Photodetectors: Devices, Circuits And Applications

The complete guide to photodetection

Today's optoelectronic devices rely on accurate detection of light sources across the spectrum. This comprehensive guide surveys single-point devices and their image counterparts covering the range from UV to far IR. Basic operations, performance parameters, and special features are presented in the context of application circuits. Special attention is given to issues of sensitivity and noise limits. The devices surveyed include:

• Photomultipliers
• Semiconductors, photodiodes, avalanche devices, and phototransistors
• Thermal devices and solar cells
• Image detectors and CCDs

Concluding chapters deal with coherent detection and advanced techniques, while appendices offer convenient reference materials for key principles. Photodetectors: Devices, Circuits, and Applications is a useful reference for working engineers and an ideal sourcebook for university-level courses.

In the exciting field of optoelectronics, most new frontiers are explored first through the development of photodetectors. This book introduces photodetectors step-by-step, covering every photodetector of practical importance throughout the entire spectral range from UV to far IR -- all with a minimum of mathematics.

Leading researcher Donati Silvano begins with classic photoemissive devices, photocathodes and vacuum phototubes; then introduces the theory and applications of photomultipliers. Silvano presents in-depth coverage of semiconductor photodetectors and related devices, including photodiodes, avalanche devices, phototransistors, photoconductors, and solar cells. Infrared techniques and thermal detectors for non-contact temperature measurements and thermal-image pickup are also covered in detail. The book covers state-of-the-art techniques in coherent detection and photodetection; image-sensing devices such as intensified image tubes and CCDs; and much more. For each device, Silvano presents critical guidance on operation, performance parameters, sensitivity limits, special features -- and in most cases, application circuits with schematic details and design hints.