Phototransistor and IRED Part Number Index

Phototransistor Part No.

Infrared Emitter Part No.

Page

Page

VTT1015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
VTT1016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
VTT1017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102

VTE1013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

VTT1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
VTT1116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
VTT1117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

VTE1113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

VTT1212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
VTT1214 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

VTE1261 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
VTE1262 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

VTT1222W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
VTT1223W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

VTE1281-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
VTE1281-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

VTT1225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
VTT1226 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
VTT1227 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94

VTE1281F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

VTE1063 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

VTE1163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

VTE1281W-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
VTE1281W-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

VTT3323LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
VTT3324LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
VTT3325LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

VTE1285 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
VTE1291-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
VTE1291-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

VTT3423LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
VTT3424LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
VTT3425LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

VTE1291W-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
VTE1291W-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

VTT7122 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
VTT7123 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
VTT7125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

VTE1295 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
VTE3322LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
VTE3324LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

VTT7222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
VTT7223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
VTT7225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

VTE3372LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
VTE3374LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

VTT9002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
VTT9003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

VTE7172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
VTE7173 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

VTT9102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
VTT9103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101

80

Phototransistor and IRED Selection Guide

PACKAGE OUTLINE inch (mm)

CASE 1

CASE 7

CASE 9

FEATURES

PAGE

VTT1015
VTT1016
VTT1017

.050" x .050"
NPN Phototransistor
Hermetic Case
35 Acceptance Angle

102

VTT1115
VTT1116
VTT1117

.050" x .050"
NPN Phototransistor
Hermetic Case
15 Acceptance Angle

103

VTE7172
VTE7173

.011" x .011" GaAIAs IRED

122

VTT7122
VTT7123
VTT7125

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor

97

VTT7222
VTT7223
VTT7225

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor
Infrared Transmitting

98

VTT9002
VTT9003

.040" x .040"
NPN Phototransistor
50 Acceptance Angle

100

VTT9102
VTT9103

.040" x .040"
NPN Phototransistor
40 Acceptance Angle

101

VTE1113

GaAs IRED
Hermetic Case
10 Emission Angle

127

VTE1163

GaAIAs IRED
Hermetic Case
10 Emission Angle

112

TO-46 FLAT WINDOW

CASE 2

CASE 8

PART NO.

TO-46 LENSED

LATERAL

TO-106 CERAMIC, FLAT

TO-106 CERAMIC, LENSED

CASE 24

TO-46 LENSED

81

Phototransistor and IRED Selection Guide

PACKAGE OUTLINE inch (mm)

CASE 24A

FEATURES

PAGE

VTE1013

GaAs IRED
Hermetic Case
35 Emission Angle

126

VTE1063

GaAIAs IRED
Hermetic Case
35 Emission Angle

111

VTE1261
VTE1262

GaAIAs IRED
10 Emission Angle

113

VTE1281-1
VTE1281-2

GaAIAs IRED
12 Emission Angle

114

VTE1291-1
VTE1291-2

GaAIAs IRED
12 Emission Angle

118

VTT1212
VTT1214

.040" x .040"
NPN Phototransistor
10 Acceptance Angle

99

VTT1225
VTT1226
VTT1227

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor
5 Acceptance Angle

94

VTE1281F

GaAIAs IRED
45 Emission Angle

115

VTE1281W-1
VTE1281W-2

GaAIAs IRED
25 Emission Angle

116

VTE1291W-1
VTE1291W-2

GaAIAs IRED
25 Emission Angle

119

VTT1222W
VTT1223W

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor
40 Acceptance Angle

93

TO-46 FLAT WINDOW

CASE 26

CASE 26F

CASE 26W

PART NO.

T-1 (5 mm)

T-1 (5 mm) FLAT

T-1 (5 mm) WIDE ANGLE

82

Phototransistor and IRED Selection Guide

PACKAGE OUTLINE inch (mm)

CASE 50A

CASE 62

LONG T-1 (3 mm)

PART NO.

FEATURES

PAGE

VTE3322LA
VTE3324LA

GaAs IRED
10 Emission Angle

128

VTE3372LA
VTE3374LA

GaAIAs IRED
10 Emission Angle

121

VTT3323LA
VTT3324LA
VTT3325LA

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor
10 Acceptance Angle

95

VTT3423LA
VTT3424LA
VTT3425LA

.025" x .025"
NPN Phototransistor
10 Acceptance Angle
Infrared Transmitting

96

VTE1285

GaAIAs IRED
8 Emission Angle

117

VTE1295

GaAIAs IRED
8 Emission Angle

120

T-1 (5 mm) BULLET

83

Typical Phototransistor and IRED Applications

Why Use Phototransistors?
Phototransistors are solid state light detectors that possess internal gain. This makes them much more sensitive than photodiodes of
comparably sized area. These devices can be used to provide either an analog or digital output signal. This family of detectors offers
the following general characteristics and features:

Low cost visible and near-IR photodetection

Available with gains from 100 to over 1500

Moderately fast response times

Available in a wide range of packages including epoxy coated, transfer molded, cast, hermetic packages, and in chip form

Usable with almost any visible or near infrared light source such as IREDs; neon, fluorescent, incandescent bulbs; lasers; flame
sources; sunlight; etc.

Same general electrical characteristics as familiar signal transistors (except that incident light replaces base drive current)

Why Use IREDs?

IREDs are solid state light sources which emit light in the near-IR part of the spectrum. Because they emit at wavelengths which
provide a close match to the peak spectral response of silicon photodetectors, both GaAs and GaAIAs IREDs are often used with
phototransistors. Key characteristics and features of these light sources include:

Long operating lifetimes

Low power consumption, compatible with solid state electronics

Narrow band of emitted wavelengths

Minimal generation of heat

Available in a wide range of packages including transfer molded, cast, and hermetic packages

Low cost

84

Typical Phototransistor and IRED Applications

Applications
Phototransistors can be used as ambient light detectors. When used with a controllable light source, typically an IRED, they are often
employed as the detector element for optoisolators and transmissive or reflective optical switches. Typical configurations include:

Optoisolator

Optical Switch

Retro Sensor

The optoisolator is similar to a

transformer in that the output is
electronically isolated from the input.

An object is detected when it enters the

gap of the optical switch and blocks the
light path between the emitter and
detector.

The retro sensor detects the presence of

an object by generating light and then
looking for its reflectance off of the object
to be sensed.

Phototransistors and IREDs have been used in the following applications.

Computer/Business Equipment

Consumer

Write protect control - floppy drive

Coin counters

Margin controls - printers

Lottery card readers

Monitor paper position - copiers

Position sensors - joysticks

Monitor paper stack height - copiers

Remote controllers - toys, appliances, audio/visual

equipment

Games - laser tag

Camera shutter control

Industrial

LED light source - light pens

Security systems

Safety shields

Encoders - measure speed and direction

Photoelectric controls

Remote residential electric meter reading

85

Typical Phototransistor and IRED Applications

Fundamental Circuit Approaches

Basic Circuits

More Output Current Capability

More Voltage Switching Capability

Reducing Dark Current

86

What are Phototransistors?

Phototransistors are photodiode-amplifier combinations integrated within a
single silicon chip. These combinations are put together in order to overcome
the major limitation of photodiodes: unity gain.
Many applications demand a greater output signal from the photodetector
than can be generated by a photodiode alone. While the signal from a
photodiode can always be amplified through use of an external op-amp or
other circuitry, this approach is often not as practical or as cost effective as the
use of phototransistors.
The phototransistor can be viewed as a photodiode whose output
photocurrent is fed into the base of a conventional small signal transistor.
While not required for operation of the device as a photodetector, a base
connection is often provided allowing the designer the option of using base
current to bias the transistor. The typical gain of a phototransistor can range
from 100 to over 1500.
Phototransistor Collector Current (lC) versus Collector to Emitter Voltage
(VCE) as a function in incident energy

The structure of a phototransistor is very similar to that of a photodiode. In

fact, while not optimized for this mode of operation, the collector-base junction
of a phototransistor can be used as a photodiode with fairly good results. The
major structural difference is that the phototransistor has two junctions
compared with one for the photodiode.

Phototransistor Equivalent Circuit

To demonstrate the relative sensitivity of these different types of detectors,

compare the output currents that could be expected from a .025" x .025"
detector chip exposed to .05 mW/cm2 of illumination.
DETECTOR

GAIN

OUTPUT CURRENT

Photodiode

1x

100nA

Phototransistor

500x

50 A

The current-voltage characteristics of the phototransistor are similar to NPN

signal transistors, with the major exception that incident light provides the
base drive current.

Phototransistor Chip Top View and Cut Away View

87

Characteristics of Phototransistors
As is the case with signal transistors, hFE is not a constant but
varies with base drive, bias voltage, and temperature. At low light
levels the gain starts out small but increases with increasing light
(or base drive) until a peak is reached. As the light level is further
increased the gain of the phototransistor starts to decrease.

An equivalent circuit for a phototransistor consists of a photodiode feeding its

output photocurrent into the base of a small signal transistor. Based on this
model it is not surprising that phototransistors display some of the
characteristics of both types of devices.
Spectral Response
The output of a phototransistor is dependent upon the wavelength of incident
light. These devices respond to light over a road range of wavelengths from
the near UV, though the visible, and into the near IR part of the spectrum.
Unless optical filters are used, the peak spectral response is in the near IR at
approximately 840 nm. The peak response is at a somewhat shorter
wavelength than that of a typical photodiode. This is because the diffused
junctions of a phototransistor are formed in epitaxial rather than crystal grown
silicon wafers.
Phototransistors will respond to fluorescent or incandescent light sources but
display better optical coupling efficiencies when matched with IREDs.

Transistor Gain vs Light Intensity

HFE will also increase with increasing values for VCE. The current-voltage
characteristics of a typical transistor will demonstrate this effect. For a
constant base drive the curve shows a positive slope with increasing voltage.

Sensitivity
For a given light source and illumination level, the output of a phototransistor
is defined by the area of the exposed collector-base junction and the dc
current gain of the transistor. The collector-base junction of the
phototransistor functions as a photodiode generating a photocurrent which is
fed into the base of the transistor section. Thus, like the case for a photodiode,
doubling the size of the base region doubles the amount of generated base
photocurrent. This photocurrent (lP) then gets amplified by the dc current gain
of the transistor. For the case where no external base drive current is applied:

It is clear the current gain at collector-emitter voltage VCE2 is greater than the
current gain at VCE1.

lC = hFE (lP)
where:

lC = collector current
hFE = DC current gain
lP = photocurrent
Current vs Voltage Curves

The current gain will also increase with increasing temperature.

88

Characteristics of Phototransistors
parameter which indicates how closely the photodetector approximates a
closed switch. This is because VCE(SAT) is the voltage dropped across the
detector when it is in its on state.

Linearity
Unlike a photodiode whose output is linear with respect to incident light over 7
to 9 decades of light intensity, the collector current (lC) of a phototransistor is
linear for only 3 to 4 decades of illumination. The prime reason for this
limitation is that the dc gain (hFE) of the phototransistor is a function of
collector current (lC) which in turn is determined by the base drive. The base
drive may be in the form of a base drive current or incident light.

VCE(SAT) is usually given as the maximum collector-emitter voltage allowed at

a given light intensity and for a specified value of collector current.
PerkinElmer tests their detectors for VCE(SAT) at a light level of 400 fc and with
1 mA of collector current flowing through the device. Stock phototransistors
are selected according to a set of specifications where VCE(SAT) can range
from 0.25V (max) to 0.55V (max) depending on the device.
Dark Current - (lD)
When the phototransistor is placed in the dark and a voltage is applied from
collector to emitter, a certain amount of current will flow. This current is called
the dark current (lD). This current consists of the leakage current of the
collector-base junction multiplied by the dc current gain of the transistor. The
presence of this current prevents the phototransistor from being considered
completely off, or being an ideal open switch.
The dark current is specified as the maximum collector current permitted to
flow at a given collector-emitter test voltage. The dark current is a function of
the applied collector-emitter voltage and ambient temperature.

Photodetector Relative Linearity

PerkinElmers standard phototransistors are tested at a VCE applied voltage of

either 5V, 10V or 20V depending on the device. Phototransistors are tested to
dark current limits which range from 10 nA to 100 nA.

