be a higher dark current that varies directly with temperature. Dark current approximately doubles for every 10 °C increase in temperature, and shunt resistance tends to double for every 6 °C rise. Of course, applying a higher bias will decrease the junction capacitance but will increase the amount of dark current present.
The dark current present is also affected by the photodiode material and the size of the active area. Silicon devices generally produce low dark current compared to germanium devices which have high dark currents. The table below lists several photodiode materials and their relative dark currents, speeds, spectral ranges, and costs.
Material | Dark Current | Speed | Spectral Range | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Silicon (Si) | Low | High Speed | Visible to NIR | Low |
Black Silicon (B-Si) | Low | Medium Speeda | Visible to NIR | Moderate |
Germanium (Ge) | High | Low Speed | NIR | Low |
Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) | Low | High Speed | NIR | Moderate |
Indium Arsenide Antimonide (InAsSb) | High | Low Speed | NIR to MIR | High |
Extended Range Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) | High | High Speed | NIR | High |
Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT, HgCdTe) | High | Low Speed | NIR to MIR | High |
Junction Capacitance
Junction capacitance (Cj) is an important property of a photodiode as this can have a profound impact on the photodiode's bandwidth and response. It should be noted that larger diode areas encompass a greater junction volume with increased charge capacity. In a reverse bias application, the depletion width of the junction is increased, thus effectively reducing the junction capacitance and increasing the response speed.
Bandwidth and Response
A load resistor will react with the photodetector junction capacitance to limit the bandwidth. For best frequency response, a 50 Ω terminator should be used in conjunction with a 50 Ω coaxial cable. The bandwidth (fBW) and the rise time response (tr) can be approximated using the junction capacitance (Cj) and the load resistance (RLOAD):
Noise Equivalent Power
The noise equivalent power (NEP) is the input signal power that results in a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 1 in a 1 Hz output bandwidth. This is useful, as the NEP determines the ability of the detector to detect low level light. In general, the NEP increases with the active area of the detector and is given by the following equation:
Here, S/N is the Signal to Noise Ratio, Δf is the Noise Bandwidth, and Incident Energy has units of W/cm2. For more information on NEP, please see Thorlabs' Noise Equivalent Power White Paper.
Terminating Resistance
A load resistance is used to convert the generated photocurrent into a voltage (VOUT) for viewing on an oscilloscope:
Depending on the type of the photodiode, load resistance can affect the response speed. For maximum bandwidth, we recommend using a 50 Ω coaxial cable with a 50 Ω terminating resistor at the opposite end of the cable. This will minimize ringing by matching the cable with its characteristic impedance. If bandwidth is not important, you may increase the amount of voltage for a given light level by increasing RLOAD. In an unmatched termination, the length of the coaxial cable can have a profound impact on the response, so it is recommended to keep the cable as short as possible.
Shunt Resistance
Shunt resistance represents the resistance of the zero-biased photodiode junction. An ideal photodiode will have an infinite shunt resistance, but actual values may range from the order of ten Ω to thousands of MΩ and is dependent on the photodiode material. For example, and InGaAs detector has a shunt resistance on the order of 10 MΩ while a Ge detector is in the kΩ range. This can significantly impact the noise current on the photodiode. For most applications, however, the high resistance produces little effect and can be ignored.
Series Resistance
Series resistance is the resistance of the semiconductor material, and this low resistance can generally be ignored. The series resistance arises from the contacts and the wire bonds of the photodiode and is used to mainly determine the linearity of the photodiode under zero bias conditions.
Common Operating Circuits
Figure 2: Reverse-Biased Circuit (DET Series Detectors)
The DET series detectors are modeled with the circuit depicted above. The detector is reverse biased to produce a linear response to the applied input light. The amount of photocurrent generated is based upon the incident light and wavelength and can be viewed on an oscilloscope by attaching a load resistance on the output. The function of the RC filter is to filter any high-frequency noise from the input supply that may contribute to a noisy output.
Figure 3: Amplified Detector Circuit
One can also use a photodetector with an amplifier for the purpose of achieving high gain. The user can choose whether to operate in Photovoltaic of Photoconductive modes. There are a few benefits of choosing this active circuit:
- Photovoltaic mode: The circuit is held at zero volts across the photodiode, since point A is held at the same potential as point B by the operational amplifier. This eliminates the possibility of dark current.
- Photoconductive mode: The photodiode is reversed biased, thus improving the bandwidth while lowering the junction capacitance. The gain of the detector is dependent on the feedback element (Rf). The bandwidth of the detector can be calculated using the following:
where GBP is the amplifier gain bandwidth product and CD is the sum of the junction capacitance and amplifier capacitance.
Effects of Chopping Frequency
The photoconductor signal will remain constant up to the time constant response limit. Many detectors, including PbS, PbSe, HgCdTe (MCT), and InAsSb, have a typical 1/f noise spectrum (i.e., the noise decreases as chopping frequency increases), which has a profound impact on the time constant at lower frequencies.
