Fast InSb PEM Detectors for Optical Maser Studies to 7 μ

Abstract

An indium antimonide photoelectromagnetic (PEM) detector, operating at room temperature, has shown capabilities as a fast demodulator for optical maser studies at wavelengths up to 7 μ, well beyond the spectral range of phototubes and Ge or Si photodiodes. The detector responds to modulation frequencies of at least 150 Mc, and the use of more highly doped material could result in speeds up to 1 kMc. Construction is simple, no bias current is required, and detector response should be linear even for large incident intensities; the main disadvantage is the relatively small amount of output power and the consequent necessity of low noise amplifiers. An important application is the study of the high gain transitions in xenon and neon lasers.