Si Photodiode

FDS015
Description
Thorlabs’ FDS015 photodiode is ideal for measuring both pulsed and CW fiber light sources by
converting optical power to electrical current. The FDS015 Si Photodiode is a high-speed, three pin
device in a TO-46 package that has a window with a broadband AR coating centered at 850 nm. The
photodiode produces a current, which is a function of the incident light power and the wavelength.
The responsivity (λ) can be read from the plot on the following page to estimate the amount of
photocurrent. This can be converted to a voltage by placing a load resistor (RL) from the photodiode
anode to the circuit ground. Where P is the power, the output voltage is expressed by

The bandwidth, fBW, and the rise time response, tR, are approximately determined from the diode
capacitance, CJ, and the load resistance, RL, as shown below.

.
,

Specifications
Specificationsa
Wavelength Range λ 400 - 1100 nm
CAUTION
Peak Wavelength λP 740 nm ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICE
DO NOT HANDLE EXCEPT
WITH AN ESD WRIST STRAP AT A
Responsivity (850 nm) (λ) 0.36 A/W STATIC-FREE WORKSTATION

Rise/Fall Time (850 nm, RL=50 Ω, 5 V)b tr/tf 35 ps / 200 ps

NEP, Typical (850 nm, 5 V)c 8.60 x 10-15 W/√Hz
0.03 nA (Typ.)
Dark Current (5 V) Id
0.5 nA (Max)
5 V (Typ.)
Bias Voltage (Reverse)
20 V (Max)
Capacitance (5 V) Cj 0.65 pF (Typ.)
Optical Input Power (850 nm) 5 mW (Max)

Physical Specifications
Active Area Diameter Ø150 µm
Package TO-46 with Flat Window
Sensor Material Si
Storage Temperature -55 to 125 C
Operating Temperature -40 to 75 C
a. Unless otherwise noted, all measurements are performed at 25 C ambient temperature.
b. Rise and fall times are measured between 20% and 80% of the step height in accordance with
the manufacturer’s specification sheet.
c. NEP is experimentally limited by thermal noise of the load resistor. For a 50 Ω load,
NEP = 5 x 10-11 W/√Hz @ 850 nm.

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TTN125897‐S01, Rev A
 Recommended Circuit

Noise Filter

+ R1 = 1 kΩ PD +
Bias
Voltage RL Vo
C1 = 0.1 μF
- -
*
* Case ground for PD with a third lead.

Responsivity Graph
The responsivity of a photodiode is a measure of its sensitivity to light and is defined
as the ratio of the photocurrent IP to the incident light power P at a given wavelength:

In other words, it is a measure of the effectiveness of the conversion of light power into electrical
current. Responsivity is a function of the wavelength of the incident light, applied reverse bias, and
temperature conditions.

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TTN125897‐S01, Rev A
Drawing

Ø4.7 mm
(0.19") Detector Plane

Ø5.4 mm 6.4 mm
(0.21") (0.25") 1.8 mm
(0.07")
2.7 mm
(0.11")
Ø2.0 mm
(0.08")

0.2 mm
1.0 mm (0.01") 13.2 mm
Detector Area (0.04") (0.52")

TO-46 Package
Ø0.15 mm
(0.006")

1.0 mm
(0.04")

Ø2.5 mm
(0.10")
Pin 3 Pin 1
Ø0.45 mm
(0.018") Pin 1

Pin 3

Pin 2
Pin 2 Case Ground
Pin Circle Diameter = 2.5 mm (0.10")

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TTN125897‐S01, Rev A
Precautions and Warranty Information
These products are ESD (electro static discharge) sensitive and as a result are not covered under
warranty. In order to ensure the proper functioning of a photodiode care must be given to maintain
the highest standards of compliance to the maximum electrical specifications when handling such
devices. The photodiodes are particularly sensitive to any value that exceeds the absolute maximum
ratings of the product. Any applied voltage in excess of the maximum specification will cause damage
and possible complete failure to the product. The user must use handling procedures that prevent
any electro static discharges or other voltage surges when handling or using these devices.

Thorlabs, Inc. Life Support and Military Use Application Policy is stated below:
THORLABS’ PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT
DEVICES OR SYSTEMS OR IN ANY MILITARY APPLICATION WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF
THE PRESIDENT OF THORLABS, INC. As used herein:

1. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform, when properly used in
accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in
a significant injury to the user.

2. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform
can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its
safety or effectiveness.

3. The Thorlabs products described in this document are not intended nor warranted for usage in
Military Applications.

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TTN125897‐S01, Rev A
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