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Defense and aerospace Defense and aerospace

Photodetectors &
Laser Diodes
in Aerospace Defense

15.05.2025

Photodetectors and Laser Diodes in Aerospace and Defense

Photonics in Aerospace and Defense
Advanced Photodetectors and Laser Diodes
Enhancing Military Capabilities

Author: Arshey Patadia, LASER COMPONENTS Detector Group
Published: AIR&COSMOS Magazine 05/2025

 

Modern aerospace and defense systems rely heavily on photonics, which is the science and technology that generates, controls, and detects photons. This plays an important role in keeping armed forces safe and secure. LASER COMPONENTS has manufactured a photonics toolbox of optical components, advanced photodetectors, and laser diodes enabling engineers to design solutions when security is paramount. Many of these systems have pushed beyond the visible wavelengths and use components in the infrared spectrum.

Avalanche Photodiodes for Advanced Low-Light Detection

Designed and manufactured in-house

Avalanche Photodiodes Avalanche Photodiodes

For many military operations, light can often be a scarce resource. By using avalanche photodiodes (APDs), low-light and long-distance operations become possible due to the high sensitivity of such components through internal amplification. Through an electron avalanche mechanism that occurs upon photon absorption, amplification of the electrical signal enhances detection of weak signals. This is crucial for night vision, laser range finding, remote sensing, and free-space communications. The most significant wavelengths are 905 nm and 1550 nm.

In the visible to near-infrared (NIR) range, silicon (Si) APDs, such as the LASER COMPONENTS SAE Series, offer excellent detection for 400 nm -1100 nm. These Si APDs make for an ideal detector for laser-guided munitions due to their high quantum efficiency (QE). By converting a high ratio of incoming photons into an electrical signal, challenges like real-time target acquisition significantly improve in accuracy, even in harsh conditions. This fast response is crucial for systems like missile guidance. For underwater applications, the SUR Series APD offers unparalleled ultraviolet (UV) response in the 200nm - 400nm spectrum. Si APDs can maintain higher gain levels while maintaining good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), notable in the SAR and SAP Series from LASER COMPONENTS.

Si APDs have lower noise amplification than Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs), but InGaAs detectors have a much lower temperature sensitivity. Rangefinders are often equipped with InGaAs APDs due to their sensitivity at higher wavelengths and longer distances. When less ambient light is available, options like the high-gain (>M60), low-noise IAG Series make the difference with deeper sensitivity into the NIR region, from 900 nm to 1700 nm. Higher wavelengths also increase eye safety while being minimally affected by atmospheric scattering. The IAG Series is ideal for high dynamic range applications such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and 3D scanners.

PIN Photodiodes Offer Reliability and Precision

Used for laser targeting systems

IG22X250T7 IG22X250T7

When noise, linearity, and bandwidth are most important, PIN photodiodes are the right choice. The p-i-n structure, made up of a p-type, intrinsic layer, and n-type region, produces a linear response without internal amplification. With strong linearity, coupled with a spectral range from UV to infrared (IR), these sensitive PIN photodiodes, like the 1.7 µm cutoff IG17X, 2.1 µm cutoff IG22X, and high shunt 2.6 µm cutoff IG26H, are a crucial piece of many military range-finding and spark detection systems.

Laser targeting systems rely on fast response times and high sensitivity for target acquisition. Similarly, precision-guided munitions (PGMs) require components that can handle environmental stresses, where reflected laser signals are used to detect a target. PIN photodiodes make high-speed proximity detection possible to trigger defense systems in real-time.

Quadrant Detectors Enable Enhanced Accuracy in Targeting

active area split into four sections

Quadrant detectors are made up of an active area split into four sections. By capturing the differential signals from each section, even tiny changes in laser positions can be detected in the rapidly changing environments.

The key applications that make use of quadrant detectors are laser guidance for munitions and laser-based communication systems. The munitions can accurately adjust their trajectory by tracking the laser-designated target. To help minimize collateral damage, high precision is required with rapid response times and excellent spatial resolution for real-time changes in dynamic scenarios.

