RP Photonics logo
VL logo part of the
Virtual
Library

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology

Photodetectors

previous  |  next  |  feedback

You can buy photodetectors from:


Ask RP Photonics for advice on photodetection, e.g. concerning details of photodiodes, electronic preamplifiers, etc.

Definition: devices used for the detection of light

Photodetectors are devices used for the detection of light – in most cases of optical powers. As the requirements for applications vary considerably, there are many types of photodetectors which may be appropriate in a particular case:

Important Properties of Photodetectors

Depending on the application, a photodetector has to fulfill various requirements:

Different detector types, as listed above, differ very much in many of these properties. In typical application scenarios, some requirements totally rule out the use of certain detector types, and quickly lead to a fairly limited choice. Note also that there are some typical trade-offs. For example, it is frequently difficult to combine a high detection bandwidth with a high sensitivity.

See also: photodiodes, p–i–n photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors, velocity-matched photodetectors, photomultipliers, powermeters, photon counting, noise specifications

Category: photonic devices


cover of print encyclopedia

Since October 2008, the Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology is also available in the form of a two-volume book. Maybe you would enjoy reading it also in that form! The print version has a carefully designed layout and can be considered a must-have for any institute library, laser research group, or laser company.

You may order the print version via Wiley-VCH.

arrow
Home New articles Spotlight Feedback Advertising
Categories Search Quiz Links Page hits
P

This encyclopedia is provided by
RP Photonics Consulting GmbH.

You can get technical consulting from the author, Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta.

High Q logo

A leading supplier of all-diode-pumped picosecond and femtosecond laser and amplifier systems for scientific, medical and industrial markets.

A.L.S. logo

A.L.S. GmbH

Picosecond laser diodes
<30 ps, 375 – 1600 nm, >1 Wp, single shot – 120 MHz

Onefive logo

Onefive

Low-noise
femtosecond,
picosecond,
and tunable single-frequency lasers for OEM and R&D applications.

RP Fiber Power 2.0

RP Fiber Power

This software is a powerful tool for designing fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers.
See the comprehensive description!

Field Guide to Lasers

This compact book by Dr. Paschotta explains principles and types of lasers.

Your Advertisement at This Place

will be seen by many thousands of visitors per month. These banners receive far over 100'000 page hits per month. Check the details.