THORLABS PDAVJ series, PDAVJ5, PDAVJ8, PDAVJ10 Quick Reference

Amplified MIR Photodetector

PDAVJ5, PDAVJ8, PDAVJ10
Quick Reference

2018

Version:
Date:

1.3
03-Dec-2018

Item No.:

M0009-510-1073

Copyright © 2018 Thorlabs

Contents

Foreword
1 General Information 3

2 Getting Started 4

3 Appendix 5

2

31.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories

42.1 Parts List

42.2 Preparation

53.1 Safety

63.2 Warranty

63.3 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability

73.4 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application
in the field of optical measurement techniques. To help us to live up
to your expectations and constantly improve our products, we need
your ideas and suggestions. Therefore, please contact us with your
ideas and suggestions. We and our international partners are looking
forward to hearing from you.

Thorlabs GmbH

Warning

Sections marked by this symbol explain dangers that might result in
personal injury or death. Always read the associated information
carefully before performing the indicated procedure.

Attention

Paragraphs preceded by this symbol explain hazards that could
damage the instrument and the connected equipment or may cause
loss of data.

Note

This manual also contains "NOTES" and "HINTS" written in this form.

Please read this advice carefully!

2

© 2018 Thorlabs

1 General Information

PDAVJ5

Adjustable-Gain MIR Photodetector, HgCdTe (MCT), 2.7 - 5.0 µm, Combi­Thread Mounting Holes Compatible with 8-32 and M4 Threads

PDAVJ8

Adjustable-Gain MIR Photodetector, HgCdTe (MCT), 2.0 - 8.0 µm, Combi­Thread Mounting Holes Compatible with 8-32 and M4 Threads

PDAVJ10

Adjustable-Gain MIR Photodetector, HgCdTe (MCT), 2.0 - 10.6 µm, Combi­Thread Mounting Holes Compatible with 8-32 and M4 Threads

LDS12B

Power Supply ±12 V, 250 mA, switchable 100 VAC,120 VAC, 230 VAC Line
Voltage, LUMBERG RSMV3-657 Connector

1 General Information

Thorlabs' PDAVJx Series of mid-IR (MIR) detectors combines the uncooled highly sensitive
photovoltaic mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) sensors of the VMLxT0 series with variable gain
ultra-low noise transimpedance amplifiers in a shielded aluminum housing. The PDAVJx de­tectors are DC coupled and have a frequency response from true DC to the respective cutoff
frequency. The gain can be adjusted with 8 steps over 30 dB (PDAVJ8 and PDAVJ10) or 42 dB
(PDAVJ5).

The PDAVJx Series for free-space beam setups is provided in different versions with varying
wavelength dependent sensitivity: the PDAVJ5 for 2.7 - 5.0 mm detection, the PDAVJ8 for 2.0 -

8.0 mm detection and the PDAVJ10 for 2.0 - 10.6 mm detection. A buffered output drives 50 W
loads up to 1.0 V with an NEP of 14 pW/Hz
210 pW/Hz

1/2

for PDAVJ10.

The sensors of the VMLxT0 series that are incorporated in the PDAVJx sensors differ in their
layers such that PDAVJ5 has a single layer, while PDAVJ8 and PDAVJ10 sensors have mul­tiple layers. For that reason, the responsivities given for PDAVJ8 and PDAVJ10 are inseparable
from the sensor width.

The PDAVJx detector housing can be integrated in optical setups using convenient combi­thread mounting holes that are compatible with both imperial and metric mounting. Please see
the chapter Mounting for details.

1/2

for PDAVJ5, or 170 pW/Hz

1/2

for PDAVJ8, or

The housing accommodates adapters and accessories from the Thorlabs’ SM05-threaded
(0.535"-40) series and the SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) series. This allows convenient mounting
of external optics, light filters, and apertures. For accessories, please visit our website or con-

tact Thorlabs .

