Thorlabs PDA13L2 pyroelectric detector is a low-noise, amplified, switchable-gain, pyroelectric LiTaO3 (lithium tantalate) detector for use with pulsed light signals between 0.6 µm and 16 µm. A rotary switch on the side of the housing allows for the signal amplification to be adjusted in 8 gain steps of 5 dB from 0 dB to 35 dB. The signal output is provided via a BNC connector and is capable of driving 50 Ω and high impedance loads with a maximum output voltage of 5 V and 10 V, respectively. The low-profile housing enables use in optical paths with space constraints.
Features
- Wavelength Range 0.6 µm to 16 µm
- Low-Noise Amplification with Switchable Gain
- For Pulsed or Chopped Light Sources
- Modulation Bandwidth from 10 Hz to 10 kHz
- Flat Frequency Response Between 100 Hz and 1 kHz
- Detector Active Area: 1.3 mm2 (Ø1.3 mm)
- Flat Response Over Entire Wavelength Range
- External SM1 (1.035"-40 Threads and Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
Pyroelectric materials produce a voltage difference in response to a change in temperature. The PDA13L2 pyroelectric detector utilizes an LiTaO3 (lithium tantalate) sensor coated with a black metal absorber and packaged behind an uncoated ZnSe (zinc selenide) window. The metal absorber and LiTaO3 sensor absorbs the incident light causing a change in temperature and therefore a voltage difference.
Since a change in temperature is required to produce a signal, the detector requires a modulated or pulsed light source. CW sources will not produce a signal once the detector reaches thermal equilibrium. Using an optical chopper such as the MC2000B optical chopper system or another form of modulation with a frequency from 10 Hz up to 10 kHz is recommended. The frequency response for the PDA13L2 detector is flat between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz.
The lithium tantalate material has a generally flat response curve over the entire operating wavelength range, making the PDA13L2 detector useful for applications with broadband signals or with light from visible to MIR wavelengths.
The MPD149-M01 Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror can be used to focus a collimated source between 0.8 µm and 20 µm without introducing chromatic aberration, making it ideal for use with the PDA13L2 detector.
Each housing features external SM1 (1.035"-40) threading, internal SM05 (0.535"-40) threading, and two universal mounting holes that accept both 8-32 and M4 x 0.7 threads, allowing for either vertical or horizontal post mounting. Additionally, an SM1T1 internally SM1-threaded coupler and SM1RR retaining ring are included with each detector, enabling convenient mounting of SM1-compatible accessories, optics, and cage assembly accessories. The internal SM05 threading is only suitable for mating to an externally SM05-threaded lens tube (components such fiber adapters cannot be threaded onto the SM05 threading). Externally SM1-threaded adapters should be mated to the included SM1T1 coupler, while internally SM1-threaded adapters can be mated directly to the housing. The detector was designed to allow for maximum accessibility to the photodetector by having the active area surface of the diode flush with the outside PDA housing. When using fiber adapters or other optics, make sure that the components do not crash into the detector.