While photodiodes are the detector of choice when linear output versus light
intensity is extremely important, as in light intensity measuring equipment, the
phototransistor comes into its own when the application requires a
photodetector to act like a switch. When light is present, a phototransistor can
be considered on, a condition during which they are capable of sinking a fair
amount of current. When the light is removed these photodetectors enter an
off state and function electrically as open switches. How well
phototransistors function as switches is covered in the next few sections.

Dark current is temperature dependent, increasing with increasing

temperature. It is usually specified at 25C.
Breakdown Voltages - (VBR)
Phototransistors must be properly biased in order to operate. However, when
voltages are applied to the phototransistor, care must be taken not to exceed
the collector-emitter breakdown voltage (VBRECO). Exceeding the breakdown
voltage can cause permanent damage to the phototransistor. Typical values
for VBRECO range from 20V to 50V. Typical values for VBRECO range from 4V
to 6V. The breakdown voltages are 100% screened parameters.

Collector-Emitter Saturation Voltage - VCE(SAT)

By definition, saturation is the condition in which both the emitter-base and
the collector-base junctions of a phototransistor become forward based. From
a practical standpoint the collector-emitter saturation voltage, VCE(SAT), is the

89

Characteristics of Phototransistors
Speed of Response

PerkinElmer offers a broad range of catalog phototransistors to help you with

these design tradeoffs.

The speed of response of a phototransistor is dominated almost totally by the

capacitance of the collector-base junction and the value of the load
resistance. These dominate due to the Miller Effect which multiplies the value
of the RC time constant by the current gain of the phototransistor. This leads
to the general rule that for devices with the same active area, the higher the
gain of the photodetector, the slower will be its speed of response.

The charts presented below are intended to give some general guidelines and
tradeoffs for selecting the proper detector for your application.
Size of Detector Chip

A phototransistor takes a certain amount of time to respond to sudden

changes in light intensity. This response time is usually expressed by the rise
time (tR) and fall time (tF) of the detector where:
tR - The time required for the output to rise from 10% to 90% of its onstate value.
tF - The time required for the output to fall from 90% to 10% of its onstate value.

SMALL SIZE

PARAMETER

LARGE SIZE

LOWER

SENSITIVITY

HIGHER

FASTER

SPEED OF RESPONSE

SLOWER

LOWER

DARK CURRENT

HIGHER

LOWER

COST

HIGHER

LOW GAIN

PARAMETER

HIGH GAIN

LOWER

SENSITIVITY

HIGHER

FASTER

SPEED OF RESPONSE

SLOWER

LOWER

DARK CURRENT

HIGHER

SMALLER

TEMP. COEF.

LARGER

LOWER

COST

HIGHER

Gain (HFE)

As long as the light source driving the phototransistor is not intense enough to
cause optical saturation, characterized by the storage of excessive amounts
of charge carriers in the base region, risetime equals falltime. If optical
saturation occurs, tF can become much larger than tR.
PerkinElmer tests the tR and tF of its phototransistors at an lC = 1.0 mA and
with a 100 ohm load resistor in series with the detector. Phototransistors
display tR and tF times in a range of 1 sec to 10 sec.
Selecting a Photodetector
Each application is a unique combination of circuit requirements, light
intensity levels, wavelengths, operating environment, and cost considerations.

90

Phototransistor Typical Characteristic Curves

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics phototransistors are intended to service a wide range of applications with reliable, versatile, and well
designed devices. We offer different chip sizes, specifications, various industry standard cases, lensed or unlensed, in both hermetic
and plastic packages to provide a full range of options for the design engineer. With the added benefit of favorable prices, these
products should meet the needs of any design.
Dark Current vs. Temperature
(Referred To 25C)

Relative Spectral Response

(Referred To Peak Response Of Clear Case)

Relative Output vs. Illumination

(Normalized At 100 fc)

Response Time
(For 25T Type Phototransistors)

91

Phototransistor Typical Characteristic Curves

Response Time
(For 40T Type Phototransistors)

Response Time
(For 50T Type Phototransistors)

Angular Response
Coax Packages

Angular Response
Molded Epoxy Packages

Angular Response
10-46 Packages

Angular Response
Ceramic Packages

92

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT1222W, 23W

Clear T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26W T-1 (5 mm) WIDE ANGLE

CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

mounted in a 5 mm diameter lensed, end looking,
transparent plastic package. Detectors in this series have
a half power acceptance angle (1/2) of 40. These
devices are spectrally and mechanically matched to the
VTE12xxW series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 100C
-40C to 100C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H= 0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT1222W

1.9

VTT1223W

1.5

Angular
Response
1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

10

20

50

6.0

0.25

2.0

40

100 (5)

10

20

40

6.0

0.25

3.0

40

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

93

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT1225, 26, 27

Clear T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26 T-1 (5 mm)

CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

mounted in a 5 mm diameter lensed, end looking,
transparent plastic package. Detectors in this series have
a half power acceptance angle (1/2) of 5. These devices
are spectrally and mechanically matched to the VTE12xx
series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 100C
-40C to 100C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

4.0

VTT1226

7.5

VTT1227

12.0

VTT1225

Angular
Response
1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

1.5

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

3.0

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

4.0

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

94

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT3323LA, 4LA, 5LA

Clear Long T-1 (3 mm) Plastic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 50A LONG T-1 (3 mm)

CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

mounted in a 3 mm diameter, lensed, end looking,
transparent plastic package. These devices are spectrally
and mechanically matched to the VTE337xLA series of
IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 100C
-40C to 100C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT3323LA

2.0

VTT3324LA

4.0

VTT3325LA

6.0

Angular
Response
1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

3.0

10

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

4.0

10

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

5.0

10

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

95

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT3423LA, 4LA, 5LA

IRT Long T-1 (3 mm) Plastic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 50A LONG T-1 (3 mm)

CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor in a

3 mm diameter, lensed plastic package. The package
material transmits infrared and blocks visible light. These
devices are spectrally and mechanically matched to the
VTE33xxLA series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 100C
-40C to 100C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT3423LA

1.0

VTT3424LA

2.0

VTT3425LA

3.0

Angular
Response
1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

3.0

10

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

4.0

10

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

5.0

10

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

96

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT7122, 7123, 7125

Molded Lensed Lateral Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 7 LATERAL
CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

mounted in a lensed, side looking, transparent plastic,
transfer molded package. These devices are spectrally
and mechanically matched to the VTE717x series of
IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 85C
-40C to 85C
50 mW
0.91 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT7122

1.0

VTT7123

2.0

VTT7125

4.5

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

2.0

36

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

2.0

36

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

2.0

36

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

97

.025" NPN Phototransistors

VTT7222, 7223, 7225

IRT Molded Lensed Lateral Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 7 LATERAL
CHIP TYPE: 25T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A small area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

mounted in a 3 mm diameter, lensed, end looking, plastic
package. The package material transmits infrared and
blocks visible light. These devices are spectrally and
mechanically matched to the VTE717x series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 85C
-40C to 85C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92).

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT7222

0.9

VTT7223

1.8

VTT7225

4.0

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

2.0

36

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

2.0

36

100 (5)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

4.0

36

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

98

.040" NPN Phototransistors

VTT1212, 1214

Clear T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26 T-1 (5 mm)

CHIP TYPE: 40T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A medium area high speed NPN silicon phototransistor

possessing excellent sensitivity and good speed mounted
in a lensed, end looking, transparent plastic package.
These devices are spectrally and mechanically matched
to the VTE12xx series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 100C
-40C to 100C
50 mW
0.71 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages (91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT1212

2.0

VTT1214

4.0

Angular
Response
1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

4.0

10

20 (1)

100

10

30

5.0

0.25

6.0

10

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

99

.040" NPN Phototransistors

VTT9002, 9003

Clear Epoxy TO-106 Ceramic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 8 TO-106 (FLAT)

CHIP TYPE: 40T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A medium area high sensitivity NPN silicon

phototransistor in a recessed TO-106 ceramic package.
The chip is protected with a layer of clear epoxy. The base
connection is brought out allowing conventional transistor
biasing. These devices are spectrally matched to any of
PerkinElmer IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-20C to 70C
-20C to 70C
100 mW
2.5 mW/C
25 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT9002

2.0

VTT9003

5.0

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

100

10

30

6.0

0.55

4.0

50

100 (5)

100

10

30

6.0

0.55

6.0

50

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

100

.040" NPN Phototransistors

VTT9102, 9103

Epoxy Lensed TO-106 Ceramic Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 9 TO-106 (LENSED)

CHIP TYPE: 40T

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A medium area high sensitivity NPN silicon

phototransistor in a recessed TO-106 ceramic package.
The chip is protected with a lens of clear epoxy. The base
connection is brought out allowing conventional transistor
biasing. These devices are spectrally matched to any of
PerkinElmer IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-20C to 70C
-20C to 70C
100 mW
2.5 mW/C
50 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT9102

6.0

VTT9103

13.0

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

100

30

4.0

0.55

6.0

42

100 (5)

100

30

4.0

0.55

10.0

42

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

101

.050" NPN Phototransistors

VTT1015, 16, 17

TO-46 Flat Window Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 1

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

TO-46 (FLAT WINDOW)

CHIP TYPE: 50T

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

A large area high sensitivity NPN silicon phototransistor in

a flat lensed, hermetically sealed, TO-46 package. The
hermetic package offers superior protection from hostile
environments. The base connection is brought out
allowing conventional transistor biasing. These devices
are spectrally matched to the VTE10xx series of IREDs.

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 110C
-40C to 110C
250 mW
3.12 mW/C
200 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT1015

0.4

VTT1016

1.0

VTT1017

2.5

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

100 (5)

25

20

40

6.0

0.40

5.0

35

100 (5)

25

20

30

6.0

0.40

5.0

35

100 (5)

25

10

20

4.0

0.40

8.0

35

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

102

.050" NPN Phototransistors

VTT1115, 16, 17

TO-46 Lensed Package

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 3

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

TO-46 HERMETIC (LENSED)

CHIP TYPE: 50T

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

(@ 25C unless otherwise noted)

A large area high sensitivity NPN silicon phototransistor in

a lensed, hermetically sealed, TO-46 package. The
hermetic package offers superior protection from hostile
environments The base connection is brought out
allowing conventional transistor biasing. These devices
are spectrally matched to the VTE11xx series of IREDs.

Maximum Temperatures
Storage Temperature:
Operating Temperature:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Current:
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 sec. max.)

-40C to 110C
-40C to 110C
250 mW
3.12 mW/C
200 mA
260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also typical curves, pages 91-92)

Light Current

Dark Current

Collector
Breakdown

Emitter
Breakdown

Saturation
Voltage

Rise/Fall Time

lC

lCEO

VBR(CEO)

VBR(ECO)

VCE(SAT)

tR/tF

H=0

lC = 100 A
H=0

lE = 100 A
H=0

lC = 1.0 mA
H = 400 fc

lC = 1.0 mA
RL = 100

Part Number
mA
Min.

Max.

H
fc (mW/cm2)
VCE = 5.0 V

VTT1115

1.0

VTT1116

2.0

VTT1117

4.0

Angular
Response 1/2

(nA)
Max.

VCE
(Volts)

Volts, Min.

Volts, Min.

Volts, Max.

sec, Typ.

Typ.

20 (1)

100

10

30

6.0

0.40

5.0

15

20 (1)

100

10

30

4.0

0.40

8.0

15

20 (1)

100

10

30

4.0

0.40

8.0

15

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

103

What is an LED? What is an IRED?

LEDs are solid state p-n junction devices which emit light when forward
biased. An LED is a Light Emitting Diode, a generic term. An IRED is
an Infrared Emitting Diode, a term specifically applied to PerkinElmer
IR emitters. Unlike incandescent lamps which emit light over a very
broad range of wavelengths, LEDs emit light over such a narrow
bandwidth that they appear to be emitting a single color. Their small
size, long operating lifetimes, low power consumption, compatibility
with solid state drive circuitry, and relatively low cost, make LEDs the
preferred light source in many applications.

enough energy to overcome the potential barrier existing at the

junction. After crossing the junction these carriers will recombine. A
percentage of the carriers will recombine by a radiative process in
which the hole-electron recombination energy is released as a photon
of light. The remaining carriers recombine by a non radiative process
and give up their energy in the form of heat. The amount of light
generated, or power output of the LED, varies almost linearly with
forward current. Doubling the forward current approximately doubles
the power output.

