Resources: Photoconductive Infrared Detectors and Emitters - Technical Notes - IR Detector Selection

The detector is the most critical component of any IR system since it is the singular device which converts optical energy into useful electrical signal. Due to their reliability, cost effectiveness and performance, Opto Diode lead sulfide (PbS) and lead selenide (PbSe) are the detectors of choice for many commercial applications in the IR wavelength region between 1µm and 6µm. Opto Diode PbS and PbSe are chemically deposited, thin film, photoconductive IR detectors that require a bias voltage to measure resistance drop when exposed to IR radiation. It is important to note that virtually all PbS/PbSe characteristics vary with temperature. Detectors also exhibit typical 1/f noise. For optimum performance, detector temperature should be stabilized and incident radiation should be chopped.

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