256 Element PbS and PbSE Array Detectors
- Technologie
- Infrarot-Photodetektoren
- Partner
- IR Materials
These 256-element photoconductive infrared detector arrays provide a high-performance line sensor solution for industrial and scientific use. They are available in two material variants: PbS for the 1.2–3.3 µm SWIR range and PbSe for the 1.2–5.5 µm MWIR range, allowing users to choose the best detector for the target spectrum. Each array is housed in a compact 84-pin leadless chip carrier with an IR-transparent window and an integrated thermoelectric cooler that stabilises the detector at around –20 °C. Cooling reduces dark noise and improves sensitivity and measurement stability, which is especially important for spectroscopy and low-signal detection. A built-in multiplexer and 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion support high-speed readout of all 256 channels, with frame rates up to approximately 1700 fps at the shortest integration times. External trigger support and real-time dark current correction help maintain accurate, repeatable measurements. An optional USB 2.0 controller board and software development kit are available to simplify evaluation and system integration.
These detector arrays are designed for fast, multi-channel infrared sensing in spectroscopy, industrial monitoring, and line-scan imaging. Available as either PbS or PbSe versions, they let designers match the detector material to the required wavelength range while benefiting from integrated thermoelectric cooling, compact packaging, and direct digital output.
The combination of a 256-pixel linear format, high-speed acquisition, and stable low-noise operation makes this product range well suited to demanding measurement systems where sensitivity, repeatability, and straightforward integration are critical.
Eigenschaften
- 256-pixel linear array: Captures a full line of infrared data in one exposure for multi-point sensing, spectroscopy, and line-scan imaging.
- PbS and PbSe material options: Choose PbS for 1.2–3.3 µm SWIR detection or PbSe for 1.2–5.5 µm MWIR detection.
- Integrated thermoelectric cooling: Built-in TEC operation at around –20 °C reduces dark noise and improves signal stability.
- On-board multiplexer and 16-bit ADC: Delivers digital output from all 256 channels while simplifying electronics integration.
- High-speed performance: Supports frame rates up to approximately 1700 fps at minimum integration time.
- External trigger and dark-current correction: Enables synchronised acquisition and consistent long-term measurement accuracy.
- Flexible pixel geometry: Standard rectangular pixels plus optional square or elongated pixel formats help optimise field of view or spectral resolution.
PbS variant: A-LC5T-256R
- Spectral response: 1.2–3.3 µm
- Peak sensitivity: approximately 2.4–2.5 µm
- Higher peak detectivity
- Well suited to SWIR sensing and spectroscopy in the 1–3 µm region
PbSe variant: B-LC5T-256R
- Spectral response: 1.2–5.5 µm
- Peak sensitivity: approximately 4.1–4.3 µm
- Faster response time
- Ideal for applications requiring extended response into the 3–5 µm MWIR region
Verfügbare Modellvariationen
Alle verfügbaren Varianten und ein Vergleich ihrer Spezifikationen
Parameter | PbS variant (A-LC5T-256R) | PbSe variant (B-LC5T-256R) |
Detector material | PbS (Lead Sulphide) | PbSe (Lead Selenide) |
Spectral response range (λ) | 1.2 – 3.3 µm | 1.2 – 5.5 µm |
Peak sensitivity wavelength | ~2.4 – 2.5 µm | ~4.1 – 4.3 µm |
Active elements (pixels) | 256 × 1 (linear array) | 256 × 1 (linear array) |
Pixel size (H × W) | 0.040 × 0.450 mm (standard) | 0.040 × 0.450 mm (standard) |
Optional pixel sizes | 0.040 × 0.040 mm or 0.040 × 4.50 mm | 0.040 × 0.040 mm or 0.040 × 4.50 mm |
Pixel pitch (centre-to-centre) | 0.050 mm | 0.050 mm |
Array length | 12.85 mm | 12.85 mm |
Pixel operability |
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Field of view (FOV) |
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Thermoelectric cooler | 1-stage TEC, 5 V @ 2 A (≈10 W) | 1-stage TEC, 5 V @ 2 A (≈10 W) |
Temperature stability | ± 5 mK (closed-loop control) | ± 5 mK (closed-loop control) |
