Resources: Photoconductive Infrared Detectors and Emitters - Technical Notes - Operating Temperature
Detector Operating Temperature and/or Method of Cooling (or heating) to Stabilize detector Temperature and/or to Increase Detector S/N or Spectral Response
For a number of applications both PbS and PbSe detectors provide more than adequate sensitivity while operating at room temperature (uncooled). Since all detector characteristics vary with temperature, a method of cooling or heating must be provided to stabilize detector performance at system operating conditions. Cooling the detector improves detectivity, responsivity, and spectral response. Among the various cooling devices available, solid state thermoelectric (TE) coolers are the most cost effective and reliable (See TE Cooling notes).
For a number of applications both PbS and PbSe detectors provide more than adequate sensitivity while operating at room temperature (uncooled). Since all detector characteristics vary with temperature, a method of cooling or heating must be provided to stabilize detector performance at system operating conditions. Cooling the detector improves detectivity, responsivity, and spectral response. Among the various cooling devices available, solid state thermoelectric (TE) coolers are the most cost effective and reliable (See TE Cooling notes).