Photovoltaic Devices
Low Noise Planar Diffused Silicon Photodiodes
The Photovoltaic Detector series is utilized for applications requiring high sensitivity and moderate response speeds, with an additional sensitivity in the visible-blue region for the blue enhanced series. The spectral response ranges from 350 to 1100 nm, making the regular photovoltaic devices ideal for visible and near IR applications. For additional sensitivity in the 350 to 550 nm region, the blue enhanced devices are more suitable.
These detectors have high shunt resistance and low noise, and exhibit long term stability. Unbiased operation of these detectors offers stability under wide temperature variations in DC or low speed applications. For high light levels ( greater than 10mW/cm2), the Photoconductive Series detectors should be considered for better linearity.
These detectors are not designed to be reverse biased! Very slight improvement in response time may be obtained with a slight bias. Applying a reverse bias of more than a few volts (>3V) will permanently damage the detectors. If faster response times are required, The Photoconductive Series should be considered.
Please refer to the Photovoltaic Mode (PV) paragraph in the application note "Photodiode Characteristics and Applications" located under Application Notes for detailed information on electronics set up.