The resistance of photoconductive detectors depends on the incident light. PbSe has a strong inner photoelectric effect. When infrared light reaches the lead selenide detector, the resistance is reduced. The detectors can be used uncooled at a wavelength of up to 4.7µm. At room temperature, they exhibit a detectivity D* of greater than 1010. At low temperatures, they achieve an even higher performance level – in addition, the wavelength shifts to 5.5µm.
Lead selenide detectors in a TO-46 housing
Laser Components has announced that it is now offering its PbSe detector in a 4.7mm TO-46 housing. Up to now, the smallest available size was an 8.3mm housing. This new component has a 1mm detector and is available under the designation PB45S10104S. Prototypes are already available in stock for delivery.