Infrared Detector Families

Cal Sensors' has two new families of lead salt infrared detectors as well asthe introduction of a new digital drive board. The new single channel detector(SCD) and multichannel detector (MCD) families provide sensitivity for avariety of infrared sensing applications. The SCD-13HV (single channeldetector- high-value) PbS detectors are designed to meet requirements for highvolume, cost-sensitive applications. SCD detectors provide sensitivity withtypical D* from 9 x 10¹⁰ to 1.75 x 10¹¹ Jones across theone to three micron wavelength range. Performance varies with element size andwindow type.

All SCD-13HV products support aglass window or lens configuration. Three element sizes are available inindustry standard packages for easy integration. For applications where size iscritical, such as portable test equipment, the SCD-13HV line offers a 1 by 1 mmdetector in a TO-46 can. Where greater field-of-view or larger element sizesare important, 2 and 3 mm square detector sizes are available in TO-5 packages.

The new PbS and PbSemulti-channel detectors (MCD) provide sensitivity of 1.5 x 10¹⁰ Jones for detection of upto four distinct materials/gases. Covering one to five microns, the MCD productfamily provides channel isolation of >99.5 percent and a TO-5 footprint. Anoptional integrated thermistor within the MCD package optimizes temperaturecompensation for measurement precision. Co-locating the temperature sensor anddetector material in a hermetically-sealed TO-5 package ensures they botha euro ~feel' the same temperature variations and reduce potential effects of externalenvironmental factors.

The four channel configurationoffers opportunities for cost reduction and design simplification minimizingthe need for multiple individual detectors and complex optics. System costs andfootprints can be reduced up to 60 percent versus alternative single-detectordesigns. The technology is well-suited for a variety of applications including industrial and medical gas analysis,as well as auto and aviation emissions testing. It is useful for environmentalapplications such as stack monitoring, greenhouse gas analysis and overseeingair quality in confined spaces including tunnels and underground structures.

Though customizable for differentapplications across the one to five micron infrared spectrum, the MCD-15 line is available in astandard four-channel configuration with four discrete optical bandpassfilters. This configuration supports CO, CO₂ and hydro-carbon (suchas methane) gas analysis.

Cal Sensors' new Digital DriveBoard optimizes signal levels for Cal SensorA's one to four channel detectors. Designedwith a socket that accepts Cal Sensor's standard one to four-channel detectors,the digital board provides all the electronics necessary to drive the sensor,digitize the output and connect via USB to a computer or microprocessor. Supporting PbS and PbSe detectortechnologies, these drive boards were created to accelerate prototyping andproduct development.

Infrared Detector Families