LEDs are made from a wide range of semiconductor materials. The

emitted peak wavelength depends on the semiconductor material
chosen and how it is processed. LEDs can be made which emit in the
visible or near infrared part of the spectrum.
LED TYPE

COLOR

SiC

BLUE

500 nm

GaP

GREEN

569 nm

GaAsP/GaP

YELLOW

585 nm

GaAsP/GaP

ORANGE

635 nm

GaAsP/GaAs

RED

655 nm

AlGaAs

RED

660 nm

GaP/GaP

RED

697 nm

GaAlAs

INFRARED

820 nm

GaAlAs

INFRARED

880 nm

GaAs

INFRARED

940 nm

GaAlAsInP ALLOYS

INFRARED

1300-1500 nm

Physically, most LED chips resemble a cube with a metallized bottom

surface and a top metal contact. Some visible LED dice are planar
processed with buried junction. The majority of high efficiency IRED
chips have P-N junctions which extend out to the four sides of the chip.
Since injected carrier recombination takes place within a few diffusion
lengths of the junction, the light produced by the IRED is generated in
this region. Once generated, the light travels out in all directions. Thus,
light is not only emitted from the top surface of the chip but also from
the sides. As the light travels through the chip some is reabsorbed.
Light that strikes the LED chip surface at an angle greater than the
critical angle of the dielectric interface is internally reflected. Only that
light that exits the LED chip is useful. The packaging used to house the
LED chip serves three functions; to protect the chip and its lead wire(s)
from hostile environments, to increase the percentage of photons that
can escape from the chip to the outside world, and to focus the light
through the use of incorporated lenses and reflectors.

The P-N junction is formed by doping one region of the material with
donor atoms and the adjacent region with acceptor atoms. Like all P-N
junction devices, LEDs exhibit the familiar diode current-voltage
characteristics. LEDs emit light only when they are biased in the
forward direction. Under forward biased conditions carriers are given
N on P 880 nm GaAlAs IR emitting diode (IRED)

104

Characteristics of IREDs
Measurement of Power Output

front of the IRED. In order to achieve repeatable and meaningful

measurement of this parameter it is necessary that the distance from
the IRED to the detector and the active area of the detector be
specified. This is because the radiation pattern observed for many
IREDs is dependent on the distance from the IRED.

It is standard industry practice to characterize the output of IREDs in

terms of power output. Since the amount of light an IRED generates
depends on the value of the forward drive current (IF), the power output
is always stated for a given value of current. Also, the ambient
temperature must be specified inasmuch as the radiant power
decreases with increasing temperature, power decreases with
increasing temperature, typically -0.9%/C.

For many of its emitters PerkinElmer Optoelectronics states a

minimum irradiance (Ee), which is the average power density in
milliwatts per square centimeter (mw/cm2) incident onto a surface of
diameter (D) at a distance (d). The irradiance will in general not be
uniform over this whole surface, and may be more or less intense on
the optical axis. Irradiance at other distances may be determined from
the graphs showing irradiance versus distance.

The following two methods are used to measure light power output.

Total Power (PO)

The on-axis power can also be stated as a radiant intensity (Ie) which
is the average power per unit of solid angle expressed in units of
milliwatts per steradian (mW/sr). To calculate the irradiance at any
distance the following formula is applicable.

This method involves collecting and measuring the total amount of light
emitted from the IRED regardless of the direction. This measurement
is usually done by using an integrating sphere or by placing a very
large area detector directly in front of the IRED so that all light emitted
in the forward direction is collected. The total output power is
measured in units of watts.

Ee = Ie/d2 (mW/cm2)
where:

The total power method ignores the effect of the beam pattern
produced by the IRED package. It cannot predict how much light will
strike an object positioned some distance in front of the IRED. This
information is vital for design calculations in many applications.
However, total output power measurement is repeatable and quite
useful when trying to compare the relative performance of devices in
the same type of package.

Ie = radiant intensity (mW/sr)

d = distance (cm)
However, it should be noted that the IRED cannot be treated as a point
source when the spacing between the IRED and receiver is small, less
than ten times the IRED package diameter. Attempts to use the inverse
square law can lead to serious errors when the detector is close to the
IRED. Actual measurements should be used in this situation.
For IREDs of any particular package type there is a direct relationship
between all three methods used for specifying power output. However,
imperfect physical packages and optical aberrations prevent perfect
correlation.

Detector is so large in area

and is so close to the IRED
that all light emitted by the
IRED is collected.

Measuring Total Power - All Light is Collected

Detector or area (A) is located at
specified distance (d) in front of the
IRED being measured.

On Axis Power (PA)

This method characterizes the IRED in terms of axial intensity. Many
practical applications require knowledge of what percentage of IR
power emitted is incident upon a detector located at some distance in

Measuring On-Axis Power

105

Characteristics of IREDs
Efficiency vs. Drive Current

Peak Spectral Wavelength (P)

As mentioned in the section What is an LED? What is an IRED?, once

injected carriers cross the junction they can recombine by a radiative
process which produces light or by a nonradiative process which
produces heat. The ratio between these two processes is dependent
on the current density (Amps/cm2 of junction area).

IREDs are commonly considered to emit monochromatic light, or light

of one color. In fact, they emit light over a narrow band of wavelengths,
typically less than 100 nm.
The wavelength at which the greatest amount of light is generated is
called the peak wavelength, P. It is determined by the energy
bandgap of the semiconductor material used and the type of dopants
incorporated into the IRED. The peak wavelength is a function of
temperature. As the temperature increases, P shifts towards longer
wavelengths (typically 0.2 nm/C).

At low current densities (.1A/cm2) the nonradiative processes

dominate and very little light is generated. As the current density is
increased the radiative mechanisms increase in efficiency so that a
larger and larger percentage of the forward current will contribute to
the generation of light. At sufficient current densities, the percentage of
forward current which produces light is almost a constant. For an IRED
of average junction area (0.015" x 0.015") this region of linear
operation is in the range of approximately 2 mA to 100 mA. Also, at
high forward drive currents the junction temperature of the chip
increases due to significant power dissipation. This rise in temperature
results in a decrease in the radiative recombination efficiency. As the
current density is further increased, internal series resistance effects
will also tend to reduce the light generating efficiency of the IRED.

Forward Voltage (VF)

The current-voltage characteristics of IREDs, like any other PN
junction device, obeys the standard diode equation.

IF = I O [ e

qV F nKT

1]

VF is the voltage drop across the IRED when it is forward biased at a

specific current, IF. It is important to note that VF is a function of
temperature, decreasing as temperature increases. Plots of VF vs. IF
as a function of temperature are included in the data sheet section.

Light Output Degradation

In normal operation, the amount of light produced by an IRED will
gradually decrease with time. The rate of decrease depends on the
temperature and the current density. IREDs driven at low forward
currents at room temperature ambient will degrade more slowly than
IREDs driven at higher forward drive currents and at elevated
temperatures. Typical degradation data is presented in the data sheet
section.

Reverse Breakdown Voltage (VBR)

This is the maximum reverse voltage that can safely be applied across
the IRED before breakdown occurs at the junction. The IRED should
never be exposed to VBR even for a short period of time since
permanent damage can occur. PerkinElmer IREDs are tested to a
reverse voltage specification of 5V minimum.

Light output degradation is caused by stress placed on the IRED chip,

be it mechanical, thermal or electrical. Stress causes defects in the
chip to propagate along the planes of the chips crystalline structure.
These defects in the crystalline structure, called dark line defects,
increase the percentage of non radiative recombinations. Forward
biasing the IRED provides energy which aids in the formation and
propagation of these defects. The designer using IREDs must address
the light output degradation with time characteristic by including
adequate degradation margins in his design so that it will continue to
function adequately to the end of the design life.

106

Characteristics of IREDs
Power Dissipation

PD = (.020 A) x (1.5 V) = .030 W

T = (400C/W) x (.030 W) = 12C
(0.9%/C) x 12C) -11%

Current flow through an IRED is accompanied by a voltage drop

across the device. The power dissipated (power = current x voltage)
causes a rise in the junction temperature rise is a decrease in the light
output of the IRED (approximately -0.9%/C). If the junction
temperature becomes too high, permanent damage to the IRED will
result. The maximum power dissipation rating of a semiconductor
device defines that operating region where overheating can damage
the device.

There is an 11% decrease in the amount of light generated by the

IRED.
For hermetics with good heat sinking:
JC 150C/W
where:

In any practical application, the maximum power dissipation depends

on: ambient temperature, maximum (safe) junction temperature, the
type of IRED package, how the IRED package is mounted, and the
exact electrical drive current parameters.

JC = thermal impedance, junction to case

T = (150C/W) x (.030 W) = 4.5C
(0.9%/C) x (4.5C) -4%

While the IRED chip generates heat, its packaging serves to remove
this heat out into the environment. The packages ability to dissipate
heat depends not only on its design and construction but also varies
from a maximum, if an efficient infinite heat sink is used, to a minimum,
for the case where no heat sink is present.

There is only a 4% decrease in the amount of light generated by the

IRED when a heat sink is used.
This is a clear example of the law of diminishing returns: increasing the
forward drive current will increase the amount of light generated by the
IRED. However, increasing the drive current also increases the power
dissipation in the device. This raises the IREDs junction temperature
resulting in a decrease in the IREDs efficiency.

The thermal impedance rating of the package quantifies the packages

ability to get rid of the heat generated by the IRED chip under normal
operation.

One way to overcome this performance limiting characteristic is to

pulse the IRED on and off rather than driving it with a dc current.
Maximum light output is obtained because the average power
dissipated is kept small. Above 100 mA of drive current it is advisable
to limit the maximum pulse width to a few hundred microsecounds, and
a 10% duty cycle.

Thermal impedance is defined as:

JA = (TJ TA) / PD

(C/W)

where:
JA = thermal impedance, junction to ambient
TJ = junction temperature
TA = ambient temperature
PD = power dissipation of the device
By definition JA assumes that the device is not connected to an
external heat sink and as such represents a worse case condition in as
far as power dissipation is concerned.
For plastic packages and non-heat-sunk hermetics:
JA 400C/W
Example: A hermetic LED is driven with a forward current of 20 mA dc.
At this drive current the forward voltage drop across the IRED is 1.5
volts.

107

GaAlAs 880 nm IREDs - General Characteristics

FEATURES

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Nine standard packages in hermetic and low cost epoxy

End and side radiating packages

Graded output

High efficiency GaAlAs 880 nm LPE process delivers twice the

power of conventional GaAs 940 nm emitters

This series of infrared emitting diodes (IREDs) consists of three

standard chips in nine different packages, providing a broad range of
mounting, lens, and power output options. Both end and side radiating
cases, as well as narrow and wide angle emitters, are part of this
series. All devices use high efficiency GaAlAs liquid phase epitaxial
chips mounted P side down for highest output. TO-46 and some T-1
(5 mm) devices are double bonded for increased reliability in pulse
applications.
These IREDs are ideally suited for use with PerkinElmers silicon
photodiodes or phototransistors.

Typical Characteristic Curves

Power Output vs. Time (@25C)
Small IRED Chip

Power Output vs. Time (@25C)

Large IRED Chip

Coax, T-1 & Lateral Packages

TO-46 & T-1 Packages

Power Output vs. Forward Current

108

GaAlAs 880 nm IREDs - General Characteristics

Typical Characteristic Curves (cont.)
Angular Emission

On Axis Relative Irradiance

T-1 Lateral Packages

T-1 & Lateral Packages

Angular Emission

On Axis Relative Irradiance

T-1 Packages

TO-46 & T-1 Packages

Angular Emission

On Axis Relative Irradiance

TO-46 & Coax Packages

Coax Packages

109

GaAlAs 880 nm IREDs - General Characteristics

Typical Characteristic Curves (cont.)
Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current

Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current

TO-46 & T-1 Packages

T-1, Lateral & Coax Packages

NOTES:
1.

While the output of any series of IREDs is selected by the

parameters shown as a minimum, devices may be selected by
any of the three parameters shown on special order. For any
series, there is a direct relationship between all three methods of
specifying output; however, variations in lens and chip
placements from unit to unit prevent perfect correlation between
parameters. Thus, a unit which has high total power output may
have a much lower than expected on axis radiant intensity and
therefore produce a lower irradiance.

Radiant Intensity (Ie) has the dimensions of milliwatts per

steradian. To calculate the irradiance at any distance, the
following formula is applicable: Ee = Ie / d2 mW/cm2
For example, a device with a radiant intensity of 150 mW/sr would
produce an irradiance of 0.6 W/cm2 at a 5 meter distance.
Ie is measured on axis at 36.3 mm from flange of the device. The
detector is 6.35 mm dia. For near field irradiance where the
inverse square law does not apply, see the graphs showing
relative irradiance vs. separation.

