THORLABS PDA20H User manual

PDA20H(-EC)
PbSe Preamplified
Detector
User Guide

PbSe Preamplified Detector
Page 1 Rev F, March 11, 2015
Table of Contents
Warning Symbol Definitions .................................... 2
Description................................................................. 3
Introduction.............................................................3
MaintenanceandCare.............................................3
Setup and Operation ................................................. 4
Setup.......................................................................4
Operation................................................................4
Fiber Adapters & Other Accessories ...................... 5
Specifications ............................................................ 6
ElectricalSpecifications............................................6
GeneralSpecifications.............................................6
Photosensitivity.......................................................7
Drawing ...................................................................... 8
Regulatory.................................................................. 9
Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts................................ 10

PbSe Preamplified Detector Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
13133-D04 Page 2
Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

PbSe Preamplified Detector
Page 3 Rev F, March 11, 2015
Description
Introduction
The PDA20H is a voltage-amplified PbSe detector designed for detection of light
signals from 1.5 µm to 4.8 µm. A buffered output drives a 50 input impedance
up to ±5 V. The PDA20H housing includes a removable SM1T1 threaded coupler
that is compatible with Thorlabs SM05- (0.535”-40) and SM1-threaded (1.035”-
40) accessories. This allows convenient mounting of external optics, light filters,
and apertures, as well as providing an easy connection to Thorlabs’ cage
systems.
The PDA20H has two 8-32 tapped mounting holes with a 0.25” mounting depth
and includes a 120 VAC AC/DC power supply. The PDA20H-EC has two M4
tapped mounting holes and includes a 230 VAC AC/DC power supply.
Maintenance and Care
There are no serviceable parts in the PDA20H optical head or power supply. The
housing may be cleaned by wiping with a soft damp cloth. The window of the
detector should only be cleaned using optical grade wipes. If you suspect a
problem with your PDA20H, please call Thorlabs and an engineer will be happy
to assist you.

PbSe Preamplified Detector Chapter 3: Setup and Operation
13133-D04 Page 4
Setup and Operation
Setup
To properly unpack and assemble your PDA20H, follow the steps below.
Unpack the optical head and install a Thorlabs Ø1/2” TR post into one of the 8-32
(M4 in –EC version) tapped holes. Mount into a PH post holder.
Connect the 3-pin power supply plug into the mating receptacle on the PDA20H.
Plug the power supply into a 50 – 60 Hz, 100 – 120 VAC outlet (220 – 240 VAC
for –EC version).
Attach a 50 coaxial cable (for example, Thorlabs’ 2249-C-24) to the BNC
output port.
Note: When running cable lengths longer than 12”, we recommend terminating
the opposite end of the coax with a 50 resistor (such as Thorlabs’ item number
T4119) for maximum performance.
Operation
To power on the PDA20H, turn the POWER switch to the “I” position. (“O”
indicates the unit is off).
The light-to-voltage conversion can be estimated for a 22 C ambient
temperature by consulting the photosensitivity graph on Page 7. The data shown
is for a 50 load.
The maximum output of the PDA20H is ±10 V for high impedance loads (±5 V for
50 loads). The output signal should be below the maximum output voltage to
avoid saturation. If necessary, use external neutral density filters to reduce the
input light level.

PbSe Preamplified Detector
Page 5 Rev F, March 11, 2015
Fiber Adapters & Other Accessories
Thorlabs sells a number of accessories that are compatible with the SM05
(0.535”-40) and SM1 (1.035”-40) threads on the housing, including FC, SMA, and
ST fiber adapters, stackable lens tubes for mounting optics, and cage assemblies
that allow the detector to be incorporated into elaborate 3D optical assemblies.
CAUTION
The PDA20H was designed to allow maximum accessibility to the
photodetector by having the front surface of the diode flush with the outside
of the PDA housing. When using fiber adapters, make sure that the fiber
ferrule does not crash into the detector. Failure to do so may cause damage
to the diode and/or the fiber. An easy way to accomplish this is to install a
SM1RR retaining ring (included with the PDA20H) inside the SM1T1 threaded
coupler before installing the fiber adapter.
!
!

PbSe Preamplified Detector Chapter 5: Specifications
13133-D04 Page 6
Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Electrical Specifications
Detector PbSe
Active Area 2 x 2 mm
Wavelength Range 1.5 m to 4.8 m
Peak Wavelength (λp) 4.0 m
Bandwidth (-3 dB) 0.2 Hz to 10 kHz
Rise Time (0 - 63%) 35 s
Voltage Gaina50x / 100x
Output Voltagea±5 V / ±10 V
NEPb1.5 x 10-10 W/Hz
Detectivity, D* (at λp) 1.3 x 109cm × Hz/W
Peak Sensitivity 3.0 x 103 V/W (Typ.)
1.5 x 103 V/W (Min.)
General Specifications
General Specifications
On / Off Switch Slide
Output BNC
Package Dimensions 2.76” x 1.70” x 0.83”
(70.1 mm x 43.2 mm x 21.1 mm)
Weight 0.15 lbs (Detector Only)
2.5 lbs (Detector and Power Supply)
Accessories SM1T1 Coupler
SM1RR Retaining Ring
Storage Temperature -25 to 70 C
Operating Temperature 10 to 40 C
AC Power Supply AC – DC Converter
Input Power
100 – 120 VAC
(220 – 240 VAC for –EC Version)
50 – 60 Hz, 5 W
a
Value at 50 Ωload / Value at Hi-Z load.
b
NEP measurement parameters: 300 K blackbody source, 600 Hz chopping
frequency, 635 Hz bandpass filter with 70 Hz noise bandwidth and 22  C ambient
temperature.

PbSe Preamplified Detector
Page 7 Rev F, March 11, 2015
Photosensitivity
Data shown in graph above is for a 50 Ωload.

PbSe Preamplified Detector Chapter 6: Drawing
13133-D04 Page 8
Drawing
0.83"
(21.1 mm)
1.70"
(43.2 mm) 1.89"
(48.0 mm)
2.10"
(53.3 mm)
1.04"
(26.4 mm)
2.76"
(70.1 mm)
0.75"
(19.1 mm)
1.03"
(26.2 mm)
0.79"
(20.1 mm)
0.50"
(12.7 mm)
Power Supply
Connection
SM05 (0.535"-40)
Internal Thread
Removable SM1T1 Threaded
Coupler with Internal SM1
(1.035"-40) Thread
Power Switch
8-32 (M4)
Tapped Holes
for Ø1/2" Posts
Power
Indicator
LED
Output BNC

PbSe Preamplified Detector
Page 9 Rev F, March 11, 2015
Regulatory
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers
all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring
disposal charges.
This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment:
Sold after August 13, 2005
Marked correspondingly with the crossed out
“wheelie bin” logo (see right)
Sold to a company or institute within the EC
Currently owned by a company or institute within
the EC
Still complete, not disassembled and not
contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self-contained
operational electrical and electronic products, this end of life take back service
does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as:
Pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user
(e.g. OEM laser driver cards)
Components
Mechanics and optics
Left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs
or your nearest dealer for further information.
Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a
company specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin
or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological Background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce the
content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A
controlled recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on
the environment.
Wheelie Bin Logo