Photodiode in parallel with resistor and capacitor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a photodiode to detect a laser pulse with a specific power and pulse width. Participants explore the effects of adding resistors and capacitors in parallel with the photodiode, as well as the implications for pulse shape and timing when viewed on an oscilloscope. The conversation includes technical considerations regarding the photodiode's response time and the use of transimpedance amplifiers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the output pulse does not match the expected 1 microsecond duration and questions the effects of adding resistors or capacitors in parallel with the photodiode.
  • Another participant suggests that a resistor may load the photodiode and recommends using a transimpedance amplifier to improve the output.
  • Concerns are raised about the time constant introduced by resistors and capacitors, which may slow down the system response.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of coupling techniques for effectively directing laser power to the photodiode.
  • One participant reports achieving a Gaussian-shaped pulse of 50 microseconds with a 300Ω resistor, expressing uncertainty about the charge and discharge times of the diode.
  • Another participant mentions the photodiode's datasheet specifications, questioning whether faster rise times can be achieved with reverse bias.
  • Several participants share practical experiences and measurements related to pulse width and power, with one confirming success in achieving the desired pulse width with specific resistor values and reverse voltage.
  • There is a request for clarification on the concept of integrating the output from the photodiode, which remains unresolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of views on the effects of resistors and capacitors on the photodiode's performance, with no consensus reached on the optimal configuration or the implications of different components. Some participants agree on the need for experimentation to determine the best setup, while others share conflicting observations regarding pulse shapes and timings.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors that could influence the measurements, such as the capacitance of the oscilloscope probe and the specific characteristics of the photodiode used. There are also references to the need for careful coupling of the laser beam to the photodiode, which may affect the results.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals working with photodiodes in laser applications, particularly those focused on pulse detection and signal processing in experimental setups.

kum111
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hello ,

I am trying to detect a laser pulse with a photodiode , having a power of 100w max of the laser beam with pulse wave of 1microsecond . when i see the output in ocilloscope the wave do not have 1 microsencond this is without any resistor or capacitor. so my question is that what happens if there is a resistor in parallel to photodiode or a resistor and capacitor in parallel to photodiode . any information about the topic will be useful . thank you all
 
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The resistor is probably going to load the photodiode. You should try a transimpedance amp.
 
but the wave which i measure at the load resistor do not have the same time as the laser pulse .. how could it be adjusted . laser pulse has 1 μs ... but here i just 1ms pulse per cm in oscilloscope with voltage of .5v . i have read about the transimpedance amp which is used for current to voltage . thanks for reply
 
the good thing about the transimpdance amp is that it puts a virtual ground at your photodiode, so all the photodiode current goes to the output. You probably have some time constant related to your resistor and capacitor that is slowing your system. Remember that your scope probe has a capacitance unless you tune it out.
 
kum111 said:
hello ,

I am trying to detect a laser pulse with a photodiode , having a power of 100w max of the laser beam with pulse wave of 1microsecond . when i see the output in ocilloscope the wave do not have 1 microsencond this is without any resistor or capacitor. so my question is that what happens if there is a resistor in parallel to photodiode or a resistor and capacitor in parallel to photodiode . any information about the topic will be useful . thank you all

kum111 said:
but the wave which i measure at the load resistor do not have the same time as the laser pulse .. how could it be adjusted . laser pulse has 1 μs ... but here i just 1ms pulse per cm in oscilloscope with voltage of .5v . i have read about the transimpedance amp which is used for current to voltage . thanks for reply

To measure a fast pulse like that, you need to use a fast photodiode+amp, preferably an integrated unit. Something like these:

http://www.osioptoelectronics.com/s.../high-speed-silicon-photodiodes-overview.aspx

You can find more examples with a Google search on fast photodiode amp.

Since you aren't coupling all 100W of laser power into your photodiode (at least not more than once!), how are you splitting off some of the beam and coupling it to your photodiode? Modules are available with different coupling means (like fiberoptic, windowed, etc.).
 
hello carlgrace ,

Then how do i control this time constant , i will use the trans amp later if needed . first i have to find what's the effect of this only resistor in parallel , or resistor and capacitor in parallel to my photodiode . The scope probe capacitance changes with the x10 , x1 is it, am a computers student , i haven't worked much with this electronics equipment . thanks for reply
 
kum111 said:
hwhen i see the output in ocilloscope the wave do not have 1 microsencond this is without any resistor or capacitor. so my question is that what happens if there is a resistor in parallel to photodiode or a resistor and capacitor in parallel to photodiode . any information about the topic will be useful . thank you all
Why don't you try it for yourself? Place various resistances in parallel with your oscilloscope input and see whether the pulse is cleaned up. Start with 22MΩ, and work your way down. Tell us how you go. (I don't know how well this will work. Experiment.)
 
hello berkeman,

am using a si pin photodiode will has a pretty fast response , there is a glass (window may be am not sure )which is fixed in front of the laser to make it fall on diode .
 
NascentOxygen said:
Why don't you try it for yourself? Place various resistances in parallel with your oscilloscope input and see whether the pulse is cleaned up. Start with 22MΩ, and work your way down. Tell us how you go. (I don't know how well this will work. Experiment.)

i have done this and got the Gaussian shaped pulse to 50μs , which in laser is 1μs with not much of a variation on voltage with a 300Ω. i think there is sum effect on the charge time and discharge time of the diode , but am not sure what am getting here .. thank you
 
Last edited:
  • #10
hello all ,

The datasheet of the photodiode says that a rise time and fall time of 100ns with Vr=10v , Rl=1kΩ , 820 nm . it i need fast rise time will this be only achieved in reverse bias ?
 
  • #11
I have made power and pulse width measurements on a a 30W Coherent AviaX laser. We directed the beam onto a power puck and placed our PIN diode in the light reflected from the power puck to get Pulse width. If you indeed have a 100W laser then you may need to do something similar.
 
  • #12
Integral said:
I have made power and pulse width measurements on a a 30W Coherent AviaX laser. We directed the beam onto a power puck and placed our PIN diode in the light reflected from the power puck to get Pulse width. If you indeed have a 100W laser then you may need to do something similar.


Here the laser has a 100w max power for the laser beam which is 70mm long and 2 mm wide . similar to you i have to measure the power and pulse of the laser to calibrate . so do you have anymore information will be helpful , thanks for reply
 
  • #13
got it with 1k resistor and 10v of reverse voltlage I got pulse 1μs which was needed . thanks guys
 
  • #14
kum111 said:
got it with 1k resistor and 10v of reverse voltlage I got pulse 1μs which was needed . thanks guys
As an additional check, you should probably try some lower resistors and see that the pulse width is still 1 μs. (If it becomes less, then you were not measuring the true width at 1 μs.)
 
  • #15
any information on integration of output from phototdiode will be helpful
 
  • #16
kum111 said:
any information on integration of output from phototdiode will be helpful
It's not clear, to me at least, what you are asking. What do you mean by "integration"?
 

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