InGaAs Photodiode
FGA10
Description
The Thorlabs FGA10 photodiode is ideal for measuring both pulsed and CW fiber light sources, by converting the
optical power to an electrical current. The detector is a TO‐5 package with an anode, cathode, and case
connection. The photodiode anode produces a current, which is a function of the incident light power and the
wavelength. The responsivity (λ), can be read from the plot on the following page to estimate the amount of
photocurrent to expect. This can be converted to a voltage by placing a load resistor (RL) from the photodiode
anode to the circuit ground. The output voltage is derived as:
The bandwidth, fBW, and the rise time response, tR, are determined from the diode capacitance, CJ, and the
load resistance, RL, as shown below. The diode capacitance can be lowered by placing a bias voltage from the
photodiode cathode to the circuit ground.
.
,
Specifications1
Specification Value
Wavelength Range λ 900 - 1700 nm
CAUTION
Peak Wavelength λP 1550 nm ELECTROSTATIC SENSITIVE DEVICE
DO NOT HANDLE EXCEPT
WITH AN ESD WRIST STRAP AT A
Responsivity (λ) 1.05 A/W STATIC-FREE WORKSTATION
Active Area Diameter 1 mm
Rise/Fall Time (RL=50 Ω, 5 V) tr/tf 10 ns / 10 ns
NEP, Typical (1550 nm, 5 V) W/√Hz 2.5 x 10-14
Dark Current (5 V) Id 1.1 nA (Typ.)
Capacitance (5 V) Cj 80 pF (Typ.)
Package TO-5
Sensor Material InGaAs
Maximum Rating
Max Bias (Reverse) Voltage 5V
Reverse Current 1 mA
Operating Temperature -40 to 75 C
Storage Temperature -55 to 125 C
1
Unless otherwise noted, all measurements are performed at 25 °C ambient temperature
February 27, 2017
2234‐S01, Rev I
Recommended Circuit
Noise Filter
+ R1 = 1 kΩ PD +
Bias
Voltage RL Vo
C1 = 0.1 μF
- -
*
* Case ground for PD with a third lead.
Responsivity Graph
The responsivity of a photodiode is a measure of its sensitivity to light and is defined as the ratio of the
photocurrent IP to the incident light power P at a given wavelength:
In other words, it is a measure of the effectiveness of the conversion of light power into electrical current.
Responsivity varies from lot to lot and with the wavelength of the incident light, applied reverse bias, and
temperature. It increases slightly with applied reverse bias due to improved charge collection efficiency in the
photodiode. The change in temperature increases or decreases the width of the band gap and varies inversely
with the temperature.
February 27, 2017
2234‐S01, Rev I
Drawing
Top View Side View
Ø8.3 mm
0.8 mm (Ø0.32")
(0.03")
10.1 mm 4.5 mm
Ø4.5 mm (0.40") (0.18")
(Ø0.18")
Ø1.0 mm 2.5 mm
(Ø0.04") (0.10") 21.0 mm
(0.83")
Detector Area
Ø9.1 mm
(Ø0.36")
Bottom View
PIN 2
Ø0.4 mm
(Ø0.02") PIN 3
PIN 2
PIN 1 PIN 3
Ground
Ø5.1 mm
(Ø0.20")
PIN 1
Precautions and Warranty Information
These products are ESD (electro static discharge) sensitive and as a result are not covered under warranty. In
order to ensure the proper functioning of a photodiode care must be given to maintain the highest standards of
compliance to the maximum electrical specifications when handling such devices. The photodiodes are
particularly sensitive to any value that exceeds the absolute maximum ratings of the product. Any applied
voltage in excess of the maximum specification will cause damage and possible complete failure to the
product. The user must use handling procedures that prevent any electro static discharges or other voltage
surges when handling or using these devices.
Thorlabs, Inc. Life Support and Military Use Application Policy is stated below:
THORLABS’ PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES OR
SYSTEMS OR IN ANY MILITARY APPLICATION WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF
THORLABS, INC. As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant into the
body, or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform, when properly used in accordance with
instructions for use provided in the labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a significant injury to the
user.
2. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform can be
reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its safety or
effectiveness.
3. The Thorlabs products described in this document are not intended nor warranted for usage in Military
Applications.
February 27, 2017
2234‐S01, Rev I
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