Instrument Product Categories

For ease of selection, the instrument style products are divided into three main categories – VIS-ir, IR and XR. Within each major category are unamplified (D-series, detectors) and amplified models (the AD-series, receivers) for high sensitivity applications.

VIS-ir D-Series Unamplified Detectors are based on interdigitated MSM type photodiode detector structures that enable use in the widest variety of applications. They have exceptionally broad wavelength sensitivity from 400 to 1700 nm (except the PX-D7) and large (at least 50 μm), multimode fiber-optic inputs.

The MSM detector design is unique in that it can achieve very high speed (up to 60 GHz or 7 ps) with a large active area. As a result, the 50 μm optical input fiber makes these products much easier to use can provide up to 100 times more light gathering capacity than single-mode fibers in certain measurement situations. These features, coupled with the full spectral sensitivity of 400-1700 nm make these products a great value for general high-speed research.

VIS-ir AD-Series Amplified Detectors offer the same broad spectral range and large input fibers as their unamplified counterparts, and also include a transimpedance amplification stage that boosts their conversion gain to at least 200 V/W. To effectively minimize parasitics and to shield the amplifier components from outside noise sources, both the detection element and the amplifier are integrated on a common substrate contained in the microwave module.

IR and XR D-Series Unamplified Detectors are designed to meet the rigorous standards of the telephone and data communications industry. Two different wavelength ranges are available, denoted by the suffixes -ir and -xr. The “-ir” versions are optimized for the longer telecom wavelengths in the 950-1650 nm range, while the “-xr” series are offers an extended range of 700-1650 nm, for both telecom and datacom wavelengths in a single unit. The DG-15ir and DG-15xr are frequency domain products for analog, microwave applications that require a flat power bandwidth from DC-20 GHz.

All these products are based on proprietary, high-performance PIN photodiode structures that yield maximum speed and sensitivity for each model. In addition, these products have other features such as fiber diameter, optical return loss and risetimes that meet or exceed the specifications set by commercial communications standards for telecom and datacom.

The IR and XR AD-Series Amplified Detectors present the user with the same versatile photodiodes coupled with a transimpedance amplifier for high conversion gain and superior sensitivity. These products include receivers for all of the data rates from 2.5 Gb/s to 40 Gb/s. Reference receivers at 2.5 Gb/s and 10 Gb/s are now also available. For uses requiring high sensitivity two new APDir amplified detectors are available for 10 Gb/s and 12.5 Gb/s applications.