PDA10D2

Extended InGaAs
Amplified Fixed Gain
Detector

User Guide
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions ........................................... 1
Chapter 2 Description ........................................................................ 2
Chapter 3 Setup .................................................................................. 3
Chapter 4 Operation........................................................................... 4
4.1. Theory of Operation ...................................................... 4
4.2. Responsivity ................................................................. 4
4.3. Dark Current ................................................................. 4
4.4. Bandwidth and Response .............................................. 5
4.5. Terminating Resistance ................................................. 5
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting ............................................................... 6
Chapter 6 Specifications ................................................................... 7
6.1. Response Curve ............................................................. 9
6.2. Mechanical Drawing ................................................... 10
Chapter 7 Certificate of Conformance ........................................... 11
Chapter 8 Regulatory ....................................................................... 12
Chapter 9 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts....................................... 13
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions

Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions

Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
Symbol Description

Direct Current

Alternating Current

Both Direct and Alternating Current

Earth Ground Terminal

Protective Conductor Terminal

Frame or chassis Terminal

Equipotentiality

On (Supply)

Off (Supply)

In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control

Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control

Caution, Risk of Electric Shock

Caution, Hot Surface

Caution, Risk of Danger

Warning, Laser Radiation

Caution: ESD Sensitive Components

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 1

Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 2: Description

Chapter 2 Description
The PDA10D2 is an amplified, Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) detector
designed for detection of light ranging from 900 to 2600 nm. A buffered output
drives 50 Ω load impedances up to 5 V. The PDA10D2 housing includes a
removable threaded coupler (SM1T1) and retainer ring (SM1RR) that is
compatible with any number of Thorlabs 1" threaded accessories. This allows
convenient mounting of external optics, light filters, apertures, as well as
providing an easy mounting mechanism using Thorlabs’ cage assembly
accessories.

ESD Caution
The components inside this instrument are ESD sensitive. Take all
appropriate precautions to discharge personnel and equipment before
making any electrical connections to the unit.

Page 2 TTN135165-D02
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 3: Setup

Chapter 3 Setup
The detector can be set up in many different ways using our extensive line of
adapters. However, the detector should always be mounted and secured for best
operation.
1. Unpack the optical head, install either an imperial or metric optical post
into one of the mounting holes located on the bottom and side of the
sensor, and mount using a post holder. Note that these detectors
feature tapped holes that accept both 8-32 and M4 threads, so using
either imperial or metric TR posts is possible.
2. Connect the power supply 3-pin plug into the power receptacle on the
PDA10D2.
3. Plug the power supply into a 50 to 60 Hz, 100 V / 120 V / 230 V power
outlet.
4. Attach a 50 Ω coax cable (i.e. RG-58U) to the output of the PDA. When
running cable lengths longer than 12" we recommend terminating the
opposite end of the coax with a 50 Ω resistor (Thorlabs p/n T4119) for
maximum performance. Connect the remaining end to a measurement
device such as an oscilloscope or high speed DAQ card. Caution: Many
high speed oscilloscopes have input impedances of 50 Ω. In this case,
do not install a 50 Ω terminator. The combined loads will equal 25 Ω
which could allow ~135 mA of output current. This will damage the
output driver of the PDA10D2.
5. Power the PDA10D2 on using the power switch located on the top side
of the unit.

Caution!
The PDA10D2 was designed to allow maximum accessibility to the
photodetector by having the active area surface of the diode flush with the
outside of the PDA housing. When using fiber adapters, make sure that the
fiber ferrule does not crash into the detector. Failure to do so may cause
damage to the diode and or the fiber.

6. Install any desired filters, optics, adapters, or fiber adapters to the input
aperture.
7. During alignment, take appropriate precautions, such as using reduced
radiation power, or other precautions, and use proper eye and/or skin
protection as recommended by the radiation source manufacturer.
8. Apply a light source to the detector.

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 3

Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 4: Operation

Chapter 4 Operation
4.1. Theory of Operation
Thorlabs PDA series are ideal for measuring both pulsed and CW light sources.
The PDA10D2 includes a reverse-biased PIN photo diode, mated to a fixed gain
transimpedance amplifier, and packaged in a rugged housing.

4.2. Responsivity
The responsivity of a photodiode can be defined as a ratio of generated
photocurrent (IPD) to the incident light power (P) at a given wavelength:
𝐼𝑃𝐷
𝑅(𝜆) =
𝑃

4.3. Dark Current

Dark current is leakage current which flows when a bias voltage is applied to a
photodiode. The PDA with Transimpedance Amplifier does control the dark
current flowing out. Looking at the figure above, it can be noted that Point B is
held at ground and the amplifier will try to hold point A to “Virtual Ground”. This
minimizes the effects of dark current present in the system.
The dark current present is also affected by the photodiode material and the size
of the active area. Silicon devices generally produce low dark current compared
to germanium devices which have high dark currents. The table below lists
several photodiode materials and their relative dark currents, speeds, sensitivity,
and costs. Please note that sensitivity values in the table are typical values;
Thorlabs offers photodetectors with sensitivity ranges that vary from those shown
below.
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Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 4: Operation

Dark Sensitivity1
Material Speed Cost
Current (nm)
Silicon (Si) Low High 400 – 1000 Low
Germanium (Ge) High Low 900 – 1600 Low
Gallium Phosphide (GaP) Low High 150 – 550 Med
Indium Gallium Arsenide
Low High 800 – 1800 Med
(InGaAs)
Extended Range: Indium
High High 1200 – 2600 High
Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs)

4.4. Bandwidth and Response

For the PDA detectors, the gain of the detector is dependent on the feedback
element (Rf). The bandwidth of the detector can be calculated using the
following:

𝐺𝐵𝑃
𝑓(−3𝑑𝐵) = √
4𝜋𝑅𝑓 × 𝐶𝐷

Where GBP is the amplifier gain bandwidth product and C D is the sum of the
photodiode junction capacitance and the amplifier capacitance.

