Multielements Devices

VIGO Photonics’s 32-element array is now available, with dedicated preamplifier. The detectors line is a set of individual active elements and the signal of each of them is output independently. A multielement detector, unlike a single-element detector, allows to record radiation of different wavelengths at the same time.

Multielement detectors and modules – MCT / InAsSb

VIGO specializes in customized detectors and modules dedicated to the client’s application. 32-element arrays are now available in production with dedicated preamplifiers.

Most of the multielement detectors produced in the VIGO Photonics are based on HgCdTe (epitaxial HgCdTe heterostructure) photovoltaic detectors, thermoelectrically cooled.

Chart 1 presents examples of spectral characteristics and Table 1 – parameters of detectors optimized for different wavelengths.

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Two rectangular multielement devices with intricate circuitry and numerous thin, vertical metal pins on each side are placed side by side on a white background.

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Graph showing D* cmHz^1/2/W versus Wavelength in micrometers (μm). Curves are plotted for various wavelengths: 3, 3.4, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10.6 μm. The vertical axis ranges from 1E+07 to 1E+11.

Exemplary spectral detectivity

Table 1. Detectivity and time constans of HGCDTE detectors

Optimum wavelength λopt, µm	3.0	3.4	4.0	5.0	6.0	8.0	10.6
Detectivity D* (λopt), cm·Hz1/2/W	≥7.0×10¹⁰	≥4.0×10¹⁰	≥3.0×10¹⁰	≥9.0×10⁹	≥2.0×10⁹	≥2.0×10⁸	≥1.0×10⁸
Time constant τ, ns	≤280	≤200	≤100	≤80	≤50	≤45	≤10

Our technological capabilities also allow the production of multielement detectors with InAsSb (indium arsenide antimonide) using the MBE (Molecular Beam Epitaxy) method.

These devices are complying with the RoHS Directive. They are designed for applications where higher resistance to difficult operating conditions should be ensured.

The great advantage of VIGO Photonics multielement detectors is that there is no need for cryogenic cooling. This results in a reduction in the size and weight of the device, and hence a reduction in power consumption.

Figure 1 shows the dimensions (unit: mm) of TO8 16pin (a) and flatpack 40pin (b) housings in which VIGO Photonics multielement detectors are mounted.

Figure 1. Mechanical layout

Technical diagram with two labeled sections (a) and (b). Section (a) shows a circular sensor with dimensions and specifications. Section (b) displays a rectangular electronic component with connectors and detailed measurements.

Key features of the product

Advantages:

- High sensitivity

- High-speed response

- Convenient cryogenic-free operation

The key advantages of VIGO Photonics multielement detectors are very high accuracy and measurement speed. In temperature measurements, accuracy of a single millikelvin is achieved, even when measuring an object present in the field of view for only a few microseconds.

In spectrophotometry, these advantages allow obtaining high-quality measurements in a short time. Measuring the entire spectral range at the same time shortens the measurement time (compared to the time needed for scanning and full spectrum analysis in one-piece detectors).

Table 2 presents the parameters of VIGO Photonics multielement detectors, selected for the needs of individual applications.

Table 2. Parameters

Parameter	Value
Array format	linear or bilinear, up to 32 elements
Active elements material	HgCdTe or InAsSb
Detector type	PV (phtovoltaic) or PC (photoconductor)
Operating wavelength	MWIR (λ_cut-off: 3.0 to 8.0 µm) LWIR (λ_cut-off: 8.0 to 14.0 µm) λ_cut-oncan be optimized upon request
Pixel size	minimum 25×25 μm
Cooling	2- or 3-stage TEC
Active elements temperature	210 – 270 K
Temperature sensor	thermistor or diode (accuracy up to ±1 K)
Time constant	1 – 500 ns
Package	TO8 16pin or flatpack 40pin
Window	Si/Al₂O₃/Ge with or without anti-reflection coating, planar or wedged
Ambient temperature	0 to 70°C
Storage temperature	-20 to 50°C

VIGO Photonics multielement detectors are offered with a wide range of accessories. Accessories can be tailored to the needs of application and integration with the user’s system.

Table 3 shows the examples of solutions.

Table 3. Accessories

Accessory	Description
TEC controller	onboard analog controller
Lens mount	C-mount 1” or SM1 THORLABS
Preamplifier	ultra-low noise, selectable bandwidth
DAQ	SPI or USB HS

Applications

Multielement detectors are used in point, non-contact temperature measurements of fast moving elements. Real-time monitoring of temperature of external and internal wheel bearings and high-speed train brakes can serve as an example. As other examples can also be used: temperature measurements on production lines, anomaly detection, monitoring of cooling or combustion profiles.

Currently available spectrophotometers usually use the near infrared range of 0.8-2.5 μm. Organic compounds, greenhouse gases, hydrocarbons can be more precisely observed in the MWIR (3.0 – 8.0 µm) and LWIR (8.0 – 14.0 µm) ranges. The use of multielement detectors allows to eliminate the need for filters or use moving mechanical elements for scanning the spectra or space, and, consequently, eliminates errors related to their work. VIGO Photonics multielement detectors allow for high-quality spectrophotometric measurements in a short time and very low noise also allows for operation with low-power sources: thermal or IR diodes.

High performance optical sorting systems are another application of multielement detectors. The detector line allows imaging elements moving on the tape and testing the chemical composition. Optical sorting can be used in the mining, food, chemical and pharmacological industries.

VIGO Photonics offers the smallest on the market, environmentally friendly MWIR detection modules with the overall chip dimensions of 10 x 10 x 3 mm. Affordable detection modules are based on InAsSb semiconductor material which means no more mercury or cadmium, resulting in a RoHS compliant device.