Photoconductive Detectors Employing An Optically Induced Non-Linearity

A. B. Dean; C. T. Elliott; A. M. White

doi:10.1117/12.945017

21 January 1985 Photoconductive Detectors Employing An Optically Induced Non-Linearity

A. B. Dean, C. T. Elliott, A. M. White

Proceedings Volume 0510, Infrared Technology X; (1985) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.945017
Event: 28th Annual Technical Symposium, 1984, San Diego, United States

Abstract

A new mode of operation of photoconductive detectors is described in which a non-linear current-voltage characteristic is induced by illumination. Outputs at harmonic frequencies can be obtained from devices biased with alternating current or at the modulation frequency of a modulated, alternating bias. Several different ways of achieving the non-linearity are described, one of which uses conventional detector structures. The advantages of this mode of operation are that the large bias-voltage pedestal, normally associated with long-wavelength photoconductive detectors, can be separated from the photo-signal by simple electrical filters and that the problem of flicker noise, in both the detector and the following electronics, is considerably reduced. Photoconductive devices thus become competitive with photodiodes, which may be more difficult to produce with ideal performance and stable characteristics, in detecting radiation with very low modulation frequencies. Possible applications for the device may be in slow, parallel-scanned linear arrays; in "staring" arrays; in ultra-sensitive detectors employ-ing long integration times, or in position-sensitive, point source detectors.

Citation Download Citation

A. B. Dean, C. T. Elliott, and A. M. White "Photoconductive Detectors Employing An Optically Induced Non-Linearity", Proc. SPIE 0510, Infrared Technology X, (21 January 1985); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.945017

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KEYWORDS

Sensors

Modulation

Signal detection

Resistance

Electronics

Infrared technology

Signal to noise ratio

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