A proven silicon APD solution for short-range laser rangefinders has been created. A number of key features have been brought together to offer a real solution to address applications where regular silicon photodiodes do not quite provide enough gain, and regular silicon APDs with high-spec’ band-pass filter and all of the associated temperature-gain compensation circuitry is not financially viable.
The SARF-Series has been optimised to have a gradual multiplication curve at low gain, for M=10; the relatively low-gain operation of the APD is where the optimum sign-to-noise ratio is found where high background light is present. This makes it possible to operate without the need to temperature compensate.
An integrated band-pass filter is included in place of the window of the TO-can, on a surface-mound package or directly onto the APD chip itself. The dielectric filter coating is very cost-effective in volume; saving on the cost of mounting and purchasing a separate filter whilst saving space too.
The SARF-Series is based on a “reach-through” structure for excellent quantum efficiency and high-speed, and has been optimised for 905nm range finding with a wide operating temperature range.
Applications include, rangefinding, LIDAR, laser scanners, speed guns.
