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Multidecade linearity measurements on Si photodiodes.

W Budde

    Applied Optics
    |March 10, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study experimentally verifies the linearity of silicon photodiodes across a wide dynamic range. Results demonstrate consistent linearity for silicon photodiode detectors over approximately nine decades.

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    Area of Science:

    • Photodetector characterization
    • Semiconductor device physics
    • Metrology and instrumentation

    Background:

    • Silicon photodiodes are widely assumed to exhibit linearity over extensive ranges.
    • Experimental verification of this linearity, particularly across multiple decades, is scarce in scientific literature.
    • Understanding photodiode linearity is crucial for accurate optical measurements and sensor applications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To experimentally investigate and verify the linearity of silicon (Si) photodiodes.
    • To extend the verification of linearity over the widest possible range of operational decades.
    • To provide empirical evidence supporting or refuting the claimed wide-range linearity of Si photodiodes.

    Main Methods:

    • Employed a cascaded linearity tester based on Sanders' double-aperture method for optical measurements.
    • Utilized electronic instrumentation including an operational amplifier, a voltage-to-frequency converter, and a counter.
    • Conducted measurements on Si photodiodes from multiple manufacturers.

    Main Results:

    • Measurements successfully covered a broad range of approximately nine decades, from 10 mA down to 10 pA.
    • The study presents detailed results of the linearity tests performed on various Si photodiodes.
    • The experimental data provides a comprehensive assessment of photodiode performance across a vast current range.

    Conclusions:

    • The experimental investigation provides critical data on the linearity of silicon photodiodes.
    • The findings contribute to the body of evidence regarding the operational range and reliability of Si photodiode detectors.
    • This research validates the performance characteristics of Si photodiodes for precise optical sensing applications.

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