How to measure the bandwidth of a photodetector?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around measuring the electrical bandwidth of photodetectors, particularly in relation to shot noise. Participants explore concepts such as spectral and electrical bandwidths, methodologies for measurement, and the relevance of datasheets and manufacturer specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the electrical bandwidth of photodetectors and its relation to shot noise, questioning how to measure it.
  • Another participant suggests consulting the datasheet or the manufacturer for characterized bandwidth information.
  • A participant inquires about the importance of the bandwidth measurement in a specific application context, implying that this could influence the testing approach.
  • A participant mentions that noise is broadband and should be measured at the bandwidth intended for use, providing a link to methodologies for measuring noise bandwidth.
  • One participant describes a method involving applying a DC reverse bias and blocking radiation to analyze the equivalent circuit of the photodetector, suggesting the use of a network analyzer to measure high-frequency characteristics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method to measure electrical bandwidth, with some advocating for manufacturer data while others propose experimental approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific methodologies and their applicability.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the relationship between electrical bandwidth and 3dB frequency, and the discussion includes various assumptions about the measurement conditions and the characteristics of the photodetector.

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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