Germanium 800 - 1800 nm
Ge photodiodes – the inexpensive alternative to InGaAs.
Germanium Photodiodes
For many applications Germanium photodiodes have been the less expensive alternative to InGaAs diodes, especially for large areas. Active areas range from 250 µm up to 13 mm in diameter. The photodiodes offer a high sensitivity, a good linearity, a uniform spatial response as well as an excellent long term stability. They are sensitive in the wavelength range from 0.8 µm to 1.8 µm.
Applications of Germanium photodiodes are manifold and they comprise optical power meters, fiber examination, laser power measurement and controlling, laser pulse monitoring, optical communication, temperature measurement without contact, and flame detection.
Judson Technologies offers three options to meet the requirements of different applications:
- Diodes of the SC series feature the highest Shunt resistance available in Germanium diodes. They have a very low noise and are therefore suitable for low frequency DC applications.
- Germanium photodiodes of the HS series are optimized for a low capacity, hence they are suitable for HF applications beyond 10 kHz (e.g. laser pulse monitoring).
- The standard series is a compromise between the SC and HS series and is suitable for common applications from 100 Hz to about 1 MHz.
Ge-photodiodes are used in:
- Optical power meters
- Fiber examination
- Laser diode controlling
- Power controlling for Nd-lasers
- Optical communication
- Flame detection
- Temperature measurement without contact
- Laser pulse monitoring
- Burn-in tests for laser diodes
