How to measure the bandwidth of a photodetector?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on measuring the electrical bandwidth of photodetectors, which is essential for calculating shot noise. Key factors influencing electrical bandwidth include capacitance and series resistance, which can be determined through Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The electrical bandwidth is not the same as the 3dB frequency, and users are encouraged to apply a DC reverse bias while blocking radiation to analyze high-frequency characteristics using a network analyzer. For self-fabricated photodetectors, consulting the datasheet or manufacturer is recommended for characterization.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrical bandwidth in photodetectors
  • Knowledge of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)
  • Familiarity with shot noise calculations
  • Experience with network analyzers for high-frequency measurements
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methodologies for measuring noise bandwidth in photodetectors
  • Learn about the impact of capacitance and series resistance on bandwidth
  • Explore the use of network analyzers for high-frequency characteristic measurements
  • Investigate the differences between electrical bandwidth and 3dB frequency
USEFUL FOR

Researchers and engineers involved in photodetector design, characterization, and performance optimization, particularly those fabricating their own devices.

Durianpastry
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TL;DR
how to measure the bandwidth of a photodetector and to calculate the shot noise?
I am new to photodetectors. I know there are usually two concepts of bandwidths of photodetectors, i.e the spectral and electrical.
What I do not understand is the electrical bandwidth.
The electrical bandwidth is used to calculate the shot noise of a photodetector. However, the papers usually don't show how to get the bandwidth.
I searched some references, and the bandwidth is related to capacitance and series resistance. So may I measure the EIS to get the capacitance and resistance to calculate the bandwidth?
Is the bandwidth used to calculate the shot noise the same with 3dB frequency?
But it seems that they are not the same?
I am so confused...
May someone tell me how to measure the electrical bandwidth of photodetectors?
 
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Why not just look at the datasheet for your detector, or ask the manufacturer? They have already characterized them.
 
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Do you have an application that this is important - or is it just a general question? It would seem - given a specific application, you could derive a test based on that vs how the OEM characterized it.
 
Windadct said:
Do you have an application that this is important - or is it just a general question? It would seem - given a specific application, you could derive a test based on that vs how the OEM characterized it.
Well, it is a general question about the bandwidth.
DaveE said:
Why not just look at the datasheet for your detector, or ask the manufacturer? They have already characterized them.
Because I fabricate one photodetector by myself and I do not know how to characterize it...
 
If you apply a DC reverse bias and block all radiation from hitting the junction, then the equivalent circuit is basically a capacitor (bias dependent, of course), a small series resistance, and a large shunt resistance. You can connect this to a network analyzer (or other instruments) with appropriate DC blocks to measure the high frequency characteristics (like S11, for example) of these parasitic elements.
 
DaveE said:
If you apply a DC reverse bias and block all radiation from hitting the junction, then the equivalent circuit is basically a capacitor (bias dependent, of course), a small series resistance, and a large shunt resistance. You can connect this to a network analyzer (or other instruments) with appropriate DC blocks to measure the high frequency characteristics (like S11, for example) of these parasitic elements.
Thank you!
 

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