Silicon avalanche photodiodes for low-level light detection

Marktech Optoelectronics has announced the availability of its standard and custom Silicon avalanche photodiodes (Si APD’s), in quantities from prototype to OEM volumes.

Marktech Si APD’s offer low-level light and short pulse detections of wavelengths between 400-1,100nm. They are offered with choice of either a 230-500µm active diameter; optical sensitivity optimizations for 800nm or 905nm peak response; an internal gain mechanism; high gain at low bias voltage; extremely fast rise times, as low as 300ps; frequency response to 1GHz; and a low breakdown voltage of 80-200V. Units are also RoHS compliant.

Standard Si APDs are offered with multiple customization options, including operational voltage selection and Vbr binning, wavelength specific band-pass filtering, and hybridization.

Package options include hermetically sealed TO metal cans, plastic, and cost effective SMD (LCC) types, with additional customization by request.

Standard Si APD’s in small-to-medium sized volumes are typically available with 24-hour shipment via Marktech’s longtime distribution partner, Digi-Key.

In addition, custom Si APD units from Marktech are typically available in as few as 6-8 weeks from prototype approvals. Please consult the factory for details.

As precision measurement devices, Marktech Si APD’s offer low dark current and significantly higher sensitivities, including higher NIR spectral sensitivity, than can be achieved with a standard photodiode.

This allows the Si APD’s to serve as the semiconductor near-equivalent to photomultipliers within a myriad of applications.

It also allows the Si APD’s to accurately detect weaker light intensities, in applications where higher bandwidth or internal gain may be required, in order to overcome higher pre-amplifier noise levels.

Typical applications for Marktech Si APD’s include laser counting, x-ray spectroscopy, optical data communications, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) instrumentation, optical rangefinders, spatial light transmitters, scintillation detectors, fast receiver modules, particle detectors, industrial surveying equipment, automated toll collectors, astronomy observation devices, and vehicle self-braking and self-parking systems.