Optimized Detection at 1064 nm With YAG Detectors

Great Quantum Efficiany

SAT3000E1 Avalanche Photodiodes at 1064 nm SAT3000E1 Avalanche Photodiodes at 1064 nm

The main benefit of silicon photodiode YAG detectors, like the SAT Series, is their sensitivity to 1064 nm, the emission wavelength for many military applications using Nd:YAG lasers. The QE with low noise makes them great in low-light environments where range finding and target markers need high sensitivity.

Leveraging 1064 nm, detectors can be very effective in environments with reflective surfaces such as vegetation and snow. This enhances their accuracy for targeting systems on aircraft and handheld devices. The detectors are compact and durable, making them a reliable choice for operations in harsh conditions.

Pulsed Laser Diodes for Precision in Short Pulses

to capture precise Distance Measurements

PLD Overview PLD Overview

To capture precise distance measurements, pulsed laser diodes  (PLDs) emit high intensity at high speed. Range finding is a common application that benefits from these short pulses. Their compact size, high efficiency, and high-output power make them a great choice for handheld and mobile devices while offering a cost-effective solution. The design and performance of a PLD make for an ideal source with target illumination as well as optical communication when secure connection is vital. By utilizing an extremely short pulse of light at high power, smaller and fast-moving objects can be more precisely detected.

Common defense wavelengths for PLDs include 905 nm and 1550 nm. A 905 nm laser diode, like the high-power 905Dxx series, paired well with SAE and SAHA, Si APDs, and SIN PIN photodiodes, is an ideal choice for short-range LiDAR and a balanced approach with affordability in mind when high-volume production is needed. The High Intensity – PLDs with Fast Axis Collimators (HI-FAC-Series) at 1550 nm paired well with IAG InGaAs APDs and offered eye-safe long-distance range finding over 25 km.

Custom Optics and Optical Filters

Optics designed to your needs

Polarizing Beam Splitter Polarizing Beam Splitter

Custom optics are important for many military applications because they allow for very specific transmission and filtration while only allowing desired wavelengths to reach the detector. By using these optics, an optical system can block out noise that would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the detected signal, or it can enhance various aspects such as improving the sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall detector performance for improved accuracy.

SWaP Constraints and Component Design

stringent size, weight, power, and cost

For most applications, including defense and aerospace applications, there are stringent size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) requirements. Diverse military platforms benefit from low-cost photonic components like the UA Series of 905 nm and 1550 nm PLDs, along with IAL Series APDs that combine compactness and light weight with energy efficiency to support various devices ranging from handheld devices to drones and aircraft.

The implementation of integrated photonic circuits together with advanced packaging methods and efficient thermal management solutions effectively meets the requirements for SWaP-C in mobile and tactical deployments. These advancements enable advanced photonics deployment on different military platforms, which boosts operational effectiveness without sacrificing system reliability.

Innovations and Future Prospects

Beyond Borders

Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Detector Group Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Detector Group
Arshey Patadia, LASER COMPONENTS Detector Group

Advancements in photodetector sensitivity, as well as record-breaking peak power output for laser diodes, are pushing technology beyond the borders of what is currently possible. Innovations like APDs with ultra-low noise and enhanced gain stability, integrated electronics for PIN photodiodes, single photon detectors, and focal plane arrays, along with the high-power efficiency of 1550 nm PLDs, are just a few examples of how photonics continues to evolve into the future of aerospace and defense.

Product Overview

Ask for Customization

IAG080S5 IAG080S5
InGaAs APDs
1100 - 1700 nm

Best efficiency thanks to excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

The IAG series avalanche photodiodes feature a particularly good signal-to-noise ratio and support an amplification of more than 30. The inexpensive IAL series is made for consumer products.
H1 Receiver H1 Receiver
APD Receivers

APDs with matched, integrated pre-amplifier in compact hermetic packages.

