Amplified Photodetectors

The PDA series of Amplified Photodetectors integrates a wide range of photodiodes with an amplifier into compact packages. The modules possess a thin profile to allow access to light paths with the minimum amount of interference. All connections and controls are located perpendicular to the light path, providing increased accessibility. The low noise transimpedance or voltage amplifiers are capable of driving 50 Ω loads. All units include a removable threaded coupler that is compatible with many Thorlabs SM1 and SM05 threaded accessories. This allows convenient mounting of external optics, optical fibers, and apertures, as well as providing an easy mounting mechanism when using Thorlabs cage assembly accessories. Each housing provides two 8-32 tapped mounting holes (M4 for - EC versions) centered on the detector surface. A 120 VAC AC/DC power supply is included (230 VAC for - EC versions).

Switchable Gain Modules
The following modules feature gain adjustment over a 70 dB range to take full advantage of the photodiode response. Gains are adjustable from 1.5 kV/A to 4.7 MV/A in eight steps of 10 dB each. Choose from the following switchable gain units:

Item #                                     Type                        Wavelength Range
PDA25K                                 GaP                        UV (150 - 550 nm)
PDA36A                                  Si                            VIS-NIR (350 - 1100 nm)
PDA100A                               Si                            VIS-NIR (400 - 1100 nm) *
PDA10CS                           InGaAs                      NIR (700 - 1800 nm)
PDA50B                                  Ge                          NIR (800 - 1800 nm) *
* Large area detector 

Ultra Low Noise Detectors
The PDA8A Series feature an exceptionally low noise with a high fixed gain:

Item #                              Type                       Wavelength Range
PDA8A                               Si                           VIS-NIR (320 - 1000 nm)

Wideband Detectors
Some models in this series feature large bandwidth (DC - 150 MHz) while still maintaining low noise. These include:

Item #                                       Type                               Wavelength Range
PDA10A                                    Si                                     VIS-NIR (200 - 1100 nm)
PDA10CF                                InGaAs                            NIR (700 - 1800 nm)

IR Detectors
Thorlabs has introduced three new IR Amplified Detectors. Two models feature lead salt detectors with fixed gain AC coupled amplifiers. The third model is an extended range InGaAs detector with a fixed gain transimpedance amplifier with an operating bandwidth from DC -15 MHz.

Item #                                        Type                                  Wavelength Range
PDA10D                                 InGaAs                                   IR (1.2 - 2.6 μm)
PDA30G                                  PbS*                                       IR (1.0 - 2.9 μm)
PDA20H                                 PbSe*                                      IR (1.5 - 4.8 μm)
* The PbS and PbSe detectors have AC coupled amplifiers

PDA Series Features


Low-Noise, Wide Band Amplifiers
Detector Types: GaP, Si, Ge, InGaAs, PbS, and PbSe
Wavelength Ranges from 150 to 4800 nm
Bandwidth up to 150 MHz
High-Speed PIN Photodiodes
0 to 10 V Output
Compatible with SM1 Series and SM05 Series Products
Threaded Mount for Ø1" (Ø25 mm) Optics Included
Power Supply Included