7

A ±12 VDC power supply is included with each amplified photodetector. The appropriate input

voltage (100 VAC, 120 VAC, or 230 VAC) can be selected with a switch on the power sup-

4

ply.
The PDAVJx detectors can provide amplification of input powers up to 500 µW (PDAVJ10).

Detectors for amplification of higher input powers are available upon request.

Attention

Please find all safety information and warnings concerning this product in the chapter Safety
in the Appendix of the full manual.

1.1 Ordering Codes and Accessories

The following models of the PDAVJx Series and accessories are available:

5

© 2018 Thorlabs

3

PDAVJx

2 Getting Started

2.1 Parts List

Inspect the shipping container for damage.
If the shipping container seems to be damaged, keep it until you have inspected the contents

for completeness and tested the PDAVJx Series Detector mechanically and electrically.
Verify that you have received the following items within the package:

1. Amplified Adjustable-Gain MIR Photodetector

2. Metal Cover Cap, Protecting the Sensor

3. Power Supply (±12 V, 250 mA), Switchable 100 V, 120 V or 230 V Line Voltage, Including
Location Specific Power Adapters

4. Quick Reference Document

2.2 Preparation

Note

Prior to operation, please check if the selected line voltage range on the power supply matches
your local mains voltage.

Please follow these steps for preparation:

· Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. If any damage is evident, do not use the unit
and contact Thorlabs .

· Mount the unit on your optical table or application. The unit has two combi thread mount­ing holes, each compatible with both imperial 8-32 and metric M4 screws.

· Remove the metal cover cap that protects the optical input.

· If necessary, mount external optics, filters, or apertures.

· Adjust the power supply to accommodate your local mains voltage (100 VAC, 120 VAC, or

230 VAC).

· Plug the power connector cable into the power supply connection socket on the PDAVJx.

· Plug the power supply into a 50-60 Hz, 100 VAC, 120 VAC, or 230 VAC outlet.

· Turn the power supply on.

· Connect the output BNC connector to your data acquisition device using a coaxial cable.

Please note that a 50 W impedance device should be used for best RF performance.

7

Note

If you want to use your own power supply, contact Thorlabs for an appropriate power connector
cable.

© 2018 Thorlabs4

3 Appendix

3 Appendix

3.1 Safety

Attention

The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of
the system.

All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will
only apply when the unit is operated under the conditions it was designed for.

The PDAVJx must not be operated in explosion endangered environments!
Do not open the housing. There are no user-serviceable parts inside!
This precision device is only serviceable if returned and properly packed into the complete ori-

ginal packaging including the plastic foam sleeves. If necessary, ask for replacement pack­aging. Refer servicing to qualified personnel!

Changes to this device cannot be made nor may components not supplied by Thorlabs be used
without written consent from Thorlabs.

Attention

Prior to applying power to the PDAVJx, make sure that the protective conductor of the 3 con­ductor mains power cord is correctly connected to the protective earth ground contact of the
socket outlet! Improper grounding can cause electric shock resulting in damage to your health
or even death!

Ensure that the line voltage setting of the fuse holder at the power supply agrees with your local
supply and that the corresponding fuses are inserted. If not, please change the line voltage set­ting.

To avoid risk of fire, only the appropriate fuses for the corresponding line voltage must be used.
All modules must only be operated with properly shielded connection cables.
Users that change or modify the product described in this manual in a way not expressly ap-

proved by Thorlabs (party responsible for compliance) could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

Thorlabs is not responsible for any radio television interference caused by modifications of this
equipment or the substitution or attachment of connecting cables and equipment other than
those specified by Thorlabs. The correction of interference caused by such unauthorized modi­fication, substitution, or attachment will be the responsibility of the user.

Attention

Mobile telephones, cellular phones, or other radio transmitters are not to be used within the
range of three meters of this unit since the electromagnetic field intensity may then exceed the
maximum allowed disturbance values according to IEC 61326-1.

© 2018 Thorlabs

5

PDAVJx

3.2 Warranty

Thorlabs warrants material and production of the PDAVJx for a period of 24 months starting
with the date of shipment. During this warranty period Thorlabs will see to defaults by repair or
by exchange if these are entitled to warranty.