Total Power (PO) is measured at the forward test current. All

energy emitted in the forward direction is included.
Irradiance (Ee) is the average irradiance in milliwatts per square
centimeter on a surface of diameter (D) at a distance (d). The
irradiance will in general not be uniform over this whole surface,
and may be more or less intense on the optical axis. When this is
the characterizing parameter, irradiance at other distances may
be determined from the graphs showing irradiance vs. separation.

110

2.

IFT is the steady state forward current unless otherwise specified.

When pulse conditions are specified, the forward drop is the peak
value.

3.

1/2 is the angle between the optical axis and the half intensity
point of the IREDs output beam pattern.

4.

Pulse test current is 1.0 A peak. Pulse width is 100 sec, pulse
repetition rate is 10 pps.

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1063

TO-46 Flat Window Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 24 TO-46 HERMETIC (Flat Window)

CHIP SIZE: .018" x .018"

DESCRIPTION

This wide beam angle TO-46 hermetic emitter contains a large area, double
wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm, high efficiency IRED chip suitable for higher
current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-55C to 125C
200 mW
2.11 mW/C
100 mA
1.05 mA/C
3A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
35 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Half Power Beam

Angle

Radiant
Intensity

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

2.8

3.5

Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1063

Forward Drop

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

3.8

5.0

36

6.4

49

80

1.0

1/2
Typ.
35

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

111

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1163

TO-46 Lensed Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 24 TO-46 HERMETIC (Lensed)

CHIP SIZE: .018" x .018"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle TO-46 hermetic emitter contains a large area, double wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm, high efficiency IRED chip
suitable for higher current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-55C to 125C
200 mW
2.11 mW/C
100 mA
1.05 mA/C
3A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
35 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

2.8

3.5

Radiant
Intensity
Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1163

Forward Drop

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

22

28

36

6.4

285

110

1.0

1/2
Typ.
10

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

112

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1261, 1262

T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26 T-1 (5 mm)

CHIP SIZE: .018" x .018"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle 5 mm diameter plastic packaged emitter contains a large area, double wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm, high
efficiency IRED chip suitable for higher current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
3.0 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
35 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Condition

mW/cm2

Forward Drop
Radiant
Intensity

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE1261

3.0

3.9

36

6.4

39

20

100

1.5

2.0

10

VTE1262

4.0

5.2

36

6.4

52

25

100

1.5

2.0

10

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

113

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1281-1, -2

T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26 T-1 (5 mm)

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle 5 mm diameter plastic packaged emitter contains a medium area, single wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm, high
efficiency IRED chip. It is designed to be cost effective in moderate pulse drive applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

Radiant
Intensity

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE1281-1

2.5

3.3

36

6.4

32

20

100

1.5

2.0

10

VTE1281-2

5.0

6.5

36

6.4

65

25

100

1.5

2.0

10

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

114

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1281F

Flat T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26F T-1 (5 mm) FLAT

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This 5 mm diameter plastic packaged emitter has no lens. It is designed to be coupled to plastic fibers or used to illuminate an external
lens. It contains a medium area, single wirebonded, GaAlAs 880 nm chip and is designed to be cost effective in moderate pulse drive
applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
150 mW
2.14 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Half Power Beam

Angle

Radiant
Intensity

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

1.5

2.0

Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1281F

Forward Drop

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

0.16

0.21

36

6.4

2.1

20

100

1/2
Typ.
45

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

115

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1281W-1, W-2

T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26W T-1 (5 mm) WIDE ANGLE

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This wide beam angle 5 mm diameter plastic packaged emitter contains a GaAlAs, 880 nm IRED chip. It is a cost effective design and
is well suited for high current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop
Radiant
Intensity

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE1281W-1

1.2

1.6

36

6.4

16

20

100

1.5

2.0

25

VTE1281W-2

2.5

3.3

36

6.4

32

25

100

1.5

2.0

25

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

116

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1285

T-1 (5 mm) Bullet Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 62 T-1 (5 mm) BULLET

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This 5 mm diameter, custom lensed device contains a medium area, single wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm high efficiency IRED chip.
The custom lens allows this cost effective device to have a very narrow half power beam emission of 8.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Half Power Beam

Angle

Radiant
Intensity

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

1.5

2.0

Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1285

Forward Drop

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

3.0

5.5

36

6.4

39

20

100

1/2
Typ.
8

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

117

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1291-1, 1291-2

T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26 T-1 (5 mm)

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle 5 mm plastic packaged emitter contains a double wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm IRED chip. This cost effective
design is well suited for dc or high current pulse applications. This device is a UL recognized component for smoke alarm applications
(UL file #S3506).

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop
Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Radiant
Intensity

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE1291-1

2.5

3.3

36

6.4

32

20

100

1.5

2.0

12

VTE1291-2

5.0

6.5

36

6.4

65

25

100

1.5

2.0

12

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

118

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1291W-1, W-2

T-1 (5 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 26W T-1 (5 mm) WIDE ANGLE

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This wide beam angle 5 mm plastic packaged emitter contains a double wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm IRED chip. This cost effective
design is well suited for dc or high current pulse applications. This device is a UL recognized component for smoke alarm applications
(UL file #S3506).

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

Radiant
Intensity

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE1291W-1

1.2

1.6

36

6.4

16

20

100

1.5

2.0

25

VTE1291W-2

2.5

3.3

36

6.4

32

25

100

1.5

2.0

25

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

119

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1295

T-1 (5 mm) Bullet Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 62 T-1 (5 mm) BULLET

CHIP SIZE: .015" x .015"

DESCRIPTION

This 5 mm diameter, custom lensed device contains a medium area, single wirebonded, GaAlAs, 880 nm high efficiency IRED chip.
The custom lens allows this cost effective device to have a very narrow half power beam emission of 8. This device is a UL
recognized component for smoke alarm applications (UL file #S3506).

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
200 mW
2.86 mW/C
100 mA
1.43 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
23 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1295

Forward Drop
Half Power Beam
Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

1.5

2.0

Radiant
Intensity

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

3.0

5.5

36

6.4

39

20

100

1/2
Typ.
8

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

120

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE3372LA, 74LA

Long T-1 (3 mm) Plastic Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 50A Long T-1 (3 mm)

CHIP SIZE: .011" x .011"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle 3 mm diameter plastic packaged emitter is suitable for use in optical switch applications. It contains a small
area, GaAlAs, 880 nm, high efficiency IRED die.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise:1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 100C
100 mW
1.43 mW/C
50 mA
0.71 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
14 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Condition

mW/cm2

Forward Drop
Radiant
Intensity

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE3372LA

2.0

2.6

10.16

2.1

2.0

3.0

20

1.3

1.8

10

VTE3374LA

4.0

5.2

10.16

2.1

4.1

5.0

20

1.3

1.8

10

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

121

GaAlAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE7172, 7173

Molded Lateral Package 880 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 7 LATERAL
CHIP SIZE: .011" x .011"

DESCRIPTION

These side-looking packages are designed for use in PC board mounted interrupt detectors. The package is transfer molded plastic
and contains a high efficiency, 880 nm, GaAlAs IRED die.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise: 1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.)

-40C to 85C
100 mW
1.82 mW/C
50 mA
0.91 mA/C
2.5 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
880 nm
14 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 108-110)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop
Radiant
Intensity

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE7172

0.4

0.6

16.7

4.6

1.1

2.5

20

1.3

1.8

25

VTE7173

0.6

0.8

16.7

4.6

1.7

5.0

20

1.3

1.8

25

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

122

GaAs 940 nm Infrared Light Emitting Diodes

Features

Product Description

Three standard packages in hermetic and low cost epoxy

End radiating packages

High power GaAs, 940 nm LPE process

This series of infrared emitting diodes (IREDs) consists of two

standard chips in three different packages. All devices use high
efficiency GaAs liquid phase epitaxial chips mounted P side down for
highest output. TO-46 devices are double bonded for increased
reliability in pulse applications.
These IREDs are ideally suited for use with PerkinElmers silicon
photodiodes or phototransistors.

Typical Characteristic Curves

Power Output vs. Time (@25C)
Small IRED Chip

Power Output vs. Time (@25C)

Large IRED Chip

Long T-1 Package

TO-46 Packages

On Axis Relative Irradiance

Power Output vs. Forward Current

TO-46 Packages

123

GaAs 940 nm Infrared Light Emitting Diodes

Typical Characteristic Curves (cont.)
Angular Response

Angular Response

TO-46 Package

Long T-1 Package

Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current

Forward Voltage vs. Forward Current

TO-46 Packages

Long T-1 Package

Notes:
1.

While the output of any series of IREDs is selected by the parameters shown as minimum, devices may be selected by any of the three
parameters shown on special order. For any series, there is a direct relationship between all three methods of specifying output; however,
variations in lens and chip placements from unit to unit prevent perfect correlation between parameters. Thus, a unit which has high total
power output may have a much lower than expected on axis radiant intensity and therefore produce a lower irradiance.
Total Power (PO) is measured at the forward test current. All energy emitted in the forward direction is included.
Irradiance (Ee) is the average irradiance in milliwatts per square centimeter on a surface of diameter (D) at a distance (d). The irradiance will
in general not be uniform over this whole surface, and may be more or less on the optical axis. When this is the characterizing parameter,
irradiance at other distances may be determined from the graphs showing irradiance vs. separation.

124

GaAs 940 nm Infrared Light Emitting Diodes

Radiant Intensity (Ie) has the dimensions of milliwatts per steradian. To calculate the irradiance at any distance, the following formula is
applicable: Ee = Ie/d2 mW/cm2
For example, a device with a radiant intensity of 150 mW/sr would produce an irradiance of 0.6 W/cm2 at a 5 meter distance.
Ie is measured on axis at 36.3 mm from flange of the device. The detector is 6.35 mm diameter. For near field irradiance where the inverse
square law does not apply, see the graphs showing relative irradiance vs. separation.
2.

IFT is the steady state forward current unless otherwise specified. When pulse conditions are specified, the forward drop is the peak value.

3.

1/2 is angle between the optical axis and the half intensity sec, pulse repetition output beam pattern.

4.

Pulse test current is 1.0 A peak. Pulse width is 100 sec, pulse repetition rate is 10 pps.

125

GaAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1013

TO-46 Flat Window Package 940 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 24A TO-46 HERMETIC (Flat Window)

CHIP SIZE: .018" X .018"

DESCRIPTION

This wide beam angle TO-46 hermetic emitter contains a large area, double wirebonded, GaAs, 940 nm IRED chip suitable for higher
current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise:1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.

-55C to 125C
200 mW
2.11 mW/C
100 mA
1.05 mA/C
3.0 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
940 nm
35 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 123-124)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Radiant
Intensity
Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1013

Forward Drop
Half Power Beam
Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

1.9

2.5

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

2.1

2.7

36

6.4

27

30

1.0

1/2
Typ.
35

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

126

GaAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE1113

TO-46 Lensed Package 940 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 24 TO-46 HERMETIC (Lensed)

CHIP SIZE: .018" X .018"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle TO-46 hermetic emitter contains a large area, double wirebonded, GaAs, 940 nm IRED chip suitable for
higher current pulse applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):

Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:
Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise:1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:
(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.

-55C to 125C
200 mW
2.11 mW/C
100 mA
1.05 mA/C
3.0 A
-.8%/C

5.0V
10 A
940 nm
35 pF

260C

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 123-124)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Half Power Beam

Angle

Radiant
Intensity

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

1.9

2.5

Condition

mW/cm2

VTE1113

Forward Drop

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

12

15

36

6.4

156

30

1.0

1/2
Typ.
10

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

127

GaAs Infrared Emitting Diodes

VTE3322LA, 24LA

Long T-1 Plastic Package 940 nm

PACKAGE DIMENSIONS inch (mm)

CASE 50A LONG T-1

CHIP SIZE: .011" X .011"

DESCRIPTION

This narrow beam angle, 3 mm diameter plastic packages, GaAs, 940 nm emitter is suitable for use in optical switch applications.

ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS @ 25C (unless otherwise noted)

Maximum Temperatures
Storage and Operating:
Continuous Power Dissipation:
Derate above 30C:
Maximum Continuous Current:
Derate above 30C:
Peak Forward Current, 10 s, 100 pps:
Temp. Coefficient of Power Output (Typ.):
Maximum Reverse Voltage:

Maximum Reverse Current @ VR = 5V:

Peak Wavelength (Typical):
Junction Capacitance @ 0V, 1 MHz (Typ.):
Response Time @ IF = 20 mA
Rise:1.0 s Fall: 1.0 s
Lead Soldering Temperature:

-40C to 100C
100 mW
1.43 mW/C
50 mA
0.71 mA/C
3A
-.8%/C
5.0V

10 A
940 nm
14 pF

260C

(1.6 mm from case, 5 seconds max.

ELECTRO-OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS @ 25C (See also GaAlAs curves, pages 123-124)

Output
Irradiance
Part Number
Ee

Forward Drop

Condition

mW/cm2

Half Power Beam

Angle

Total Power

Test
Current

VF

Ie

PO

IFT

@ IFT
Volts
Typ.

Max.

Radiant
Intensity

distance

Diameter

mW/sr

mW

1/2

Min.

Typ.

mm

mm

Min.

Typ.

mA
(Pulsed)

VTE3322LA

1.0

1.3

10.16

2.1

1.0

1.5

20

1.25

1.6

10

VTE3324LA

2.0

2.6

10.16

2.1

2.0

2.5

20

1.25

1.6

10

Typ.

Refer to General Product Notes, page 2.

PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, 10900 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132 USA

Phone: 314-423-4900 Fax: 314-423-3956 Web: www.perkinelmer.com/opto

128

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #1
Light - Some Physical Basics

A consequence of this wave-like nature is that each "color" can be

completely defined by specifying its unique wavelength. The
wavelength is defined as the distance a wave travels in one cycle.
Since the wavelengths of light are very short they are normally
measured in nanometers, one nanometer being equal to 1x10-9
meters.

Light is produced by the release of energy from the atoms of a material

when they are excited by heat, chemical reaction or other means. Light
travels through space in the form of an electromagnetic wave.

The spectral response of PerkinElmer Optoelectonics photodetectors

are specified by plots of relative response versus wavelength (color).

400
ULTRAVIOLET

700
VISIBLE LIGHT

INFRARED

(TO X-RAYS AND GAMMA RAYS)

(TO RADAR WAVES)

VIOLET

RED

VIOLET

BELOW 450 nm

BLUE

450 - 500 nm

GREEN

500 - 570 nm

YELLOW

570 - 590 nm

ORANGE

590 - 610 nm

RED

610 - 700 nm

NATURAL ILLUMINANCE
Sky Condition
Direct Sunlight
Overcast Day
Twilight
Full Moon
Clear Night Sky (moonless)

WAVELENGTH

ROOM ILLUMINATION

Light Level
(Typical)

Lighting Condition

10000 fc
1000 fc
1 fc
.1 fc
.001 fc

Candle - Lit Room

Auditorium
Classroom
Inspecion Station
Hospital Operating Room

129

Light Level
(Typical)
5 fc
10 fc
30 fc
250 fc
500 -1000 fc

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #2
Spectral Output of Common Light Sources

Due to their long operating lifetimes, small size, low power

consumption, and the fact that they generate little heat, LEDs are the
light sources of choice in many applications. When biased in the
forward direction LEDs emit light that is very narrow in spectral
bandwidth (light of one color). The color of the light emitted depends
on which semiconductor material was used for the LED.

Incandescent lamps can be considered as black body radiators whose

spectral output is dependent on their color temperature. The sun has
approximately the same spectral radiation distribution as that of a black
body @ 5900 K. However, as viewed from the surface of the earth, the
suns spectrum contains H2O and CO2 absorption bands.

Black Body Sources Output vs Wavelength

LED Light Sources

Fluorescent lamps exhibit a broad band spectral output with narrow

peaks in certain parts of the spectrum. Shown below is a plot of the
light output of a typical daylight type fluorescent tube.

Fluorescent Lamp Output vs Wavelength

130

LED TYPE

COLOR

GaP

GREEN

569nm

GaAsP/GaP

YELLOW

585nm

GaAsP/GaP

ORANGE

635nm

GaAsP/GaAs

RED

655nm

AIGaAs

RED

660nm

GaP/GaP

RED

697nm

GaAIAs

INFRARED

880nm

GaAs

INFRARED

940nm

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #3
Photodiode Response Time

The series resistance of the photodiode (RS) is comprised of the

resistance of the undepleted region of the diode and the contact
resistance. RS is usually of the order of 10 ohms but can be up to a few
hundred ohms in small area diodes of high resistivity silicon. When the
output current of the photodiode is fed into a transimpedance op-amp
the effective load resistance is the feedback resistance (RF) divided by
the open loop gain.

The response time of a photodiode is defined as the time it takes for

light generated carriers within the body of the diode to arrive at and
cross the P-N junction.
When the diode is illuminated, photons of light penetrate into the
silicon and are absorbed generating electron-hole pairs. The average
depth of penetration of a photon is wavelength dependent. The
penetration depth has a statistical distribution so that there will be
some electron-hole pairs generated at all depths. For light of very short
wavelengths (ie UV and blue), most of the carriers will be generated
very near the top surface of the diode. At this surface, due to the
termination of the crystal lattice, the minority carrier lifetime is
extremely short and most of the carriers will recombine before they can
cross the P-N junction and contribute to the photocurrent. Light of
longer wavelengths tends to penetrate deeper, generating a good
number of carriers in the depletion region. The strong electric field that
resides there sweeps the carriers across the junction at which point
they contribute to the photocurrent. Light of even longer wavelengths
(ie IR) penetrates even deeper generating carriers in the area below
the depletion region. As these carriers slowly diffuse towards the P-N
junction, a fair number will recombine and never contribute to the
photocurrent. For photodiodes with long minority carrier lifetimes, a
greater percentage of these carriers will survive to reach the junction.

3.

The total risetime of a photodiode is equal to the square root of the

sum of the squares of the three risetime components.

TR =

2.

T CC + T RC + TDIF

TR is essentially equal to the largest of the three risetime components.

The fastest response time will be achieved for the condition where the
RC time constant is as small as possible and where all carriers are
generated within the depletion region. What follows is a practical
guideline for achieving these conditions.
1.

Within the limits imposed by the application, select the process

that results in the lowest value for junction capacitance per unit of
active area.

2.

Choose the photodiode with the smallest active area that still
generates the required photocurrent.

3.

Design the external circuit such that the load resistance the diode
sees is as small as possible.

4.

Apply a reverse voltage across the photodiode. This will expand

the width of the depletion layer resulting in a larger percentage of
carriers being generated within this region. The applied voltage
will result in an increase in the electric field so that carriers within
that feld will experience an increase in drift velocity. Further, the
junction capacitance will decrease with the increasing applied
voltage.

The risetime of a photodiode consists of three components:

1.

TDIF (diffusion time) is the time needed for carriers generated

outside the depletion region to diffuse into the depletion region.
Carriers can diffuse into the depletion layer from the undepleted
lower portion of the silicon chip as well as laterally from outside
the perimeter of the active area of the chip.

TCC (charge collection time) is the time required for the electric
field, residing at the P-N junction, to sweep out carriers generated
within or entering the depletion region. Typically TCC is less that 1
nsec.
TRC (rise time associated with the RC time constant) is the time
required to charge or discharge the photodiode's junction
capacitance (CJ) through the external load resistance(RL) and is
given as:
TRC = 2.2 RL CJ

In practice the RL term consists of the series combination of the

external load resistance and internal series resistance of the
photodiode (RS). The CJ term should include not only the junction
capacitance of the photodiode but also all external capacitance such
as the packaging capacitance and the external wiring capacitance.

Compiled below are some examples which illustrate how choice of light
source, load resistance, and bias voltage effect the speed of a silicon
photodiode. The numbers are produced by theoretical calculations,
and numerous simplifying assumption have been made. Nevertheless
these charts serve to show trends.

131

Application Notes
SLOWER DIODES

PARAMETER

HIGHER NOISE

LARGE

ACTIVE AREA

SMALL

LARGE

JUNCTION CAPACITANCE

SMALL

SMALL

REVERSE APPLIED VOLTAGE

LARGE

LIGHT SOURCE

VISIBLE

LOAD RESISTANCE

SMALL

INFARED
LARGE

2
CC

+T

2
RC

+T

2
DIF

SPEED (nsec.)
LIGHT SOURCE:
RED LIGHT (660 nm)

RL = 50 ohms

RL = 1000 ohms

TCC

TRC

TDIF

TR

TCC

TRC

TDIF

TR

VR = 0V (CJ = 120 pF)

13

54

55.6

264

54

270

VR = 10V (CJ = 24 pF)

2.6

0*

2.8

53

0*

53

* ALL CARRIERS ARE GENERATED WITHIN THE DEPLETION REGION

SPEED (nsec.)
LIGHT SOURCE:
RED LIGHT (940 nm

RL = 50 ohms
TCC

RL = 1000 ohms

TRC

TDIF

TR

TCC

TRC

TDIF

TR

VR = 0V (CJ = 120 pF)

13

1448

1448

264

1448

1472

VR = 10V (CJ = 24 pF)

2.6

97

97

53

97

110

132

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #4
Modes of Operation - Photovoltaic
vs. Photoconductive

tolerated in the actual application. As detailed in Application Note #3,

applying a reverse bias across the photodiode increases its speed of
response and must be used if nsec response times are needed.
However, the dark leakage current of the photodiode tends to increase
with applied reverse voltage resulting in an increase in the amount of
shot noise generated by the photodiode. In general, a photodiode is
operated in the photovoltaic mode when low nose is of prime concern,
and under applied reverse bias when maximum speed is needed. A
more detailed treatment on photodiode noise is given in Application
Note #5.

A silicon photodiode can be operated in either the photovoltaic or

photoconductive mode. When unbiased, the photodiode is being
operated in the photovoltaic mode. When illuminated, the diode will
generate a photocurrent which will divide between the internal shunt
resistance of the junction and any external load resistance. That part of
the photocurrent that flows through the external resistor will produce a
voltage across that resistor which will act as a forward bias on the
photodiode.

APPLICATION NOTE #5
Photodiode Noise Characteristics
Certain figures of merit are defined to describe the performance of
photodiodes:
Spectral Responsivity (Re)
Radiant Sensitivity (SR)
Quantum Efficiency (QE)
Rise Time (tR)
Cutoff Frequency (fc)
Shunt Resistance (RSH)
Series Resistance (RS)

Current/Voltage Characteristics - Photovoltaic Mode

Junction Capacitance (CJ)

Maximum Reverse Voltage (VR max.)
Dark Current (ID)
Short Circuit Current (ISC)
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)
Noise Current (IN)
Noise Equivalent Power (NEP)
Detectivity (D)
This application note will discuss the last three figures of merit: Noise
Current (IN), Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) and Detectivity (D).

Current/Voltage Characteristics - Photoconductive Mode

Noise Current (IN)

When a reverse bias is applied, the photodiode is being operated in the

photoconductive mode. In this mode the photodiode functions as a
current source.

The equivalent circuit of a photodiode is shown below. It consists of an

ideal current generator in parallel with an ideal diode. The junction
capacitance, series resistance and the equivalent noise current
generator associated with the junction shunt resistance account for the
other photodiode parameters.

