Opto Diode Avalanche Photodiodes Deliver High-Precision Optical Detection

Advances in optical sensing are driving demand for detectors that can identify extremely small light signals with speed and reliability. To support these requirements, Opto Diode has developed a new family of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) designed for high-performance detection across visible, near-infrared, and short-wave infrared wavelengths.

These devices provide high internal gain with minimal noise, enabling engineers to capture faint optical signals while maintaining strong signal integrity. Such performance is critical for modern sensing systems used in applications such as LiDAR, optical communications, medical diagnostics, and advanced research instrumentation.

High Sensitivity Across a Broad Spectral Range

The new APD family combines silicon and InGaAs technologies to support different wavelength ranges. Silicon devices operate effectively from approximately 400 nm to 1100 nm, while InGaAs variants extend detection capability further into the short-wave infrared region up to around 1700 nm.

This broad spectral coverage allows designers to select a detector tailored to specific sensing wavelengths, including common laser lines used in LiDAR and optical measurement systems.

The APDs are engineered to provide strong responsivity, fast signal response times, and very low dark current. These characteristics ensure accurate signal capture even when working with weak reflected light or low-intensity sources.

Three Optimised Devices for Key Detection Wavelengths

The series currently includes three detectors designed for widely used sensing wavelengths:

• ODD-APD-001 – A 200 µm InGaAs APD optimised for 1550 nm detection.

• ODD-APD-002 – A 500 µm silicon APD designed for 905 nm applications.

• ODD-APD-003 – A 500 µm silicon APD tuned for 1064 nm systems.

These wavelengths are commonly used in ranging, spectroscopy, and communication systems, making the devices well suited for high-speed optical sensing and time-of-flight measurements.

The detectors also offer high multiplication gain, allowing them to amplify very small optical signals internally rather than relying entirely on external amplification circuitry. This approach improves detection sensitivity while helping maintain low noise levels.

Designed for Demanding Operating Environments

In many sensing systems—such as aerospace, defence, and industrial automation—detectors must perform reliably in challenging conditions.

To address these requirements, the APDs are built in hermetically sealed TO-46 packages and are designed to operate over a wide temperature range. Their construction supports stable performance even in environments involving vibration, radiation exposure, or significant temperature variation.

Each device is manufactured and tested in Opto Diode’s wafer fabrication and research facilities, helping ensure consistent characteristics and dependable long-term operation.

Flexible Options for System Integration

For applications that require specialised optical filtering or integrated electronics, the detectors can also be supplied with additional customisation options. These include:

• Integrated optical filters

• Alternative active area sizes

• Combined APD and preamplifier assemblies

Integrating amplification directly with the detector can reduce electrical noise and simplify system design, particularly in compact sensing platforms.

Enabling Next-Generation Optical Systems

As optical sensing technologies continue to evolve, detectors capable of identifying extremely small signals with high speed and accuracy are becoming increasingly important.

By combining internal gain, fast response characteristics, and reliable packaging, Opto Diode’s avalanche photodiodes provide a versatile detection solution for a wide range of applications—from autonomous sensing systems and industrial monitoring to laboratory instrumentation and scientific research.

For more information on Driving Precision in Sensing: New Avalanche Photodiodes for Lidar and Beyond talk to AP Technologies Ltd