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Infrared detectors

Detectors based on HgCdTe material that offer the highest performance out of all discovered materials suitable for Infrared detection. Our detectors are optimized for MWIR (3-8μm) and LWIR (8-16μm) spectral ranges. It is perfect for creating gas sensors for industry and environmental protection.

They are an ideal solution for CRDS, TDLAS or FTIR spectroscopy. Very high parameters of detection and speed of operation make them ideal for applications such as leak detection, transport safety or defense applications. We also offer InAs or InAsSb based detectors that are RoHS compliant and suitable for the consumer market.

HgCdTe (MCT) Photoconductive Detectors

Photoconductive detectors based on the photoconductive effect. Infrared radiation generates charge carriers in the semiconductor active region decreasing its resistance. The resistance change is sensed as a current change by applying a constant voltage bias. The devices are characterized by near linear current-voltage characteristics. The electric field in photoconductors is constant across the device.

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HgCdTe (MCT) Photovoltaic Detectors

Photovoltaic detectors (photodiodes) are semiconductor structures with one (PV) or multiple (PVM) , homo- or heterojunctions. Absorbed photons produce charge carriers that are collected at the contacts, resulting in external photocurrent. Photodiodes have complex current voltage characteristics. The devices can operate either at flicker-free zero bias or with reverse voltage. Reverse bias voltage is frequently applied to increase responsivity, differential resistance, reduce the shot noise, improve high frequency performance and increase the dynamic range.

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InAs and InAsSb Detectors

IR detectors in which the semiconductor layer is made of InAs or InAsSb materials. These detectors are cadmium and mercury free. As a result, the detectors comply with the RoHS directive and can be used in the consumer market.

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InGaAs Detectors

IR detectors in which the semiconductor layer is made of InGaAs material. These detectors are cadmium and mercury free. As a result, the detectors comply with the RoHS directive and can be used in the consumer market.

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HgCdTe (MCT) Multi Channel Detectors

Infrared detectors in which the active surface consists of more than two elements. The offer includes quadrant geometry detectors based on photodiodes and photoconductors. Ideally suited for defense and security applications, and XY or differential measurements.

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Frequently asked questions

In this section, you can read about the most frequently asked questions and answers about VIGO Photonics products.

What role do detectors play in IR spectroscopy, and why are they essential components of spectrometers?

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In IR spectroscopy, the analyzed sample is illuminated with IR radiation. Registering and interpreting changes in this radiation can lend information about molecular composition of the sample. For this exact purpose – registering of IR radiation – IR detectors are used. As all the information is carried by the IR light, the detector has to be of the highest class to retrieve every bit of data.

Can you explain the significance of detectors in spectroscopy systems and their contribution to accurate data analysis?

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In spectrometers, light carries all the information about molecular composition of the analyzed sample. Therefore the detector must be up to the challenge with its parameters. High sensitivity of the detector enables the spectroscopy systems to be more precise in distinguishing different substances and assessing their concentration. Short time of response – i.e. small time constant – contributes to data being analyzed in real time, without any delays. Well-designed detector electronics help in convenient and noise-free acquisition of signal from the detector.

How does an IR spectroscopy detector operate, and what are the key principles behind its functionality in analyzing molecular structures?

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The detector operates on a simple principle – it converts IR radiation into an electric signal. The amount of signal generated per unit of optical power is called responsivity and is one of the main metrics by which the detectors are classified. The higher the responsivity, the lower signals can be detected. For the end user that means that lower concentrations of given molecules can be detected.

What distinguishes infrared spectroscopy from other spectroscopic techniques, and how are specialized detectors designed for IR applications?

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In IR spectroscopy, light is absorbed by the molecules in a pattern given by each molecule’s infrared spectrum. It consists of specific lines corresponding to rotational-vibrational levels of the molecule and tells us which specific wavelengths are absorbed by which molecule type. The detectors are therefore designed to register wavelengths in which infrared absorption spectra are located. Normally, this range is between 1 and 16 um wavelengths (MWIR + LWIR).

What is the fundamental concept behind IR spectroscopy, and how does it utilize detectors to identify and characterize different compounds?

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In IR spectroscopy, light is absorbed by the molecules in a pattern given by each molecule’s infrared spectrum. It consists of specific lines corresponding to rotational-vibrational levels of the molecule and tells us which specific wavelengths are absorbed by which molecule type. The detectors are therefore designed to register wavelengths in which infrared absorption spectra are located. Normally, this range is between 1 and 16 um wavelengths (MWIR + LWIR).

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