Our basic product line features infrared detectors whose sensitive frequency begins at 1.5 microns. These detectors are optimized to specific wavelengths, and are appropriate for use over a spectral range beginning at 1.5 microns and dropping off fairly sharply beyond their optimized wavelength. Also available are several CO 2 laser detectors, which have peak operation at a nominal wavelength of 10.6 microns. The detectors come in photoconductive and photovoltaic types. Photovoltaic detectors create a measurable voltage and current in response to photon bombardment, much like a solar cell.
Photoconductive devices change resistance when photons come in.
A low noise bias current must be used to measure the resistance change. For this reason, the photovoltaic devices are preferred for most applications. TE-cooled detectors must be mounted on a heat sink. 1.5 to 4 microns 1.5 to 5 microns 1.5 to 6 microns 1.5 to 10. Choosing a detector and, if necessary, an associated preamp and TE cooling device can be a confusing task.