Microphotons C3A-2700LAE 2 mm Extended-Area InGaAs Photodetector Module
| Brand | Microphotons |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM Manufacturer |
| Model | C3A-2700LAE |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Microphotons C3A-2700LAE is a high-performance, extended-area InGaAs photodetector module engineered for precise near-infrared (NIR) optical signal detection in demanding analytical and spectroscopic applications. Designed with a 2 mm active diameter photosensitive area, this module delivers enhanced photon collection efficiency and improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to standard 1 mm or smaller InGaAs detectors—particularly critical in low-light, diffuse-scatter, or beam-profile-integrated measurement scenarios. The detector operates within the spectral range of 900–2700 nm, optimized for compatibility with common NIR light sources including tunable lasers, supercontinuum sources, and broadband thermal emitters. Its monolithic InGaAs PIN photodiode structure ensures fast response time (<10 ns rise time), low dark current (<5 nA at –5 V bias), and high linearity across five decades of optical power (from pW to mW). The hermetically sealed TO-8 package provides long-term stability under ambient laboratory conditions and supports integration into OEM spectrometers, process analyzers, and fiber-coupled NIR monitoring systems.
Key Features
- 2 mm circular active area for increased optical coupling tolerance and reduced alignment sensitivity
- Extended spectral response: 900–2700 nm with peak responsivity >1.2 A/W at 1550 nm
- Integrated transimpedance amplifier (TIA) option available for voltage output (0–5 V) with selectable gain ranges
- Low-noise analog output stage with RMS noise floor <30 µV (in 10 kHz bandwidth)
- Hermetic TO-8 metal-can packaging with AR-coated fused silica window (R<0.5% @ 1000–2500 nm)
- Operating temperature range: –10 °C to +60 °C; storage: –40 °C to +85 °C
- Compliant with RoHS 2.0 and REACH material restrictions
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C3A-2700LAE is compatible with free-space and fiber-optic (FC/PC or SMA-905) input configurations. It supports direct coupling to multimode fibers (up to 400 µm core) and collimated beams with divergence ≤±5°. No sample preparation is required—operation is non-destructive and real-time. From a regulatory standpoint, the module conforms to IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD immunity, ±8 kV contact discharge) and IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated RF immunity, 10 V/m, 80 MHz–2.7 GHz). While not a standalone analytical instrument, it serves as a critical optoelectronic component in systems subject to ISO/IEC 17025 calibration traceability requirements when integrated into validated NIR spectrophotometers or process analyzers compliant with ASTM E1655 (Standard Practices for Infrared Multivariate Quantitative Analysis) and USP <857> (Near-Infrared Spectroscopy).
Software & Data Management
The C3A-2700LAE operates as an analog sensor and does not include embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, it is fully interoperable with industry-standard data acquisition platforms—including National Instruments DAQmx, Keysight IO Libraries Suite, and MATLAB Data Acquisition Toolbox—enabling synchronized multi-channel acquisition, real-time FFT analysis, and time-domain waveform logging. When deployed in GLP/GMP-regulated environments, users may implement audit-trail-capable software (e.g., LabArchives ELN or Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS) to record detector calibration dates, gain settings, and environmental operating logs. Firmware-independent analog architecture ensures long-term compatibility and eliminates obsolescence risks associated with proprietary communication protocols.
Applications
- NIR reflectance and transmission spectroscopy for pharmaceutical blend uniformity testing (per USP <1119>)
- Real-time moisture and hydrocarbon content monitoring in petrochemical pipelines
- Gas-phase absorption spectroscopy for CO, CH₄, and NH₃ detection using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS)
- FT-NIR spectrometer detector replacement in benchtop and portable systems
- Beam profiling and power stabilization feedback loops in ultrafast laser systems
- Material identification and sorting in recycling facilities via hyperspectral NIR imaging
FAQ
Is the C3A-2700LAE suitable for cryogenic operation?
No—the module is rated for operation down to –10 °C only; condensation and thermal stress may compromise hermeticity below this threshold.
Can this detector be used with pulsed lasers?
Yes, provided pulse width exceeds 5 ns and average power remains within the specified linear range; consult the datasheet for peak power derating curves.
Does Microphotons provide NIST-traceable calibration certificates?
Yes—optional factory calibration against NIST-traceable standards (SRM 2031, 2032) is available upon request, including spectral responsivity and linearity verification.
What is the recommended reverse bias voltage?
–5 V is standard; operation at –3 V reduces dark current but sacrifices dynamic range; operation above –8 V is not advised due to increased leakage risk.
Is electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection built into the module?
The TO-8 package includes internal ESD protection diodes rated to ±2 kV HBM; however, handling must follow ANSI/ESD S20.20 guidelines, and the static-shielded packaging must remain unopened until installation.
