The PDA Series Photodetectors are amplified photodiodes in a compact package. The new PDA Series detector housing utilizes a thin profile to allow access to light paths with the minimum amount of interference. The PDA Series of Amplified Photodetectors include a low noise transimpedance or voltage amplifier capable of driving 50W loads. All connections and controls are located perpendicular to the light path, providing increased accessibility.

PDA Series Features

• GaP, Si, Ge, InGaAs, PbS, and PbSe Versions Available
• Our line of PDAs Cover A Wide Wavelength Range from 150nm to 4800nm
• Up to DC-150MHz Bandwidth
• High-Speed PIN Photodiode
• Low-Noise, Wide Band Amplifier
• 0 to 10V Output
• Includes Threaded Mount for 1" (25mm) Optics
• Compatible with SM1 Series and SM05 Series Products

Each PDA includes a low noise transimpedance or voltage amplifier and provides a 50 Ohm drive capacity. The wideband models have a fixed gain and a 150MHz bandwidth, while the switchable gain versions provide 70dB of adjustment.

New for the PDA line is the addition of IR detectors with the ability to detect light out to 4.8µm. These photoconductive sensors include an AC coupled amplifier with a fixed voltage gain of 100V/V (50V/V with 50 Ohm load).

The new PDA Series housing includes a removable threaded coupler that is compatible with any number of Thorlabs SM1 and SM05 threaded accessories. This allows convenient mounting of external optics, light 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 120VAC AC/DC power supply is included (230VAC for - EC versions). Thorlabs entire PDA line is compatible with our SM1 Series and SM05 Series Products.

Thorlabs' line of Switchable Gain Detectors provides gain adjustment over a 70dB range to take full advantage of the photodiode response range. Gains are adjustable from 1.5 kV/A to 4.7 MV/A in eight (8), 10dB steps. There are three units to choose from: the PDA25K operates in the UV range (150nm to 550nm), PDA36A operates in the visible to near IR range (350nm to 1100nm), and the PDA10CS operates in the NIR range (700nm to 1800nm).

Our selection of Wideband Detectors increase the bandwidth range to DC - 150MHz while still maintaining low noise. Sensors are available for both the Si (200nm to 1100nm) and InGaAs (700nm to 1800nm) wavelength ranges.

The Large Area Detectors operate with the same switchable gain as described above, but use large area photodiodes. An Ø9.7mm Si detector, PDA100A and an Ø5mm Ge detector, PDA50B are available.