The detector will exhibit lower responsivity at lower chopping frequencies. Frequency response and detectivity are maximized for
Posted Comments: | |
Spencer Olson
 (posted 2024-07-27 07:02:01.217) Is the linearity limited by the photodiode or the amplifier? In other words, is it limited by the total power illuminating the photodiode or by the intensity? In yet other words, does the "Saturation Input Power" assume uniform illumination on the photodiode? hchow
 (posted 2024-07-30 05:05:42.0) Dear Mr. Olson, to a certain extent the linearity of the photdiode depends on the amplifier. The lower limit of the linearity is limited by the noise equivalent power (NEP), while the upper limit depends on the load resistance, reverse voltage, etc. And no, the photodiode can be saturated even when there is non-uniform illumination on the photodiode. Max Lipitz
 (posted 2023-09-12 10:37:13.773) I am working with the PDAVJ10 and am hoping you could provide the lambda max conversion gains for the other gain settings. (1 and 8 already provided).
Thanks
Max dpossin
 (posted 2023-09-18 04:02:50.0) Dear Max,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately since the scaling on the knob is not linear with respect to the gain, we can just provide the minimum and maximum gain. I am reaching out to you in order to discuss that in more detail. Deng Hui
 (posted 2023-06-19 22:30:19.867) 镜头不能用了,发热 hkarpenko
 (posted 2023-06-21 06:19:06.0) Deaer customer,
thank you very much for your feedback. I will contact you directly to discuss this issue in detail with you. user
 (posted 2023-04-22 09:40:18.363) Are there TE-cooled versions of these? You do have TE-cooled MCT photodiodes. hkarpenko
 (posted 2023-04-24 10:09:19.0) Dear customer,
thank you for your feedback. These detectors do not use TEC cooled versions of MCT photodiodes. We have some bare MCT diodes with TEC element on our website for sale. I will contact you directly to discuss this with you in detail. Michele Cotrufo
 (posted 2022-12-11 19:33:12.29) What is the level of linearity of these detectors, with respect to the input power?
And how much below the "Saturation Input Power" I need to to operate to achieve such linearity? hchow
 (posted 2022-12-15 10:09:44.0) Dear Ms. Cortufo, thank you for your feedback. The PDA series of amplified photodetectors are good for getting a highly linear output when background noise isn't an issue. They stay linear up to the saturation input power threshold. I will personally reach out to you to provide more information. Thank you. John Linden
 (posted 2021-08-10 15:10:55.113) I did not see the response time, or any temporal resolution mentioned. Is this relevant? if so, what is it?
Thanks.
-John Linden dpossin
 (posted 2021-08-11 08:43:31.0) Dear John,
Thank you for your feedback. Well we do not spec the response time directly but the bandwidth. The response time can be calculated by the quotient 0.35/bandwidth. I am reaching out to you in order to provide further information. daniel.cremons
 (posted 2018-09-06 17:50:29.52) I have the PDAVJ8 and when using the power supply in the 115 V mode (to match my supply; I'm in the US), I see a 30 MHz sawtooth in the signal which is about 20 mV at 0 gain. When I switch the power supply to the 230 V setting the sawtooth goes away and the detector seems to be operating as normal. Could my power supply have gotten the settings switched or is there some other cause of the sawtooth? nreusch
 (posted 2018-09-27 09:38:22.0) This is a response from Nicola at Thorlabs. Thank you for your inquiry. We could not reproduce the 30 MHz saw tooth, so there might be an issue with the PSU. As you have not selected “Contact Me” in the feedback form, please get in contact with your local Thorlabs Tech Support team for troubleshooting. |
The following table lists Thorlabs' selection of photodiodes, photoconductive, and pyroelectric detectors. Item numbers in the same row contain the same detector element.
Item #a,b | Housing Featuresc |
Wavelength Range (λP) |
Responsivity × Effective Detector Width @ λP |
Responsivity @ λP |
Output Bandwidth @ 3 dB |
Conversion Gain @ λP |
NEPd | Typical Performance Graphse |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PDAVJ8 | 2.0 - 8.0 µm (6.5 µm) |
≥0.04 A·mm/Wf | - | DC - 100 MHzg | 185 V/W (Gain Setting 1) 6000 V/W (Gain Setting 8) |
170 pW/Hz1/2 | ||
PDAVJ10 | 2.0 - 10.6 µm (6.5 µm) |
≥0.01 A·mm/Wf | - | DC - 100 MHzg | 120 V/W (Gain Setting 1) 4000 V/W (Gain Setting 8) |
210 pW/Hz1/2 | ||
PDAVJ5 | 2.7 - 5.0 µm (4.75 µm) |
- | ≥1 A/W | DC - 1 MHzh | 1500 V/W (Gain Setting 1) 200 000 V/W (Gain Setting 8) |
14 pW/Hz1/2 |
- Replacement Power Supply for the HgCdTe (MCT) Amplified Photodetectors Sold Above
- ±12 VDC Power Output
- Current Limit Enabling Short Circuit and Overload Protection
- On/Off Switch with LED Indicator
- Switchable AC Input Voltage (100, 120, or 230 VAC)
- 2 m (6.6') Cable with LUMBERG RSMV3 Male Connector
- UL and CE Compliant
The LDS12B ±12 VDC Regulated Linear Power Supply is intended as a replacement for the supply that comes with our PDA line of amplified photodetectors sold on this page. The cord has three pins: one for ground, one for +12 V, and one for -12 V (see diagram to the right). A region-specific power cord is shipped with the LDS12B power supply based on your location. This power supply can also be used with the PDB series of balanced photodetectors, PMM series of photomultiplier modules, APD series of avalanche photodetectors, and the FSAC autocorrelator for femtosecond lasers.