For warranty repairs or service the unit must be sent back to Thorlabs. The customer will carry
the shipping costs to Thorlabs, in case of warranty repairs Thorlabs will carry the shipping costs
back to the customer.

If no warranty repair is applicable the customer also has to carry the costs for back shipment.
In case of shipment from outside EU duties, taxes etc. which should arise have to be carried by

the customer.
Thorlabs warrants the hard- and/or software determined by Thorlabs for this unit to operate

fault-free provided that they are handled according to our requirements. However, Thorlabs
does not warrant a fault free and uninterrupted operation of the unit, of the software or firmware
for special applications nor this instruction manual to be error free. Thorlabs is not liable for
consequential damages.

Restriction of Warranty

The warranty mentioned before does not cover errors and defects being the result of improper
treatment, software or interface not supplied by us, modification, misuse or operation outside
the defined ambient stated by us or unauthorized maintenance.

Further claims will not be consented to and will not be acknowledged. Thorlabs does explicitly
not warrant the usability or the economical use for certain cases of application.

Thorlabs reserves the right to change this instruction manual or the technical data of the de­scribed unit at any time.

3.3 Copyright and Exclusion of Reliability

Thorlabs has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however assume no li­ability for the content, completeness or quality of the information contained therein. The content
of this document is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the hardware
and/or software. We furthermore do not guarantee that this product will function without errors,
even if the stated specifications are adhered to.

Under no circumstances can we guarantee that a particular objective can be achieved with the
purchase of this product.

Insofar as permitted under statutory regulations, we assume no liability for direct damage, indir­ect damage or damages suffered by third parties resulting from the purchase of this product. In
no event shall any liability exceed the purchase price of the product.

Please note that the content of this document is neither part of any previous or existing agree­ment, promise, representation or legal relationship, nor an alteration or amendment thereof. All
obligations of Thorlabs result from the respective contract of sale, which also includes the com­plete and exclusively applicable warranty regulations. These contractual warranty regulations
are neither extended nor limited by the information contained in this document. Should you re­quire further information on this product, or encounter specific problems that are not discussed
in sufficient detail in the document, please contact your local Thorlabs dealer or system in­staller.

All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced, transmitted or translated to another
language, either as a whole or in parts, without the prior written permission of Thorlabs.

Copyright © Thorlabs 2018. All rights reserved.

© 2018 Thorlabs6

3.4 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts and WEEE

US
A, Canada, and South America

Thorlabs, Inc.
56 Sparta Avenue
Newton, NJ 07860
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com
www.thorlabs.us (West Coast)

Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]

UK and Ireland

Thorlabs Ltd.
1 Saint Thomas Place, Ely
Cambridgeshire CB7 4EX
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]
Support: [e-mail]

Europe

Thorlabs GmbH
Hans-Böckler-Str. 6
85221 Dachau
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.de

Email: [e-mail]

Scandinavia

Thorlabs Sweden AB
Bergfotsgatan 7
431 35 Mölndal
Sweden
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

France

Thorlabs SAS
109, rue des Côtes
78600 Maisons-Laffitte
France
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

Brazil

Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
Rua Riachuelo, 171
São Carlos, SP 13560-110
Brazil
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

Japan

Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
3-6-3 Kitamachi
Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0081

Japan

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.co.jp

Email: [e-mail]

China

Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100
Lane 2891, South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai 200331
China
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.thorlabs.com

Email: [e-mail]

3 Appendix

Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equip­ment) directive of the European Community and the corresponding national laws. Ac­cordingly, all end users in the EC may return “end of life” Annex I category electrical and
electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal
charges. Eligible units are marked with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right),
were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are
not dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. Waste treat­ment is your own responsibility. “End of life” units must be returned to Thorlabs or
handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter
bin or at a public waste disposal site.

© 2018 Thorlabs

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www.thorlabs.com