Infrared detectors are generally classified as being either thermal or photon (quantum) detectors. Lead Sulfide (PbS) and Lead Selenide (PbSe) detectors are both members of the lead-salt family of photoconductive infrared detectors, sensitive in the 1 – 5.5 micrometer range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Photoconductive detectors are thin-film semiconductor devices that undergo a change in conductivity when exposed to varying quantities of IR radiation.

This change results in an increase in the amount of current flowing through the device, and the output of the detector circuit is either a change in detector current or a change in voltage developed across a load resistor. 

Compared to other detectors used in the same wavelength regions, PbS and PbSe quantum detectors offer the advantages of higher detection capability and operation at room temperature, providing an economical means of obtaining high performance in a compact package.

Infrared Materials offers many standard and custom configurations from bare chips to TE-cooled assemblies in TO-style packages to suit a wide variety of design targets, operating conditions, and applications.

Please send inquiries to Info@irmatl.com, or call 707-620-0160, or 707-708-8199.