The choice of operating mode hinges on the trade-off between the

required speed of response and the maximum noise that can be

133

Application Notes
resistance RSH and is directly proportional to absolute temperature
such that:
4kTB R

I =
J

SH

where:
IJ = Johnson noise (A)
where:

k = Boltzmann's constant (1.38 x 10-23 joules/K)

IP = photocurrent generator (A)

T = absolute temperature (K)

CJ = junction capacitance (F)

B = noise bandwidth (Hz)

IN = noise current generator (A, rms)

RSH = photodiode shunt resistance ()

RSH = shunt resistance ()

In photodiodes, Johnson noise may become the dominant type when

either low leakage/high dynamic resistance photodiodes are used in
the zero bias configuration or when high value resistors (megohm to
gigohm) are used as current sensing elements. Because thermal noise
is independent of frequency and contains constant noise power
density per unit bandwidth (B), it is considered white noise and is
expressed in units of amps-per-root-Hertz ( A Hz ). For example, a
photodiode having RSH = .5 M at 25C:

RS = series resistance ()
VS = signal voltage (V)
RL = load resistance ()
Like other types of light sensors, the lower limits of light detection for
photodiodes are determined by the noise characteristics of the device.
The main sources of noise in photodiodes are thermal noise (or
Johnson noise), shot noise and flicker noise (1/f or contact noise).
These noise sources are independent of each other and the total noise
current is the root of the sum of the square of each of these noise
sources.
Hence:
IN =

IJ + IS + IF

I B =
J

4KT R

SH

1.6 10

20

0.5 10

= 0.18 pA (rms) Hz

Shot Noise (IS)

where:

Shot noise is generated by the random fluctuations in the normal

current flow through the P-N junction. Because each electron carries a
discrete amount of charge and the flow of electrons is subject to small
random fluctuations, a noise current is generated. It has been shown
that shot noise can be expressed by the following equation:

IN = total noise current (A)

IJ = thermal or Johnson noise current (A)
IS = shot noise current (A)
IF = flicker noise current (A)

Thermal or Johnson Noise (IJ)

Thermal noise is a fundamental physical phenomenon generated by
the random thermal motion of electrons and is present in any linear
passive resistor. Photodiode thermal noise is caused by its shunt

2qI

dc

where:
IS = shot noise (A, rms)
Idc = dc current through the junction
q = electron charge (1.6 x 10-19 coulombs)
B = noise bandwidth (Hz)

134

Application Notes
Like thermal noise, shot noise is independent of frequency and is also
called "white noise". Shot noise may become significant when either
high leakage photodiodes are used in reverse bias or when very weak
signals must be detected. For example:

where:
NEP = noise equivalent power ( W Hz )
IN = noise current ( A Hz )

For a photodiode with ID = 100 nA, the resultant shot noise will be:
I B =
S
=

2qI

SR = peak radiant sensitivity (A/W)

dc

2 1.6 10

19

100 10

NEP values range from about 10-15 W Hz for small area, low
noise silicon photodiodes, to over 10-12 W Hz for large area cells.
PerkinElmer's VTB (blue enhanced series) and VTP (fast response
series) are among the lowest noise photodiodes with NEP values on
the order of 10-15 W Hz , and the VTS (solar processed, large
area series) photodiode NEP values are on the order of 10-13
W Hz .

= 0.18 pA (rms) Hz

Flicker or 1/f Noise

Flicker noise is one of the least understood. It is usually attributed to
manufacturing noise mechanisms or device surface states.
Experimental data shows that this type of noise has a dependence on
dc current and is similar to shot noise. A general equation for this type
of noise follows:
I

KI

dc

Detectivity (D)
The inverse value of NEP is the detectivity (detection capability). The
detectivity is a measure of the least detectable radiant power or
detector signal to noise ratio. A higher D indicates ability to detect
lower levels of radiant power.

Bf

where:

D = 1/NEP

IF = flicker noise (A)

where:

K = a constant that depends on the type of material and its

geometry.

D = detectivity ( Hz W )

Idc = dc junction current (A)

Since noise is normally proportional to the square root of the

photosensitive area, the smaller the photosensitive area (AD), the
better the apparent NEP and detectivity.

B = bandwidth of interest (Hz)

f = frequency (Hz)

The specific detectivity D* (D-Star) takes account of this factor and

produces a figure of merit which is area independent. By definition:

Unlike thermal and shot noises, flicker noise has 1/f spectral density
and in the ideal case for which If is exactly proportional to 1 f , it is
termed "pink noise". Unfortunately, the constant (K) can only be
determined empirically and may vary greatly even for similar devices.
Flicker noise may dominate when the bandwidth of interest contains
frequencies less than about 1 kHz.

D* = D A D
where:
D* = specific detectivity (cm Hz W )

Noise Equivalent Power (NEP)

AD = photodiode active area

D* values range from as high as 1013 (c m Hz W ) to as low as 1011
(c m Hz W ) .

The lower limit of light detection for a photodiode is expressed as the

intensity of incident light required to generate a current equal to the
noise current, IN. This limit is referred to as Noise Equivalent Power,
NEP and is defined as follows:

Both NEP and D* may be expressed either as an absolute or relative

with respect to values at a given wavelength or at peak sensitivity.

NEP = I N S R

135

Application Notes
Photodiode Noise Measurement

where:
ND = photodiode noise voltage (V)

Photodiode noise current can be measured directly. A very low noise,

high gain, broadband current to voltage converter amplifier is required
along with a band pass filter and a true rms volt meter. A typical
measurement circuit is shown below.

NS = system noise voltage (V)

Photodiode noise current
IN = N D ( RF B )

where:
RF = feedback resistor (ohms)
B = bandwidth (Hz)
Photodiode noise equivalent power
NEP = I N S R

Detectivity
D = 1 ( NEP )

where:

D* = D A D

DUT = photodiode under test

VB = variable low noise dc power supply
LOWER NOISE

A = low noise broadband amplifier

SMALL
LARGE
SMALL
SMALL

RF = feedback resistor
NOTE: A wave analyzer with true rms read out can be used in place of
bandpass filter and true rms DVM.

PARAMETER

HIGHER NOISE

ACTIVE AREA
SHUNT RESISTANCE
DARK CURRENT
JUNCTION CAPACITANCE

LARGE
SMALL
LARGE
LARGE

Test Procedure

APPLICATION NOTE #6 Processes

Set wave analyzer frequency span @ 1 kHz and resolution bandwidth

@ 30 Hz.

Photodiodes find use in a wide range of applications because they can

be made with a wide range of performance characteristics. Each
application places different demands on their performance.

Connect the output of amplifier A to the wave analyzer input.

It is often desirable to enhance one or more of the photodiodes

performance characteristics such as sensitivity to a particular
wavelength of light, speed of response, shunt resistance, etc. Within
certain constraints this can be accomplished through the choice of
method of crystal growth, resistivity, crystal orientation, carrier lifetime,
and other properties of the silicon wafer as well as through wafer
processing and photodiode chip layout.

Adjust the well regulated and low noise power supply to set the
required bias voltage.
Measure the system noise, NS, by inserting a capacitance equal to the
photodiode's junction capacitance, CJ, at the operating reverse bias
voltage between power supply and amplifier.
Replace the above capacitance by the photodiode and measure the
system plus Photodiode noise, NS + ND.

PerkinElmer offers three standard silicon diode processes. Each

process represents a different trade-off in diode performance
characteristics. The following charts list the three standard processes
and illustrate the tradeoffs.

Calculate the photodiode's current noise (IN) as follows:

Photodiode noise voltage
ND =

( NS + ND ) NS

136

Application Notes
PROCESS

DESCRIPTION

VTB
VTP

PACKAGED DEVICES
BLUE ENHANCED
FAST RESPONSE

VTS

LARGE AREA DEVICES

LOW CAPACITANCE

PerkinElmer also has the capability to design and manufacture custom

multichannel arrays of various configurations. There are two general
categories of arrays: monolithic and hybrid. Monolithic arrays have all
detector elements incorporated within one silicon chip. Hybrid arrays
are arrays assembled by placing individual detector chips down onto
some sort of substrate, usually ceramic or printed circuit board.
Tooling costs and lead times can become a major concern if a
monolithic array chip must be made from scratch. A possible
alternative, should the geometries work out, is to cut out a block of
discrete photodiode chips from the parent silicon wafer, thus
eliminating the need to tool a custom array. However, for this approach
to work, an existing detector chip must be found not only with the same
active area as a single element of the array, but the spacing between
the diodes on the wafer must be the same as the center-to-center
spacing required for the array.

Diode Characteristics
VTB PROCESS

PARAMETER

VTP PROCESS

LOWER

SR@2850K

HIGHER

HIGHER

SR@400nm

LOWER

HIGHER

VOC

LOWER

LOWER

ID

HIGHER

HIGHER

RSH

LOWER

HIGHER

CJ

LOWER

LOWER

VBR

HIGHER

APPLICATION NOTE #7
Array and Custom Detector Guidelines
Semicustom and fully custom photodiodes can be used to deliver
performance not available from catalog devices. PerkinElmer offers a
full spectrum of specialized or custom services ranging from the
sorting of stock devices for some electrical characteristic such as VBR,
RD, or ID; to placing a stock chip in a package it is not usually supplied
in; to the use of filters incorporated into the package in order to modify
the spectral response; to a totally custom chip and/or package design
involving a major tooling effort.
LEVEL OF
CUSTOMIZING

WHEN
JUSTIFIED

NOTES

CUSTOM ELECTRICAL
SORT OF EXISTING
STOCK DEVICE

MODERATE
VOLUMES

QUICK TURNAROUND

SUPPLY EXISTING
CHIP IN A DIFFERENT
PACKAGE

HIGH
VOLUMES

LONGER
LEAD TIMES,
NRE*

TOOL CUSTOM CHIP

AND/OR TOOL
CUSTOM HOUSING

HIGH
VOLUMES

LONGEST
LEAD TIMES,
NRE, TOOLING

* NRE - NON RECURRING ENGINEERING CHARGE

137

Application Notes
exposed to these terms, experience a certain amount of confusion
caused by the two systems of measurement, the photometric and the
radiometric.

Comparison of Monolithic and Hybrid Arrays

MONOLITHIC

PARAMETER

HYBRID

COMMON
CATHODE

ELECTICAL
CONFIGURATION

FLEXIBLE

LESS
(ONE CHIP)

COMPLEXITY OF
PACKAGE

MORE
(MULTIPLE CHIPS)

LONGER*

LEADTIMES

SHORTER

LESS

PACKAGING COSTS

**MORE

TIGHTER

DIMENSIONAL
TOLERANCES

LOOSER

The photometric system defines light in terms of how it is perceived by

the human eye. The eye's sensitivity is dependent on the wavelength
or color of the light. Peak sensitivity occurs in the green part of the
visible spectrum while the eye's response to infrared or ultraviolet is
zero.
The radiometric system describes light quantities in physical rather
than eye response terms. The baseline detector used in the
radiometric system has uniform sensitivity across the entire spectrum.
Radiometric measurements can be made with thermopiles whose
response does not vary with wavelength.

* TOTAL CUSTOM DESIGN

** PATTERNED METALLIZED SUBSTRATE OFTEN NEED
TO BE TOOLED

Both systems have their place. When specifying room lighting, it

makes sense to use photometric units. However, if the application
involves transmitting data over a beam of infrared light, the output of
the light source and the sensitivity of the detector must be specified
using radiometric units.

Since arrays tend to be custom in nature, it is important for the

customer to supply PerkinElmer with enough information to achieve
the most cost effective design for the particular application. The
information required includes the following:
1.

Number of light detecting elements

2.

Desired layout

3.

Active area of each element

4.

Center-to-center spacing between elements

5.

Electrical configuration (common cathode, etc.)

6.

Packaging requirements - including pin-out configuration

7.

Anticipated volumes

8.

Price goals

9.

Desired delivery date

PerkinElmer makes use of the symbol H, (the original term for radiant
incidence) when specifying the lighting conditions under which its
detectors are measured for sensitivity. This symbol appears regardless
if photometric (fc) or radiometric (W/cm2) incidence is being specified.

APPLICATION NOTE #8
Photometric and Radiometric Terms

Relative Spectral Response of

Photometric and Radiometric Detectors

In order to describe the sensitivity of photodetectors or the brightness

of light sources, it is necessary to define the amount of light being
emitted or detected in quantitative terms. Many individuals, when first

138

Application Notes
Commonly Used Terms
TERM

Flux,

Incidence, E
(Note 1)

Exitance, M

Solid Angle,

Intensity, I

DEFINITION

Rate of flow of energy (Q)

to, from or through a
surface

Flux per unit area falling

perpendicularly upon a
surface

NOMENCLATURE

DESCRIPTION

EQUATION

UNITS

e - (Radiometric)

Radiant Flux
(Radiant Power)

dQ e
--------dt

W, Watts

v - (Photometric)

Luminous Intensity

dQv
--------dt

lm, lumens

Ee - (Radiometric)

Radiant Incidence
(Irradiance)

d e
---------dA

W/cm2

Ev - (Photometric)

Luminous Incidence
(Note 2)

d v
--------dA

lx, lux (lm/m2)

Me - (Radiometric)

Radiant Exitance
(Emittance)

d v
--------dA

W/m2

Mv - (Radiometric)

Luminous Exitance

d v
--------dA

lm/m2

dS
d = -----2
r

sr, Steradians

Flux per unit area from an

emitting surface

A solid angle with its apex

at the center of a sphere
of radius, r, defines a
spherical surface area, S,
such that =S/r2

Flux per unit solid angle

radiating from a point
source

Ie - (Radiometric)

Radiant Intensity

d e
---------d

W/sr

Iv = (Photometric)

Luminous Intensity

d v
--------d

cd, candelas (lm/sr)

Radiant Sterance
(Radiance)

Le - (Radiometric)

Sterance, L

Flux per unit solid angle

per unit area of emitting
surface at angle with
respect to the surface
normal

Luminous Sterance
(Luminance) (Note 3)

Lv - (Photometric)

Notes:
1.