Nominal detector temp. | –20 °C (typical operating point) | –20 °C (typical operating point) |
Ambient operating temp. range | –50 °C to +75 °C | –50 °C to +85 °C |
Storage temperature range | –50 °C to +75 °C | –50 °C to +85 °C |
Max. incident irradiance | ~1 × 10^-3 W/cm² | ~1 × 10^-3 W/cm² |
Pixel resistance (typical) | 10–11 MΩ @ +25 °C; 50–60 MΩ @ –20 °C | 10–11 MΩ @ +25 °C; 50–60 MΩ @ –20 °C |
Detectivity D* (@ +25 °C) | ≥ 1.0 × 10^11 cm·Hz^1/2/W | ≥ 1.8 × 10^10 cm·Hz^1/2/W |
Responsivity (peak, V/W) | 2.5 × 10^6 (min); 5.0 × 10^6 (typ) | 2.5 × 10^5 (min); 4.0 × 10^5 (typ) |
Response uniformity | ± 15 % of mean | ± 15 % of mean |
Quantum efficiency (QE) | ~ 2 % | ~ 2 % |
Response time (τ) | ~250 µs (typ @ +25 °C); up to 1.6 ms (max @ –20 °C) | ~2 µs (typ @ +25 °C); up to 20 µs (max @ –20 °C) |
Integration time range | 4 µs to 210 ms (adjustable step 3.2 µs) | 4 µs to 210 ms (adjustable step 3.2 µs) |
Max frame rate | ~1700 fps (at min. integration time) | ~1700 fps (at min. integration time) |
Readout & control | 256-ch DC integrating multiplexer; global shutter w/ per-pixel offset correction | 256-ch DC integrating multiplexer; global shutter w/ per-pixel offset correction |
On-board electronics | 32-bit MCU (80 MHz) + 16-bit ADC; internal EEPROM | 32-bit MCU (80 MHz) + 16-bit ADC; internal EEPROM |
Communication interface | USB 2.0 (Ethernet/SPI/RS485 under dev.) | USB 2.0 (Ethernet/SPI/RS485 under dev.) |
Power supply (control board) | 15 V DC, ~1.6 A | 15 V DC, ~1.6 A |
Compliance | RoHS & REACH | RoHS & REACH |
Notes
- Field of view is lens-dependent; more than 40° is achievable with suitable optics and the array length.
- Maximum full-frame rate is achieved at the minimum integration time.
- Reading out a reduced pixel window can increase frame rate further when higher speed is required.
FAQs
für 256 Element PbS and PbSE Array Detectors
The main differences are spectral range and performance balance. The PbS version operates from about 1.2 µm to 3.3 µm with peak sensitivity around 2.5 µm, while the PbSe version extends from about 1.2 µm to 5.5 µm with peak sensitivity around 4.2 µm. In general, PbS offers higher peak detectivity, while PbSe provides much faster response times and better suitability for extended MWIR detection.
The integrated thermoelectric cooler reduces thermal noise and dark current in the photoconductive pixels by operating the detector at roughly –20 °C. This improves signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, and long-term measurement stability. Tight temperature control also helps minimise calibration drift when ambient conditions change.
The array includes on-board electronics for signal integration and 16-bit digitisation of all 256 pixels. Users can access the data through the USB 2.0 interface or with an optional controller board and development kit. This allows integration times to be set, acquisitions to be triggered, and calibrated pixel data to be streamed without designing custom analogue front-end electronics.
The maximum full-frame rate is approximately 1700 frames per second when the shortest integration time of around 4 µs is used. As the integration time increases to capture weaker signals, the achievable frame rate decreases. If needed, reading only a subset of pixels can increase the frame rate further.
Yes, it can be used for imaging despite being a 256 × 1 linear sensor. In push-broom or line-scan systems, the array can build a two-dimensional image line by line as the sensor or target moves. It is also highly suitable for spectroscopy, where each pixel can correspond to a different wavelength in a spectrograph-based system.
Yes. The standard device uses a 0.5 mm silicon window with a long-wave-pass anti-reflective coating, defining the approximate 1.2 µm cut-on wavelength. Alternative window materials or custom optical filters may be available on request to adjust the spectral response for specific application needs.
These arrays are used in IR spectroscopy, gas analysis, spectrophotometry, industrial process monitoring, quality control, thermal profiling, and line-scan imaging systems. They are particularly valuable wherever fast, simultaneous detection of multiple infrared points or wavelengths is required.
