PH200 single-channel benchtop nanowatt low noise optical-to-electrical converter

The PH200 is a compact, integrated, DC-coupled free-space optical to electrical converter. It uses a unique photon-coupled transimpedance architecture to provide an unprecedented combination of megahertz bandwidth and shot noise limited noise performance at nanoampere photocurrents.



On its most sensitive range, full scale is 1 µA photodiode current, with total noise typically 6 dB above the shot-noise limit at 20 nA and less than 2 dB above shot noise above 200 nA. Bandwidth is over 1 MHz, one to two orders of magnitude above typical low-level, low noise TIAs. Ease-of-use features include pushbutton calibration check, LEDs to indicate optical input level and overload, and a D9 connector for remote control, making the PH200 ideal for both optical bench and embedded/OEM applications.



The PH200 is shot noise limited above 60 nA, its noise approaching 1.76 dB above shot noise at larger currents. The PH200's standard photodiode has a peak QE of 0.9 near 900 nanometers. Optional InGaAs (900 to 1700 nanometers) and Ge (350 to 1800 namometers) detectors are also available.