Extended Range InGaAs Detectors

The PDA10DT is an extention of Thorlabs' PDA Series detectors, with wavelengths in the mid-IR region (1.2 - 2.6µm) using the Extended Range InGaAs detector. This detector includes a built-in temperature controller, allowing the temperature to be stabilized at -10 °C. The detector's dark current is temperature sensitive; therefore the dark current and noise associated with ambient temperature ranges can be significantly reduced by cooling and stabilizing the detector, allowing for larger gains and lower DC offsets.

The PDA10DT utilizes many of the same features as our switchable-gain PDA Series detectors, including an aperture compatible with our SM1 lens tubes, mounting holes for #8-32 (M4) posts, and 50Ω drive capability using a BNC output. In addition, the PDA10DT has an offset circuit to eliminate the output DC offsets caused by photodiode dark current and circuit leakage currents, and also features a low pass filter to allow adjustable circuit bandwidth. A rotary 8-position switch adjusts circuit bandwidth from 500Hz to 1MHz to improve noise performance.

To maximize bandwidth, the PDA10DT uses a bias voltage for the first 2 gain steps. The remaining 6 positions operate in an unbiased (photovoltaic) mode for lower noise and offset performance. This combination allows high-speed operation in the lower gains and high-precision measurements in the higher gains.

A metric version, the PDA10DT-EC, is also available. Both versions come complete with a power supply.

General Specifications
Detector Material Extended Range InGaAs
Active Diameter 1 mm
Surface Depth 0.8" (2mm)
Wavelength Range 1200-2570 nm
Peak Wavelength 2300 nm
Peak Responsivity 1.1 A/W
Number of Gain Steps 8
Gain Range 70 dB or 1.51 kV/A to 4.7 MV/A
Number of LPF Steps 8
LPF Bandwidth Range 500 Hz to 1 MHz
Output Voltage 0-5 V @ 50 Ω, 0-10 V @ Hi-Z
Output Impedance 50 Ω
Output Current 100 mA
Load Impedance 50 Ω to Hi-Z
Output Offset <10 mV (all Gain Steps)
Detector Temperature -10 °C
TEC Current 0.6 A typ. (1 A max)
Thermistor 10kΩ
Bias Voltage -2V (0dB and 10dB); 0V (20dB-70dB)
On/Off Switch Slide
Output BNC
Optical Head Size 3 x 2.2 x 2.2"; 76.2 x 55.9 x 55.9mm
Weight3 0.42 / 2.1lbs.
Accessories SM1RR
AC Power Supply AC-DC Converter
Power Supply 31W
Input Power 100-120 VAC, 50-60Hz (220-240 VAC-EC)
Storage Temperature 0-85 °C
Operating Temperature 0-30 °C

Gain (HI-Z)4
0dB 1.51 x 103 V/A ±2%
10dB 4.75 x 103 V/A ±2%
20dB 1.5 x 104 V/A ±2%
30dB 4.75 x 104 V/A ±2%
40dB 1.51 x 105 V/A ±2%
50dB 4.75 x 105 V/A ±2%
60dB 1.5 x 106 V/A ±2%
70dB 4.75 x 106 V/A ±2%

Low Pass Filter Bandwidth
1M 1MHz
500M 500kHz
100k 100kHz
50k 50kHz
10k 10kHz
5k 5kHz
1k 1kHz
500 500Hz

Features
Mid-IR Operation
Built-In TEC Controller
Elimination of Output DC Offsets
Variable Low Pass Filter
Biased and Unbiased
SM1 Compatible
Metric and Imperial Versions Available