ZOLIX DPE12 Pyroelectric Detector
| Brand | ZOLIX |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | DPE12 |
| Price | USD 2,100 (FOB Beijing) |
| Operating Temperature Range | −20 °C to +55 °C |
| Spectral Range | 1.5–12 µm |
| Active Area | 2 mm × 2 mm |
| Responsivity | ≥80,000 V/W (at 10 Hz, λ = 10.6 µm) |
| Detectivity (D*) | ≥3 × 10⁸ cm·√Hz/W (at 10 Hz, λ = 10.6 µm) |
| Shunt Resistance (R<sub>d</sub>) | 0.1–0.3 MΩ |
| Recommended Modulation Frequency | 10 Hz |
| Frequency Response Bandwidth | 5–100 Hz |
| Output Signal Type | Voltage |
| Bias Voltage | 3 V DC |
| Rise Time | <100 ms (typ.) |
Overview
The ZOLIX DPE12 is a high-sensitivity, room-temperature pyroelectric detector engineered for precise mid- to long-wave infrared (MWIR–LWIR) radiometric and spectroscopic measurements in industrial, environmental, and research-grade gas sensing applications. Unlike cooled photon detectors, the DPE12 operates uncooled and relies on the pyroelectric effect—where temperature-induced polarization changes in lithium tantalate (LiTaO₃) generate measurable surface charge in response to modulated IR radiation. Its broadband spectral response (1.5–12 µm) enables detection of fundamental vibrational absorption bands of key atmospheric and industrial gases—including CO, CO₂, CH₄, NOₓ, SO₂, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—making it suitable for open-path monitoring, extractive stack analysis, and portable gas analyzers compliant with EPA Method 30A and ISO 12039.
Key Features
- Monolithic LiTaO₃ sensing element with integrated JFET preamplifier for low-noise voltage output and improved signal integrity
- Optimized active area (2 mm × 2 mm) balancing responsivity and spatial resolution for beam-filling applications
- High specific detectivity (D* ≥ 3 × 10⁸ cm·√Hz/W at 10 Hz), enabling sub-nW-level radiant power detection under standard modulation conditions
- Wide operating ambient temperature range (−20 °C to +55 °C) with minimal drift, supporting field-deployable environmental monitoring systems
- Low shunt resistance (0.1–0.3 MΩ) matched to standard lock-in amplifier input impedance, minimizing loading effects when paired with SR830 or DCS500PA instrumentation
- DC-coupled voltage output with 3 V bias supply—no external transimpedance stage required—reducing system complexity and noise sources
- Hermetically sealed TO-5 package with AR-coated silicon window (transmission >90% across 1.5–12 µm), ensuring long-term stability in humid or particulate-laden environments
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DPE12 is designed for integration into gas detection platforms where optical path modulation (e.g., chopper-based or photoacoustic excitation) is employed. It supports compliance with international performance standards including IEC 60738-1 (pyroelectric detectors), EN 50194-1 (gas detection systems), and ASTM E1498 (standard practice for calibration of infrared detectors). When embedded in certified gas analyzers, the detector contributes to meeting functional safety requirements per IEC 61508 (SIL2-capable architecture) and emissions reporting protocols aligned with EU Directive 2010/75/EU (IED) and US EPA 40 CFR Part 60. Its non-hygroscopic sensor element eliminates desiccant maintenance—critical for continuous unattended operation in remote air quality stations or refinery perimeter monitoring networks.
Software & Data Management
While the DPE12 itself is an analog sensor, its voltage output interfaces seamlessly with industry-standard data acquisition systems supporting IEEE 1451.2 TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) configuration. When used with SR830 lock-in amplifiers or ZOLIX’s DCS500PA digital controller, users gain access to real-time time-domain waveform capture, FFT-based spectral analysis, and automated baseline drift compensation algorithms. All measurement metadata—including modulation frequency, gain setting, ambient temperature, and calibration coefficients—is logged in HDF5 format, ensuring traceability and compatibility with LIMS environments governed by FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 audit requirements. Firmware-upgradable controllers enable future support for MQTT/OPC UA protocols for IIoT integration.
Applications
- Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzers for fixed and portable CO₂, hydrocarbon, and refrigerant leak detection
- Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer reference detectors in environmental emission testing labs
- Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) cells for ppb-level trace gas quantification in ambient air monitoring networks
- Industrial process control sensors in semiconductor fabrication cleanrooms and chemical synthesis reactors
- Calibration transfer standards in metrology institutes performing IR radiance intercomparisons per BIPM guidelines
- Research-grade thermal imaging subsystems for low-cost LWIR scene simulation validation
FAQ
What is the recommended modulation frequency for optimal signal-to-noise ratio?
The DPE12 achieves peak D* and minimal 1/f noise at 10 Hz; operation between 5–100 Hz is supported, but frequencies below 5 Hz increase susceptibility to thermal drift.
Can the DPE12 be used without a lock-in amplifier?
Yes—though signal amplitude will be significantly reduced and susceptible to broadband electrical interference; direct AC-coupled oscilloscope readout is possible only for strong, highly modulated sources.
Is the detector sensitive to visible light?
No—the integrated silicon window blocks wavelengths below ~1.5 µm; no additional optical filtering is required for IR-specific operation.
How does ambient temperature affect calibration stability?
Responsivity drift is ≤0.05%/°C over −20 °C to +55 °C; for applications requiring <0.1% accuracy, onboard thermistor feedback or periodic two-point calibration is advised.
What mounting interface does the DPE12 use?
Standard 0.375″-32 UNF threaded housing compatible with Thorlabs, Newport, and ZOLIX optical mounts; mechanical drawings available in STEP and PDF formats upon request.
