The SAP500 series from Laser Components is low noise, quantum efficient avalanche photodiodes (APD) featuring minimal dark current.
SAP500 Silicon APD
The active area of each photodiode is D=500 µm and it can be operated in normal linear mode or in “Geiger” mode. In the linear mode (VR < VBR), an internal gain of approximately 250 or more can be achieved while in the Geiger mode, the diode functions at a value greater than the breakdown voltage (VR > VBR). In this mode, single photons can be identified.
The SAP500 series is suitable for applications such as LIDAR systems, fluorescence measurement systems or in spectroscopy that detect and quantify even single photons and weak light signals in a time-resolved approach.
The compact design of the APDs, in addition to their suitable time resolution, gives them an advantage over photomultipliers. The robust, cost-effective photodiodes remain unaffected by magnetic fields and thereby have a longer lifespan.
The SAP-500 series is available in hermetically-modified TO-46 housing. Other versions include a TO-37 housing containing a thermoelectric cooler and a TO-8 housing containing a double stage TEC.
Source: http://www.lasercomponents.com/