InGaAs APDs
1100 - 1700 nm

InGaAs avalanche photodiodes (indium-gallium-arsenide) detect in the spectral range from 1100 nm to 1700 nm. Compared to germanium APDs, InGaAs APDs have significantly better noise properties. In relation to their active area, they offer a higher bandwidth and advantages due to an increased sensitivity of up to 1700 nm.

The IAG series APDs can also be operated at an amplification factor of M=30. The noise in conventional APDs is so strong already at an amplification of approximately M=10 that it is nearly impossible to achieve efficient signal detection. Especially in applications with less intense ambient light, these detectors can be operated at a high amplification and their sensitivity increased significantly. For 3D scanners and rangefinders, for example, this means that a considerably larger measuring range can be achieved.

The IAG series APDs are available with active areas that have a diameter of 80 µm, 200 µm, or 350 µm.

Upon request, we can also provide these APDs as assemblies on a single-stage or two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC) in a TO-37 or TO-8 housing.

All APDs in TO-46 housings can be assembled with optical fibers.

In many rangefinding applications a gain of M=20 is fully sufficient. In these cases, the InGaAs APDs of the IAL series offer a cost-effective alternative to the premium detectors of the IAG series. They are designed for wavelengths between 800 nm and 1700 nm and achieve a quantum efficiency of 70% across almost the entire wavelength range. Their peak sensitivity is obtained at the standard LiDAR wavelength of 1550 nm.

The IAL series APDs feature an active area of 200 µm and are available in the following package options:

• hermetically sealed TO-46 package
• SMD in M6 package
• With fiber pigtail