Avalanche photodiode (APD) module
Thorlabs
100 Step Adjustable Gain
400 - 1000 nm and 850 - 1650 nm Wavelength Ranges Available
Internal SM05 Threads for Lens Tube and Cage Assembly Integration
Applications
Detection of Fast Laser Pulses
For Beat Signals of Low-Level Inputs
LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Testing of Optical Components
Menlo Systems' Avalanche Photodetector (APD) series provides an extremely light-sensitive alternative to traditional PIN photodiodes. The APDs are sensitve and fast enough for the characterization of pulsed lasers on the order of nanoseconds. The silicon avalanche photodiode of the APD210 provides exceptional performance for low-light applications in the 400 - 1000 nm range, while the APD310 covers the InGaAs range of 850 - 1650 nm. The APD maintains high-gain stability over the operating temperature range by utilizing a temperature-compensation circuit, which adjusts the ~150 VDC bias to ensure operation near the breakdown voltage.
A 40 dB gain amplifier is integrated into the package and is AC-coupled to band the output BNC. The output is matched to 50 Ohm impedance. The detector has an electronic width of 1 MHz to 1 GHz and offers a user-accessible potentiometer providing 100 step gain adjustment. The APD series has SM05 threads for easy integration into Thorlabs' entire family of lens tubes and cage assemblies. The bottom of the detector has a metric (M4) mounting hole and an M4 to 8-32 adapter for post mounting. The compact packaging allows the APD to be substituted directly into an existing setup while maintaining a small footprint on the benchtop. These photodetectors are not suitable for pulses longer than 30 ns or continuous light levels. Please see the FPD510 series for alternatives.
