PDA10CF In Stock

The ThorLabs PDA10CF is a highly sensitive InGaAs fixed gain amplified detector that is specifically designed for detecting light signals in the range of 800 nm to 1700 nm. The PDA10CF is perfectly suited for measuring both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed light sources using a reverse-biased PIN photodiode.

Featuring a transimpedance amplifier that has a fixed gain and a housing package with a rugged material, the PDA10CF provides a buffered output that can drive load impedances of 50 Ω to a maximum of 5 V. The detector’s housing also includes a threaded coupler that is removeable and a retainer ring that have compatibility with several 1” threaded accessories, allowing for convenient mounting of apertures, external optics, and light filters. The PDA10CF's housing features 8-32 tapped holes and internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threading and external SM1 (1.035"-40).

The PDA10CF has a maximum output of 10 volts for high impedance loads and 5 V for 50 Ω loads. In order to avoid saturation, the measured signal level can be adjusted to a value below 10 volts thorough modification of the gain (With a 50 Ω load, 5 volts). The device also features a built-in low-noise transimpedance amplifier (TIA) or a low-noise TIA followed by a voltage amplifier. It possesses a fixed maximum bandwidth and total transimpedance gain. The PDA10CF offers a range of options to meet different sensitivity requirements, including the high sensitivity PDF10C with a noise equivalent power (NEP) of 7.5 fW/Hz1/2. It is important to note that the PDA10CF with femtowatt sensitivity is a low-frequency device that should only be terminated into high impedance (Hi-Z) loads.

The PDA10CF has a ±12 V power supply with a switch that can be toggled to select either 115 or 230 VAC input voltage. It is important to use the power switch on the housing or on the power supply to power on the amplified photodetector. Hot plugging is not recommended, as this may result in an oscillating or negative output signal. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to center the incident light on the active area of the photodetector and avoid overfilling the detector area. Failure to do so may result in undesirable capacitance and resistance effects, arising from inhomogeneities at the edges of the active area of the detector that distort the frequency response.