Hamamatsu P13894-011NA InAsSb Photovoltaic Infrared Detector

Overview

The Hamamatsu P13894-011NA is a single-element, uncooled photovoltaic infrared detector fabricated from indium arsenide antimonide (InAsSb) epitaxial material. Engineered for mid-wave to long-wave infrared (MWIR–LWIR) detection in the 1–11 µm spectral band, it operates at ambient temperature without thermoelectric or cryogenic cooling—enabling compact, low-power, and maintenance-free integration into portable and fixed environmental monitoring systems. Its photovoltaic operation mode delivers zero-bias, low-noise performance with intrinsic DC-coupled response, making it suitable for continuous-wave (CW) and modulated IR signal detection in gas sensing applications where stability and long-term repeatability are critical. The device leverages Hamamatsu’s proprietary bulk crystal growth and heteroepitaxial fabrication processes to achieve high uniformity, low dark current density (10⁸ Ω), all within a hermetically sealed TO-5 metal package.

Key Features

• Uncooled photovoltaic operation—eliminates need for power-hungry TECs or dewar assemblies
• Extended spectral cutoff at 11 µm—enables detection of fundamental vibrational absorption bands of key industrial and hazardous gases (e.g., CO₂ at 4.26 µm, CH₄ at 3.31 µm and 7.69 µm, NO at 5.3 µm, SO₂ at 7.3 µm)
• High responsivity of 0.002 A/W at peak wavelength (5.6 µm) under standard test conditions (Ta = 25 °C, unbiased)
• Compact 1 × 1 mm² active area with TO-5 metal-can packaging—designed for easy optical coupling via lensed windows or fiber pigtails
• Low 1/f noise and high shunt resistance—supports high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in lock-in or synchronous detection configurations
• Robust mechanical and thermal architecture—qualified for operation across –20 °C to +60 °C ambient range with minimal drift

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The P13894-011NA is optimized for use in non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) and photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) gas analyzers targeting trace-level quantification in ambient air, stack emissions, and confined-space monitoring. It complies with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 requirements. When integrated into certified gas detection platforms, the detector supports alignment with IEC 60079-29-1 (explosive atmospheres), EN 50194 (domestic gas alarm systems), and ISO 12032 (performance testing of gas detectors). Its stable DC output enables direct interfacing with 24-bit sigma-delta ADCs compliant with IEC 61000-4-5 surge immunity standards.

Software & Data Management

While the P13894-011NA is an analog sensor element, its output is routinely digitized and processed within OEM gas analyzer firmware stacks that support audit-trail logging, calibration history tracking, and real-time baseline correction algorithms. Compatible data acquisition modules (e.g., National Instruments USB-4431, Analog Devices AD7124-8) provide programmable gain, offset compensation, and digital filtering—enabling compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed in regulated environmental QA/QC workflows. Hamamatsu provides comprehensive SPICE-compatible electrical models and spectral responsivity datasets (CSV format) for system-level simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and LTspice environments.

Applications

• Fixed and portable NDIR analyzers for CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, SF₆, and refrigerant gas monitoring
• Industrial process control sensors in semiconductor fab exhaust lines and chemical synthesis reactors
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors measuring total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) via broadband IR absorption
• Fire detection systems leveraging CO and hydrocarbon signature bands in the 4–8 µm region
• Environmental research instrumentation for atmospheric trace-gas profiling using open-path or multipass cell configurations

FAQ

Is the P13894-011NA compatible with standard TO-5 socket holders and optical mounts?
Yes—it adheres to JEDEC TO-5 mechanical dimensions (Ø9.3 mm body, 3.2 mm height) and features a flat quartz window with AR coating optimized for 2–12 µm transmission.
What is the recommended load resistance for maximum SNR in DC-coupled readout?
A transimpedance amplifier with 10⁶–10⁷ Ω feedback resistance is typical; exact value depends on bandwidth requirements and noise floor constraints of the front-end circuit.
Does Hamamatsu provide calibration certificates traceable to NIST or PTB standards?
Calibration data (spectral responsivity, NEP, and linearity) is provided per batch; NIST-traceable characterization is available upon request for OEM volume orders.
Can this detector be used in pulsed IR laser detection applications?
Yes—its rise time is <100 ns, supporting detection of nanosecond-scale IR pulses from QCLs and OPOs when operated with appropriate reverse-bias conditioning (though photovoltaic mode is standard).
Is there a recommended drive circuit schematic for low-drift, high-stability gas analyzer designs?
Hamamatsu supplies application notes AN-117 and AN-124, including layout guidelines, shielding recommendations, and thermal management best practices for uncooled IR detector integration.