Kolmar Technologies KV104-1-A-3/11 Liquid Nitrogen-Cooled Infrared Photodetector

Overview

The Kolmar Technologies KV104-1-A-3/11 is a liquid nitrogen-cooled mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) photodiode designed for high-sensitivity, high-speed infrared detection in the mid-wave to long-wave infrared (MWIR–LWIR) spectral range. Engineered for precision spectroscopic applications—including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, laser heterodyne detection, gas-phase molecular absorption analysis, and thermal emission monitoring—the detector operates at 77 K using a standard 1-L Dewar flask with continuous LN₂ fill or automated cryogenic maintenance systems. Its intrinsic photoconductive response follows fundamental quantum-limited detectivity principles governed by the Johnson–Nyquist noise floor and background-limited infrared performance (BLIP) conditions. The device features a 1 × 1 mm active area, a spectral cutoff wavelength exceeding 11.5 µm, and a peak responsivity >4 A/W at 10.5 µm—enabling robust signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in low-flux, high-bandwidth measurement configurations.

Key Features

• Liquid nitrogen cooling (77 K) ensures thermally stabilized operation and minimizes dark current to sub-picoampere levels, critical for low-background IR measurements.
• HgCdTe photodiode architecture with linear current-mode output and high specific detectivity (D* > 3.0 × 10¹⁰ cm·√Hz/W at 60° field of view).
• Bandwidth >20 MHz—optimized for time-resolved IR spectroscopy, pulsed laser detection, and rapid-scan FTIR applications.
• Customizable window materials (e.g., ZnSe, Ge, KRS-5) and AR coatings available to match optical path requirements and maximize transmission across target bands.
• Hermetically sealed, vacuum-compatible TO-8 or TO-66 package with gold-plated Kovar leads; compatible with standard cryogenic probe stations and vacuum feedthroughs.
• Compliant with MIL-STD-883 environmental stress screening protocols for reliability under laboratory and industrial deployment conditions.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KV104-1-A-3/11 is suitable for detecting broadband IR radiation from solid, liquid, and gaseous samples emitting in the 2–12 µm range—particularly relevant for ASTM E1421 (standard practice for FTIR quantitative analysis), ISO 18392 (infrared spectroscopy terminology), and USP (infrared absorption spectrophotometry). Its linear dynamic range (>10⁴) supports both high-intensity source characterization (e.g., synchrotron IR beamlines) and trace-gas detection (ppb-level CO₂, CH₄, NO₂) when coupled with multipass cells or cavity-enhanced absorption setups. The detector meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and is manufactured under ISO 9001-certified quality management systems. Traceable calibration certificates (NIST-traceable spectral responsivity) are available upon request for GLP/GMP-compliant analytical workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the KV104-1-A-3/11 is an analog-output detector requiring external biasing and amplification, it integrates seamlessly with industry-standard data acquisition platforms including National Instruments PXIe systems, Keysight DAQ modules, and Thorlabs’ Kinesis-compatible controllers. When paired with lock-in amplifiers (e.g., Zurich Instruments HF2LI) or fast digitizers (e.g., Spectrum M4i series), raw photocurrent signals support real-time spectral reconstruction, phase-sensitive demodulation, and FFT-based noise analysis. Kolmar provides detailed SPICE models and MATLAB-compatible transfer function datasets for system-level simulation. All calibration metadata—including D*, responsivity vs. wavelength, NEP, and bandwidth roll-off—are embedded in vendor-supplied .csv and .xml metadata files compliant with ASTM E2719 (standard guide for spectral data exchange).

Applications

• High-resolution FTIR spectroscopy for pharmaceutical polymorph identification and polymer crystallinity assessment.
• Real-time combustion diagnostics via tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) in engine exhaust streams.
• Environmental monitoring of greenhouse gases using open-path or extractive sampling with multi-wavelength IR sources.
• Materials science research involving phonon-mode mapping in 2D semiconductors (e.g., MoS₂, black phosphorus) via micro-FTIR.
• Defense-related applications including missile plume signature analysis and LWIR countermeasure development.
• Quantum cascade laser (QCL) characterization, including linewidth, mode stability, and power modulation fidelity.

FAQ

What cooling method is required for optimal performance?
Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) immersion at 77 K is mandatory to achieve specified D*, bandwidth, and dark current specifications. Thermoelectric coolers are insufficient for this device class.
Is the detector compatible with vacuum environments?
Yes—the TO-8 package is rated for operation under ≤10⁻⁶ Torr vacuum and includes bake-out compatible seals per MIL-STD-202G Method 107.
Can I integrate this detector into an existing FTIR bench without modification?
Yes, provided the optical interface matches standard 25.4 mm (1″) input port geometry and the electronics chain includes a low-noise transimpedance amplifier with ≥10⁸ V/A gain and ≥25 MHz small-signal bandwidth.
Does Kolmar provide NIST-traceable calibration documentation?
Yes—calibration reports include spectral responsivity curves (2–12 µm), D* vs. frequency plots, and NEP measurements, all traceable to NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2069.
What is the typical lead time for custom configurations (e.g., anti-reflection coating or alternate window material)?
Standard delivery is 6–8 weeks; custom optical configurations extend lead time to 10–12 weeks due to coating chamber scheduling and qualification testing per ISO/IEC 17025.