4.5. Terminating Resistance

The maximum output of the PDA10A2 is 10 V for high impedance loads (i.e.
RLoad > 5 kΩ) and 5 V for 50 Ω loads. Adjust the gain so that the measured signal
level out of the PDA10A2 is below 10 V (5 V with a 50 Ω load) to avoid
saturation.
For low terminating resistors, <5 kΩ or 1% error, an additional factor needs to be
considered. The output of the PDA includes a 50 Ω series resistor (Rs). The
output load creates a voltage divider with the 50 Ω series resistor as follows:
𝑅𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑅𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 + 𝑅𝑠
𝑉𝑂𝑈𝑇 = (𝜆) ∗ 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑑𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑖𝑛 ∗ 𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑒 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 ∗ 𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 (𝑊)
Note that we already include the scale factor in our specification for the gain at
50 Ω. Refer to the table in Chapter 6 for additional performance specifications.

1 Approximate values; actual wavelength values will vary.

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 5
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 5: Troubleshooting

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting
Problem Suggested Solutions
Verify that the power is switched on and all
connections are secure.
Verify the proper terminating resistor is installed if
using a Voltage measurement device.
There is no signal response.
Verify that the optical signal wavelength is within
the specified wavelength range.
Verify that the optical signal is illuminating the
detector active area.
Check to make sure the detector is not saturated.
Refer to the Output Voltage spec. in the
Specifications table.
Output Voltage will not increase.
Detector Output is skewed.
Install a 1" Lens Tube (SM1L10) to the thread
coulpler (SM1T1) to baffle any external light
sources to see if this improves the response.

Page 6 TTN135165-D02
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 6: Specifications

Chapter 6 Specifications
All performance specifications are typical, performed at 25 °C ambient
temperature, and assume a 50 Ω load, unless stated otherwise.

Electrical Specifications2
Detector - InGaAs
Active Area - Ø1.0 mm (0.8 mm2)
Wavelength Range λ 900 to 2600 nm
Peak Wavelength λp 2300 nm (Typ.)
Peak Response ( λ p) 1.35 A/W (Typ.)
Small Signal Bandwidth - 25 MHz
NEP (λ p) W/√Hz 1.01 x 10-11
Noise (RMS) - 2.5 mVrms
Max Ouput Current IOUT 100 mA
±75 mV (Typ.)
Dark Offset -
±375 mV (Max)
Load Impedance - 50 Ω to Hi-Z
5 x 103 V/A (50 Ω)
Transimpedance Gain -
1 x 104 V/A (Hi-Z)
0 to 5 V (50 Ω)
Output Voltage VOUT
0 to 10 V (Hi-Z)

2
The PDA10D2 has a 50 Ω series terminator resistor (i.e. in series with amplifier output). This
forms a voltage divider with any load impedance (e.g. 50 Ω load divides signal in half).
Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 7
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 6: Specifications

General
On/Off Switch Slide
Output BNC (DC Coupled)

2.79" x 1.96" x 0.89"

Package Size
(70.9 mm x 49.8 mm x 22.5 mm)

PD Surface Depth3 0.09" (2.2 mm)

Weight, Detector Only 0.10 kg
SM1T1 Coupler
Accessories
SM1RR Retainer Ring
Operating Temp 10 to 50 °C
Storage Temp -25 to 70 °C
AC Power Supply AC – DC Converter
6W
Input Power4
100 V / 120 V / 230 V, 50 – 60 Hz

3 Measured from the active area to the start of the threads on the housing body. The detector
active area surface is flush with the front of the housing body.
4
Although the power supply is rated for 6 W, this detector’s actual usage is <5 W over the full
operating range.
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Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 6: Specifications

6.1. Response Curve

PDA10D2 Responsivity
1.4
Responsivity (A/W)

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2
0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.5 2.7
Wavelength (µm)

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 9

Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 6: Specifications

6.2. Mechanical Drawing

Page 10 TTN135165-D02
Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 7: Certificate of Conformance

Chapter 7 Certificate of Conformance

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 11

Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 8: Regulatory

Chapter 8 Regulatory
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers
all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring
disposal charges.
 This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment:
 Sold after August 13, 2005
 Marked correspondingly with the crossed out
“wheelie bin” logo (see right)
 Sold to a company or institute within the EC
 Currently owned by a company or institute within the
EC
 Still complete, not disassembled and not Wheelie Bin Logo
contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self contained operational electrical and
electronic products, this end of life take back service does not refer to other
Thorlabs products, such as:
 Pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the
user (e.g. OEM laser driver cards)
 Components
 Mechanics and optics
 Left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs
or your nearest dealer for further information.
Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a
company specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin
or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological Background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce the
content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A
controlled recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on
the environment.

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Extended InGaAs Amplified Fixed Gain Detector Chapter 9: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

Chapter  Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at
www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information.

USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland

Thorlabs, Inc. Thorlabs Ltd.
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]

Europe Scandinavia
Thorlabs GmbH Thorlabs Sweden AB
[email protected] [email protected]

France Brazil
Thorlabs SAS Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
[email protected] [email protected]

Japan China
Thorlabs Japan, Inc. Thorlabs China
[email protected] [email protected]

Rev B, January 3, 2019 Page 13

www.thorlabs.com