PbS and PbSe Photodetectors
- Technology
- Infrared photodetectors
- Partner
- IR Materials
Infrared Materials offer a series of polycrystalline lead sulphide detectors (PbS) and polycrystalline lead selenide (PbSe) for applications detecting infrared radiation.
Their PbS and PbSe detectors are commonly used as the critical sensing element in commercial process control systems, industrial gas monitors, spectroscopy, imaging, and medical CO2 gas analysers, fire and spark detection systems, combustion control systems, moisture analysers, and flash detection systems.
The detectors are produced using state-of-the-art processes resulting in industry-leading peak performance, enhanced stability, and sensitivity in ambient and colder temperature conditions.
PbS detectors are more sensitive than PbSe detectors. Infrared Materials PbS detectors are designed to measure short wave infrared to spectral sensitivity of 0.7 to 3.0µm. These detectors are used especially for large areas because they are significantly more cost-effective than InGaAs detectors.
Their PbSe detectors are designed to measure medium wave infrared to spectral sensitivity of 1 to 5.5µm. They offer fast responses and high sensitivity for IR detection.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- Optimal Wavelength: 2.4µm to 4.8µm
- Packages: TO3, TO5, TO8, TO37, TO66
- Coolings: Uncooled to 2TE
- Time constant: Up to 2µs
- Detectivity: Up to > 3 x 1011
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
| Type | Wavelength peak (µm) | Time constant (µs) | Package | Detectivity (cm.Hz1/2.W-1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Uncooled – PbS | 2.4 | 100 | TO3, TO5, TO8 | Up to 1 x 1011 |
Uncooled – PbSe | 3.8 | 2 | TO3, TO5, TO8 | Up to 2 x 1010 |
1 or 2TE – PbS 2W | 2.5 | 1250 | TO37 | Up to 1.5 x 1011 |
1 or 2TE – PbSe 2W | 4.3 | 9 | TO37 | Up to 3 x 1010 |
1 or 2TE – PbS 3W | 2.7 | 1750 | TO8, TO66 | Up to 3 x 1011 |
1 or 2TE – PbSe 3W | 4.8 | 12 | TO8, TO66 | Up to 3.5 x 1010 |
FAQs
for PbS and PbSe Photodetectors
PbS and PbSe detectors offer high sensitivity, fast response times, and the ability to operate at room temperature, making them both cost-effective and compact. These features make them well-suited for a wide range of infrared sensing applications.
PbS detectors can be operated at temperatures of up to +85 °C. PbSe detectors are also designed to operate reliably up to +85 °C, allowing for flexible use in various industrial environments.
Yes, detectivity can be improved through the use of customised collection optics. These lenses are designed to maximise light gathering and focus the incoming radiation onto the detector element, thereby increasing sensitivity. A variety of configurations are available to match specific application requirements.
Yes, PbS and PbSe detectors are available as multi-element arrays, ranging from 4, 8, or 10 up to 256 elements. These arrays allow for broader spatial coverage and improved measurement accuracy by detecting multiple signals simultaneously. They are particularly suited to applications such as spectroscopy and imaging.
Yes, dedicated preamplifiers are available for PbS and PbSe detectors. These are specifically designed to complement the detectors, ensuring optimal signal amplification and greater measurement precision. Various configurations are offered to meet the demands of different application scenarios.
These detectors are widely used in gas monitoring, spectroscopy, medical CO₂ analysis, flame and spark detection, industrial process control, and flash detection, among other areas.
PbS and PbSe detectors are employed in monitoring and control of industrial processes, particularly in exhaust gas analysis and chemical reaction monitoring, where infrared radiation provides crucial process information.
Yes, due to their rapid response times, PbS and PbSe detectors are ideally suited for detecting brief, high-intensity light pulses, such as those found in flash detection systems and emergency lighting applications.