For historical continuity, PerkinElmer uses the symbol H in the data

sheets of this catalog.

2.

Other units for luminous intensity are:

Phot, ph
lm/cm2
Footcandle, fc
lm/ft2 (1 fc = 10.76 lux)

3.

139

d e
------------------dA cos
2

d e
--------------------------ddA cos
d v
------------------dA cos
2

d v
--------------------------ddA cos

Other units for luminous sterance are:

Lambert, L
1/cd/cm2
Foot lambert, fL
1/cd/ft2
Apostilb, asb
1/cd/m2
Stilb, sb
cd/cm2

W/(sr m2)

cd/m2

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #9

the interface between the two materials. This reflected power is called
the fresnel loss.

The Effect of Packaging on the Light Output of IREDs

For normal incidence, the Fresnel loss efficiency factor is given by:

When an IRED Is forward biased a percentage of the injected carriers

which recombine in the vicinity of the P-N junction result in the
generation of photons. Not all of the generated light is able to emerge
from the interior of the IRED chip due to these power loss
mechanisms:
1.

absorption

2.

Fresnel losses

3.

internal reflection

4
FR = ----------------------------------------------2
n2 + n2 n1 + n1 n2
where:
n1 = index of refraction of the IRED
n2 = index of refraction of the material
surrounding the chip

Mounting the IRED die in a package not only serves to protect it from a
potentially hostile environment but can also be used to increase the
useful power output by compensating for these losses. As photons
travel outward through the chip from the junction region there is a
probability that absorption will take place. The longer the travel
distance the greater the internal absorption. This is the reason that
smaller IRED sizes exhibit the highest power conversion efficiencies.

For a GaAs IRED chip emitting directly into air:

4
FR = --------------------------------------------------------- = 82%
( 1 + 1 3.62 ) + ( 3.62 1 )
Hence only 82% of the light reaching the chips surface exits the chip.
More light power can be extracted from the chip by coating it with a
matching material whose index of refraction lies between that of the
chips and that of air. When an index matching material is used the
transmission efficiency can be increased to over 90%. Optimum
transmission efficiency is achieved when the index matching material
used has an index of refraction of n 1 n2 .

Because the P-N junction extends to and is exposed at the four sides
of the chip, a large percentage of the total light output is emitted from
these sides. By mounting the IRED chip in a contoured cavity it is
possible to collect a larger percentage of this side emitted light and
reflect it upwards.

Loss also occurs due to total internal reflection. If photons of light are
incident to the chips surface at angles greater than the critical angle
they are reflected back into the crystal.
1

C = sin ( n 2 n 1 )@ 16 (for GaAIAs)

where:
C = critical angle
n1 = index of refraction of the LED
n2 = index of refraction of the material
surrounding the chip
When light travels from a material with index of refraction n1 into a
medium with index of refraction n2 some of the light is reflected back at

This situation can be improved by coating the LED chip with a plastic
encapsulant.

140

Application Notes
reflowed lens show considerable variation. They do not have closely
repeatable optical geometry. The focal point, direction, and uniformity
of the emitted beam of light show significant variation from unit to unit.
Plastic IREDs have only one optical surface in the lens system. The
shape of this lens is controlled by the casting mold or transfer mold.
The optical characteristics are more uniform from unit to unit. So,
plastic IREDs have a more consistent beam pattern than hermetic
IREDs.

C = sin1(nx/n1)
= sin1(1.30/3.62)
21
Lenses, incorporated into the IRED package, can be used to increase
the useable forward power intensity by focusing the light emitted by the
IRED.
Hermetic Package

The lenses used on metal/glass hermetic packages are made from a

glass whose thermal coefficient of expansion closely matches that of
the Kovar (iron-nickel-cobalt alloy) package. For IREDs which use
leadframe construction, lenses can be made an integral part of the
cast of molded package.
Plastic/Leadframe Package

The lenses used on IRED are not precision ground. Expect variations
in the light pattern from unit to unit due to lens quality, variations in chip
placement, shape of the reflector cavity, number and type of material
interfaces, and distance from the lens to the IRED chip.

IREDs of plastic/leadframe package design have two fewer dielectric

interfaces than do IREDs in hermetic packages. As a result plastic
packages generally deliver up to 50% more useable focused power
than hermetic packages.

The glass lens used in hermetic packages is formed by melting and

reflowing a cut glass disc. The overall dimensions and geometry of this

141

Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #10
Characterization of IRED Power Output
Almost all applications have an optical geometry containing a detector
of a certain physical area that intercepts a portion of a beam of IR
power emitted by the IRED.

Wide Angle IRED

This note explains the conceptual relationship between this basic

geometry and several ways used to measure and sort IREDs in
manufacturing.

Total Power Output:

This is the quantity which is easiest to measure with a high degree of
reproducibility. The measurement set-up consists of some physical
approximation to an integrating sphere. Nearly all of the power emitted
by the IRED is collected and measured.

Narrow Angle IRED

Manufacturers commonly rate their IREDs by power output in

milliwatts at a specified drive current. However, the specs will also
include a half power beam angle, 1/2. The half power beam angle
can be used as a semi-quantitative guide to predict the behavior of the
IRED in a given application. Within certain limits, narrow angle IREDs
will contain more power in their beam than wide angle IREDs.

Radiant Intensity
Radiant intensity is defined as:
Ie = W/

Advantages:

Easy to get reproducible measurements

Independent of optical irregularities in the IRED lens

Independent of variations in mechanical positioning of the IRED

under test.

where:
= acceptance angle in steradians
and is normally applied to the far field radiation pattern where the
IRED an be approximated as a point source of power (viewing distance
is at least ten times greater than the IRED lens diameter). Since it is
defined in terms of power per solid angle, the radiant intensity is
independent of the distance from the IRED.

Disadvantage:

Total power output does not describe the beam pattern of the
IRED (spatial distribution of emitted power). It provides
incomplete information for the optical designer.

142

Application Notes
practicalbut geometry dependentquantity. It should be noted that
Irradiance has a precise mathematical definition in geometrical optics
and is easy to calculate in the case of a sufficiently small diameter
detector moved into the far field radiation pattern of the IRED.

In practice, the radiant intensity is measured by clamping the body of

the IRED (thus establishing its mechanical axis) and measuring the
output of a photodetector of diameter D. The solid angle is:
(/4 D2)/d2

Typical cone angles are in the range of 10 to 30 degrees. Larger cone

angles give more reproducible measurements. However, larger cone
angles reduce the absolute accuracy of the irradiance measurement
since the radiant flux density (power density) emitted by the IRED is
usually not constant over a large diameter.

and the IREDs are sorted into radiant intensity bins of xx mW/sr. It is
important that the solid acceptance angle of the measuring apparatus
be small enough to produce an essentially constant irradiance over the
surface of the detector. Otherwise, different diameter detectors will
produce different measured values of radiant intensity. Generally, the
measuring solid angle is in the vicinity of 0.01 sr (steradians). Each
manufacturer usually lists the steridian value of the test apparatus in
the data sheet footnotes.

Advantages of Radiant Intensity Measurement:

The designer can use Radiant Intensity quantitatively in many

different design situations.

IREDs which exceed a minimum Radiant Intensity value will

usually show more consistent performance in the customers
application.

Disadvantages of Radiant Intensity Measurement:

It is hard to get highly reproducible measurements of Radiant

Intensity. This is because it is difficult to establish the mechanical
axis of the IRED reproducibly. The optical and mechanical axis of
the IRED under test almost never coincide. The IRED bodies are
tapered and never exactly circular. This leads to slight variations
in the position of the IRED in the measuring apparatus each time
it is measured. Increased scatter in the measured values of
Radiant Intensity is the result. In practice, Radiant Intensity is
useful as a minimum specification only.

Irradiance can be calculated from the Radiant Intensity is the far field
(d/D > 10) from the relationship:

Many applications of IREDs use a close spacing between the

IRED and detector. Thus, Radiant Intensity which is measured
in the far field (spacing at least ten times IRED diameter) does
not quantify the available power to be coupled from the IRED.

Ee = Ie / d2

In summary:

Irradiance:

Total Power Output is conventionally used throughout the industry to

specify IREDs. It has the highest measurement reproducibility.

Irradiance is defined by the power which passes through an aperture

(usually circular, diameter D) which is spaced at a distance d from the
tip of the IREDs lens. Usually, both the aperture diameter D and the
distance d are chosen to have values that are representative of many
(but, unfortunately, not all) applications. Thus, Irradiance is a very

Radiant Intensity is useful as a far field (d/D > 10) specification but has
no use close to the IRED lens. Radiant Intensity is hard to measure
accurately because of difficulty in locating and clamping the
mechanical axis of the IRED.

143

Application Notes
Irradiance is a useful measurement technique in the near field of the
IREDs beam pattern. Measuring the power through an aperture of
diameter D spaced distance d from the IRED lens tip approximates
many real-life application geometries. If the aperture D is large
compared to the spacing d (large cone angle), the reproducibility of
the irradiance measurement is improved, but, the absolute accuracy is
decreased.
To perform these calculations, the designer needs to know the on-axis
power intensity of the IRED. The on-axis power intensity can be states
as an irradiance, Ee (mW/cm2) or as a radiant intensity, Ie (mW/sr). We
will deal with radiant intensity shortly, for the moment lets study
irradiance and how the diameter of the detector used and distance
from the emitter to detector affects the detector.

APPLICATION NOTE #11

IRED Axial Power Out Measurement
The on-axis power emitted by an IRED is measured by placing a
detector, with a given active area, at some distance in front of the IRED
and recording the average power falling upon the surface of that
detector. The on-axis power is defined as an average power since
more light might fall upon one portion of the detector than another.

The graph presented below illustrates the relationship between Ee and

the size of the detector used to make the measurement. If the diameter
of the detector is a good deal smaller than the distance between the
detector and the IRED being measured, then Ee is independent of the
size of the detector.

For example, a silicon photodiode with Sr @ 880 nm = .5 A/W is being

used to measure the on-axis power of a GaAlAs IRED. When a current
meter is attached to the diode, a short circuit current, ISC, of 50 A is
read.

On-Axis Power = 50 A 0.5A/W = 100 W

Thus, 100 W of power is incident on the photodiode. It might all fall on
one portion or it might be evenly distributed over the entire surface of
the detector.

Irradiance vs. Diameter of Detector Used

The measurement of on-axis power is informative and could be used to

compare the output of IREDs in packages of the same lens type.
However, it does nothing to help the designer who needs to know what
their magnitude of output can be expected from a detector of a
different active area and sensitivity positioned at different distances
from the IRED.

In most practical cases, spacing (d) is much larger than detector

diameter (D). The Ee obtained is then an accurate quantity,
independent of the optical geometry and can be used to calculate the
output signal for detector/IRED combinations.
Here is an example of such a calculation.
A silicon photodiode with an active area of .100" x .100" and an Sr @
880 nm = 0.5 A/W is positioned 6 cm in front of a lensed IRED and
then in front of an IRED with no focusing lens. The total power output
of each IRED is identical. What is the output signal from the detector
for both cases?

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Application Notes
means that the diameter of the light source is less than 1/10 the
distance between the emitter and detector.
As already mentioned, on-axis power intensity can also be described
in terms of radiant intensity, Ie. Radiant intensity defines on-axis power
intensity as power per solid angle (mW/sr). The concept of a solid
angle is described by the figure below.
A cone of a solid angle , has its apex at the center of a sphere of
radius R and defines an area A, on that sphere as that
= A / R2 r2 / R2

(sr)

The unit of measurement is the steradian (sr).

