PDA36A-EC In Stock

The PDA36A-EC by ThorLabs is an exceptional switchable gain detector designed to detect light signals ranging from 350 to 110 nm. The PDA36A-EC operates in both NIR and UV wavelength ranges, making it an ideal choice for measuring both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed light sources.

Equipped with an eight-position rotary switch, the PDA36A-EC enables users to adjust the gain in 10 dB increments. Its buffered output also drives 50 Ω load impedances up to 5 V. This robust device comes packaged in a durable housing that includes a retainer ring and a threaded coupler that is removeable and is compatible with 1” threaded accessories, allowing for convenient mounting of light filters, external optics, apertures, and cage assembly mechanisms. Moreover, the PDA36A-EC boasts a high gain, low offset, low noise transimpedance amplifier that enables an adjustment in gain over a range of 70dB. On the top of the unit sits a gain control knob that allows the user to adjust between 8 different levels, each having an increase of 10 dB. It is essential to note that as the gain increases, the bandwidth will decrease.

The PDA36A-EC includes a ±12 V linear power supply, which must be connected to the mains only after ensuring that the line voltage switch on the power supply module is set to the proper voltage range of 230 VAC. Additionally, the PDA36A-EC leaks dark current, which occurs when a bias voltage is applied to a photodiode. It is important to keep in mind that the gain detector's transimpedance amplifier does not regulate the dark current flowing out. To minimize the effects of dark current present in the system, a point on the detector must be held at ground while another point is held to "Virtual Ground." The dark current present is also influenced by the photodiode material and the size of the active area. Being a silicon device, the PDA36A-EC produces low dark current compared to germanium devices that generate high dark currents.