Engineering Trade-Offs in Photodetector Selection
When selecting a photodetector, the device with the strongest individual specification is not necessarily the best choice for the system.
Every design involves trade-offs:
- A larger active area can improve light collection and alignment tolerance, but it can also increase capacitance and reduce speed.
- Extended wavelength response can support longer-wavelength SWIR applications, but this may result in higher dark current.
- APD gain can improve weak-signal detection, but this introduces additional noise, bias, and thermal-management requirements.
- A smaller detector can support higher bandwidth, but it typically requires tighter optical alignment.
GPD Optoelectronics therefore evaluates wavelength, responsivity, speed, noise, active area, and system integration together not as isolated datasheet specifications.
GPD’s latest article, entitled “Our New Photodetector Selector: A Powerful Tool for Engineers: Detector Choice Shapes Every Layer of Your System,” examines the considerations behind a more informed detector selection.
About GPD Optoelectronics
Founded in 1973, GPD Optoelectronics began by making high-quality germanium transistors, but since the early 1980s the company manufactures both germanium and indium gallium arsenide photodiodes and multi-element photodetectors. In addition to offering a variety of off-the-shelf products, GPD specializes in providing customized parts that are uniquely tailored to customer applications. GPD has the agility to design and deliver prototypes of custom products often within just a few weeks.
GPD’s products include:
- Photodiodes
- Position sensing photodiodes
- Specialty photodiodes
- Packaging Options
- Multi-Cell Photoreceiver (MCPR) Development Kits
To request more information or a quotation for these or other GPD products, contact IL Photonics.