Irradiance vs. Distance - Emitter to Detector

From the graph, the Ee for both IRED/detector combinations can be

found.
For the case of the lensed IRED:
ISC = .5 A/W x .0645 cm2 x 11 mW/cm2
= 355 A
For the case of the unlensed IRED:
ISC = .5 A/W x .0645 cm2 x .44 mW/cm2
= 14.2 A
Example: A photodiode, with a circular active area .50 cm in diameter
and sensitivity @ 880 nm of .5 A/W, is located 10 cm in front of a
GaAlAs IRED whose Ie = 100 mW/sr. The value of the detectors short
circuit current can be calculated as:

In some cases the Irradiance vs. Distance curve may not provide data
at the separation distance(s) of interest, or the curve itself may not be
available. In such situations, if the irradiance is known at one distance
of separation, Ee can be calculated by use of the inverse square law.

= r2 / R2
= x (.50 cm / 2)2 / (10 cm)2
= .001963 (sr)

Ee @ d2 = Ee @ d1/[d2/d1]2
For example, lets consider the output signal from the photodiode/
lensed IRED pair used above when they are 30 cm apart.

ISC = .5 A/W x 100 mW/sr x .001963 sr

= 98.15 A

Ee = 11 mW/cm2 / [30 cm / 6 cm]2

= .44 mW/cm2

APPLICATION NOTE #12

IREDs With Narrow Beam Patterns

ISC = .5 A/W x .0654 cm2 x .44 mW/cm2

= 14.2 A
Note: The inverse square law assumes that the light source (IRED)
appears as a point source to the detector. In practical terms this

A wide angle IRED distributes its radiant flux as shown below. Most of
the flux impinges on the lens surface at almost normal incidence. Little
is lost to total internal reflection.

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Application Notes

Some of the radiant flux in narrow angle IREDs is reflected internally.

Narrow Angle IRED

The side lobe power is not useful in most applications. It is lost to the
optical system. Typical emission patterns (beam patterns) are shown
below in both polar and rectangular coordinates.

3-D Representation of Emission Pattern of Narrow Beam IRED

Wide Angle IRED

Polar Plot of Narrow Beam IRED

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Application Notes
APPLICATION NOTE #13
Biasing IREDs and Phototransistors
The light generated by an IRED is directly proportional to the forward
current flowing through the device. Various biasing schemes can be
used to set the value of the current. Some are illustrated below.

DC Bias

Rectangular Plot of Narrow Beam IRED

The side lobes have less peak intensity than the main beam
(particularly when viewed in rectangular coordinates). However, the
side lobes subtend a much larger solid angle than does the main
beam. The net result is that in narrow beam IREDs, the side lobes can
actually contain most of the power emitted by the narrow beam IRED.
This side lobe power is lost to the main beam and is not useful in the
optical system. Thus, the peak radiant intensity increases (mW/sr), but
the useful main beam power decreases (mW/cm2) as the beam width
is made narrower.
MAIN BEAM
HALF POWER ANGLE

APPROXIMATE FRACTION OF
TOTAL POWER APPEARING IN
SIDE LOBES

40 to 60*

NEGLIGIBLE

20*

10 to 20%

10*

20 to 30%

5*

40 to 60%

IF = VCC VF / RF
RF = VCC VF / IF
Example: Select RF such that IF = 20 mA for a GaAlAs IRED. VCC = 5
V
From the data sheets:
VF (TYP) @ IF = 20 mA: 1.25 V
R = (5 1.25) V / 20 mA = 187.5
Closest standard resistor value = 180
IF (TYP) = (5 1.25)/180 21 mA

AC Bias

Applications that require maximum useful power and a narrow beam

should use a wide angle LED coupled to an external lens to maximize
the power coupled into the optical system.

When AC biasing an IRED, it is important to prevent the applied IRED

voltage from exceeding the maximum rated reverse voltage to avoid
damaging the IRED.

147

Application Notes
IO ICE1
The following approach can be used to switch a voltage greater than
the VBRCEO of the phototransistor. The highest collector-emitter
voltage seen by the phototransistor is the base-emitter voltage of the
high voltage transistor.

For circuit interfacing, phototransistors can be treated as any general

purpose small signal transistor. The only exception being that
phototransistors are driven by incident light rather than by an applied
base current.
While capable of linear operation over a limited range of light
intensities, phototransistors are normally used as a switch. As such,
the designer is primarily concerned with the two boundary conditions;
the equivalent on and off positions.

APPLICATION NOTE #14

Discrete Chips - An Alternative Solution to
Space Problems
Space restrictions may preclude the use of packaged detectors or
emitters in some applications. In these cases the use of discrete chips
might be appropriate because of their small size. PerkinElmer offers
IREDs and phototransistors in unpackaged die formready for hybrid
assembly. Chips are supplied loose in vials, in waffle pack chip
carriers, or as probed and inked wafers.

Position

Ideal

Actual

OFF Position

VCC

(VCC RL IDARK)

ON Position

VCE(SAT)

Conductive silver epoxy is commonly used for die attach. This method
involves dispensing tightly controlled amounts of the epoxy either
manually or with automatic equipment. The chip is placed on the epoxy
which is then cured at moderate temperatures.
Connections are made to the metallized contact pads on the top
surface of the chip by bonding very fine wires of aluminum or gold from
these pads to the package. Typically, thermosonic ball or ultrasonic
wedge wire bonding is used.

Note that VCE(SAT)1 > VCE(SAT)2.

At times it may be necessary to extend the voltage or current capacity
of the phototransistor.

After wire bonding, the chip must be protected from the environment by
either sealing it within an appropriate housing or by coating the chip
with a clear epoxy or silicone designed for coating semiconductor die.
This prevents moisture and contaminates from attacking the chip and
wirebonds.

Current capacity can be increased by using the phototransistor to drive

a second transistor (Darlington arrangement).

PerkinElmer offers assembly services for those customers who are not
equipped for hybrid circuit manufacturing.

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Application Notes
Detector Chips (Dice)
PerkinElmers stock chips are 100% probed for dc current gain, dark
current, collector & emitter breakdown voltages, and collector-emitter
saturation voltage. PerkinElmer can also provide special testing to
meet your custom requirements.
Emitter (E) and Base (B) aluminum metallized bond parts are provided
on the top surface of every phototransistor and photodarlington chip.
Some devices also have a collector bond pad on the top surface of the
die. For all chips, contact to the collector can be made through the
backside of the die, the entire surface of which is metallized with nickel.

Bad Die Attach

Always use very small amounts of die attach epoxy. Keep the
maximum epoxy height less than 1/4 of the height of the IRED chip.

Custom single and multichannel detectors can be tooled if stock

devices are unable to meet the requirements of your application.

Emitter (IRED) Chips

APPLICATION NOTE #15

Handling and Soldering Opto Components

PerkinElmers stock IRED chips are sample probed for forward voltage
at a given current drive, reverse leakage current, and power output.
Light output cannot be measured for individual chips while they are in
wafer form.

Care must be taken in the handling and soldering of all opto

components, especially those that use a cast or molded plastic and
lead frame construction.
In lead frame type construction, the detector chip is mounted directly to
one lead and a wire bond is made from the chip to the other lead. The
encapsulating plastic is the only support for the lead frame. Unlike the
familiar black plastic IC packages, clear opto epoxies have no
fiberglass filler. Thus, they are not as strong as plastic IC packages.
Care must by taken when forming the leads of plastic opto packages.
Excessive mechanical force can cause the leads to move inside the
plastic package and damage the wire bonds. Weakened bonds can
then open up under further mechanical or thermal stressing,
producing open circuits.

Anode contact is made through the backside (bottom) of the chip.

Cathode contact is available through the bonding pad(s) on the top
surface. A gold metallization system is employed on both the top and
bottom surfaces.
Silver conductive epoxy is recommended for die attach. Thermosonic
gold ball bonding is recommended for the top contact.
Special note on die attach epoxy slop. Remember: all high
efficiency output IR emitting dice have an electrically exposed P-N
junction that appears on all four sides of the die. Conductive epoxy
placed or slopped over the P-N junction can cause a total, partial, or
even a time-varying electrical short circuit of the IRED die.

In order to form leads safely, it is necessary to firmly clamp the leads

near the base of the package in order not to transfer any force
(particularly tension forces) to the plastic body.
This can be accomplished either through use of properly designed
tooling or by firmly gripping the leads below the base of the package
with a pair of needle nose pliers while the leads are being bent.

Good Die Attach

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Application Notes
on the leads determines the type of flux to use when soldering devices
with silver plated leads.
Condition of Leads

Examples of Tooling Fixtures Used to Form Leads

For highest reliability, avoid flush mounting the plastic body of the
printed circuit board. This minimizes mechanical stresses set up
between the circuit board and the plastic packages. it also reduces
solder heat damage to the plastic package.

Recommended Flux

Clear Bright Finish (Tarnish Free)

RMA - Mildly Activated

Dull Finish (Minimal Tarnish)

RMA - Mildly Activated

Light Yellow Tint (Mild Tarnish)

RA - Activated

Light Yellow/Tan Color (Moderate

Tarnish)

AC - Water Soluble, Organic Acid

Flux

Dark Tan/Black Color (Heavy Tarnish) Leads Need to be Cleaned Prior to

Soldering

Cleaners designed for the removal of tarnish from the leads of

electronic components are acidic and it is best to keep to immersion
time as short as possible (less than 2 seconds) and to immediately
wash all devices thoroughly in ten rinses of deionized water.
The best policy is one which prevents tarnish from forming. Tarnish,
which is a compound formed when silver reacts with sulfur (Ag2S), can
be prevented by keeping the components away from sulfur or sulfur
compounds. Since two major sources of sulfur are room air and paper
products, it is best to store the devices in protective packaging such as
silver saver paper of tightly sealed polyethylene bags.

Good printed circuit board layout avoids putting spreading (plastic

under tension) force of the leads of a plastic package.

After soldering, it is necessary to clean the components to remove any

rosin and ionic residues. For a listing of recommended cleaning agents
please refer to Application Note # 16.

APPLICATION NOTE #16

Recommended Cleaning Agents
PerkinElmer offers many devices in a number of package styles which
employ a wide range of construction techniques. Package styles
include:

When hand soldering, it is important to limit the maximum temperature

of the iron by controlling the power. It is best if a 15W or 25W iron is
used. The maximum recommended lead soldering temperature (1/16"
from the case for 5 seconds) is 260C. An RMA rosin core solder is
recommended.
Sn60 (60% tin/40% lead) solder is recommended for wave soldering
opto components into printed circuit boards, other alternatives are
Sn62 and Sn63. The maximum recommended soldering temperature
is 260C with a maximum duration of 5 seconds. The amount of tarnish

1.

hermetically sealed glass/metal packages

2.

cast and molded leadframe packages

3.

ceramic or metal headers covered with a layer of clear epoxy

(blob-top construction).

Some packages are more resistant to attack by chemical cleaning than

others. Blob-top construction is the least resistant. Cast or molded
leadframe packages offer better resistance. Of course, the glass/metal
hermetic packages are the most chemically resistant of all.

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Application Notes
RECOMMENDED

In many cases the devices will be exposed to a post solder cleaning

operation which uses one or more solvents to remove the residual
solder flux and ionic contaminants. Only certain cleaning solvents are
compatible with the plastics typically used in optoelectronic device
packages.

NOT RECOMMENDED

ARKLONE A

ACETONE

ARKLONE K

CARBON TETRACHLORIDE

ARKLONE F

METHYL ETHYL KETONE

BLACO-TRON DE-15

METHYLENE CHLORIDE

BLACO-TRON DI-15

TRICHLOROETHYLENE
(TCE)

This listing of recommended/not-recommended solvents represents

only a very small percentage of available chemical cleaning agents.
Even with this list of recommended solvents it is important to be aware
that:

FREON TE

XYLENE

1.

Solvent exposure times should be as short as possible.

FREON TES

TRICHLOROETHANE FC-111

2.

The exact requirement of the cleaning process will vary from

customer to customer and application to application.

FREON TE-35

TRICHLOROETHANE FC-112

3.

Additives and concentrations will vary from supplier to supplier.

FREON TP

FREON TF

FREON TF-35

FREON TA

GENESOLV D

FREON TMC

GENESOLV DE-15

FREON TMS

GENESOLV DI-15

GENESOLV DA

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

GENESOLV DM

WATER

GENESOLV DMS

Because of these uncertainties, our recommendation is that all

customers carefully evaluate their own cleaning process and draw their
own conclusions about the effectiveness and reliability of the process.
PerkinElmer cannot assume any responsibility for damage caused by
the use of any of the solvents above or any other solvents used in a
cleaning process.

151