All receivers are available with Si or InGaAs APDs.
A-CUBE - Plug & Play APD Modules A-CUBE - Plug & Play APD Modules
APD-Modules

Fast and reliable detection of light. In APD modules the driver for operating the avalanche photodiodes is already included.

Achromatic Waveplates Achromatic Waveplates
Achromatic Waveplates

Achromatic waveplates consists of two plates.

Aspherical lens Aspherical lens
Aspherical Lenses

Aspherical lenses correct aberrations, which in monochromatic light include image sharpness errors and distortion.

A typical application of these lenses is the focusing of a collimated beam onto an optical fiber.
SAT3000E1 Avalanche Photodiodes at 1064 nm SAT3000E1 Avalanche Photodiodes at 1064 nm
Avalanche Photodiodes at 1064 nm

Nd:YAG Enhanced APDs

Beam Splitter Cube Beam Splitter Cube
Beam Splitter Cubes

Beam splitters for separating a beam into two equal parts without changing the polarization

Non-polarizing beam splitters split the incident light with an R/T ratio of 50%. They are designed for exactly one wavelength and do not have any influence on the polarization of the beam to be split.
Polarization Optics Polarization Optics
Brewster Plates

Brewster plates are used to separate s- and p-polarized light.

Brewster plates have a rectangular shape and are inserted at a specific angle of incidence to the laser beam. Light that is polarized parallel to the plane of incidence/reflection is completely transmitted at Brewster’s angle, whereas about 50 % of s-polarized light is transmitted.
Spherical Mirrors Spherical Mirrors
Cavity Mirror / End Mirror

Cavity end mirrors are used to generate the laser beam in the resonator.

Resonator end mirrors, also known as cavity mirrors, are designed to have high reflectivity at the desired laser wavelength in order to maximize the efficiency of the laser.
Cylindrical lens Cylindrical lens
Cylindrical Lenses

ROUND AND RECTANGULAR CYCLINDER LENSES ARE USED TO CREATE LINES / BEAM EXPANSIONS IN ONE DIRECTION.

We offer plano-concave and plano-convex cyclindrical lenses in rectangular, square, and round form.
Diagnostic Beam Splitter Diagnostic Beam Splitter
Diagnostic Beam Splitters

DIAGNOSTIC BEAM SPLITTERS FOR PROCESS MONITORING

Dichroic mirrors separate or combine two or more beams of different wavelengths in the desired ratio and enable process monitoring on the operating level in several wavelength ranges, as well as beam diagnostics. Their complex design enables multiple transmission and reflection ranges.
Dichroic Mirrors Dichroic Mirrors
Dichroic Mirrors

combine or separate two or more beams with different wavelengths.

Customized dichroic mirrors that are suitable for your individual application are manufactured upon request. 
Mike Hodges
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LASER COMPONENTS Germany - Your competent partner for optical and optoelectronic components in Germany.

Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH, your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, fiber optics, and more is worth every Euro (€/EUR). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:

Werner-von-Siemens-Str. 15
82140 Olching
Deutschland

Phone: +49 8142 2864-0
Email: info(at)lasercomponents.com

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Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Dr. Mike Hodges
Sales Account Manager / Active Components
Dr. Mike Hodges
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Uwe Asmus
Sales Account Manager / IR Components and Optical Filters
Uwe Asmus
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Michaela Böhme
Sales Account Manager / IR Components and Optical Filters
Michaela Böhme
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Winfried Reeb
Head of Business Unit Active Components
Winfried Reeb
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Barbara Herdt
Head of Business Unit Laser Optics
Barbara Herdt
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Rainer Franke
Sales Account Manager / Laser Optics
Rainer Franke
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH René Sattler
Sales Account Manager / Laser Optics
René Sattler
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Stefan Leyendecker
Sales Account Manager / Laser Optics
Stefan Leyendecker
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
Employee of LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH Manuel Herbst
Sales Account Manager / Active Components
Manuel Herbst
LASER COMPONENTS Germany GmbH
82140 Olching
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