New Silicon Avalanche Photodiodes for Low-Level Light and Short Pulse Detection

July 24, 2018 – Latham, NY, USA – Marktech Optoelectronics (www.marktechopto.com)(Marktech), a privately-held, VOSB-certified leading designer and manufacturer of standard and custom optoelectronics components and assemblies, including UV, visible, near-infrared (NIR), and short wavelength infrared (SWIR) emitters, detectors, InP epiwafers and other materials, today announced the availability of its standard and custom Silicon avalanche photodiodes (Si APD’s), in quantities from prototype to OEM volumes.

Marktech Si APD’s offer low-level light and short pulse detections of wavelengths between 400 nm and 1100 nm. They are offered with choice of either a 230 µm or 500 µm active diameter; optical sensitivity optimizations for 800 nm or 905 nm peak response; an internal gain mechanism; high gain at low bias voltage; extremely fast rise times, as low as 300 ps; frequency response to 1 GHz; and a low breakdown voltage of 80V to 200V. Units are also RoHS compliant.

Standard Si APD’s are offered with multiple customization options, including operational voltage selection and Vbr binning, wavelength specific band-pass filtering, and hybridization. Package options include hermetically sealed TO metal cans, plastic, and cost-effective SMD (LCC) types, with additional customization by request. Standard Si APD’s in small-to-medium volumes are typically available with 24-hour shipment from stock via Marktech’s longtime distribution partner, Digi-Key Electronics. In addition, custom Si APD’s from Marktech are typically available in as few as 6 to 8 weeks from custom prototype approvals. Please consult Marktech’s Latham, New York-based R&D center for applications engineering assistance.

As precision measurement devices, Marktech Si APD’s offer low dark current and significantly higher sensitivities, including higher NIR spectral sensitivity, than can be achieved with a standard photodiode. This allows the Silicon avalanche photodiodes to serve as the semiconductor near-equivalent to photomultipliers within a myriad of applications. It also allows the Silicon avalanche photodiodes to accurately detect weaker light intensities, in applications where higher bandwidth or internal gain may be required, in order to overcome higher preamplifier noise levels. Typical applications for Marktech Si APD’s include laser counting, x-ray spectroscopy, optical data communications, LIDAR, optical rangefinders, spatial light transmitters, scintillation detectors, fast receiver modules, particle detectors, industrial surveying equipment, automated toll collectors, astronomy observation devices, and vehicle self-braking and self-parking systems.

Founded in 1985, Marktech Optoelectronics has built a strong industry pedigree for R&D excellence. As a renowned optoelectronics engineering, design, manufacturing and test facility, Marktech’s unique core competencies are rooted in its proven capabilities to produce custom LEDs, detector components and assemblies in virtually any sized quantity. Each is designed and manufactured to customer exacting standards and is available with some of the industry’s most competitive lead times. The company’s engineering team also has the necessary full in-house capabilities for the testing of complete electrical and optical characteristics, as well as to perform end-to-end examinations of all optical components, from die level to finished product designs. Marktech is also a Cree Solution Provider for high-brightness LEDs and materials.