How to amplify voltage to meet the needs of a photodiode/APD

[Robert Dietrich]

Homework Statement

I need to be able to run two photodiodes that require a bias voltage of at least 40V (this might need to be a little bigger, as I'm planning on using them for scintillation detection). They need to be able to run for two hours off of a lightweight battery. This is because they will be on a weather balloon for a long ride (this is my senior seminar project) and the weight of the payload can't be too high.

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I was thinking of using a series of op amps, but I'm concerned that simply using op amps to increase the output voltage of (for example) a 9V battery will drain the battery too quickly. A link to the specific photodiodes I'm using is http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/First-Sensor/PS10-5B-TO52S13/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMt9rZLnhhqRzxxh2B7IPT45

 

[gneill]

The data sheet for that photodiode (at the site you reference) shows that 40V is the peak reverse voltage for that part. Are you sure you want to exceed that?

A brief web search on photodiode circuit examples turned up something that might be of interest here. Check out items 9 and 10.

For an opamp to produce a 40 V output its power source must already be equal to or greater than 40 V unless you're doing something with current pumps (voltage doublers or triplers).

 

[rude man]

Your photodiode is specified to work at 3.5V reverse voltage with a bit better bandwidth at 20V. Most probably works fine at 3.5V.