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KOLMAR TECHNOLOGIES
DETECTOR OPERATION MANUAL

Cautions/Warnings  |  Power Requirements  |  Operation  |  Trouble  |  Specifications  |  Warranty  |  Support 

1. INTRODUCTION


This document describes Kolmar Technologies infrared detectors with amplifiers in the KMPV, KLD, and KISDP series.

The KMPV series detectors are high speed [wide bandwidth] HgCdTe photodiodes with integral amplifiers in pour filled Dewars. The KLD series detectors are moderate speed [2MHz bandwidth] HgCdTe photodiodes with integral amplifiers in pour filled Dewars. Both KMPV series and KLD series are available to cover either the 2 to 12 spectral range, or the 2 to 9 range. Various infrared window materials are available to optimize performance in a desired spectral range. The standard window for the KMPV series is ZnSe with a 2 to 12um anti-reflection coating. The standard window for the KLD series is BaF2. The KMPV and KLD dimensions are identical.

The KISDP series detectors are high speed/wide bandwidth InSb photodiodes with amplifiers in pour filled Dewars. They cover the 1 to 5 um spectral range. The standard window is sapphire. The most common size detector is 1mm diameter.

For KMPV and KISDP series the detector size determines the upper limit of frequency response. The detector response time is RC time constant limited -- junction capacitance and series resistance and load resistance. Smaller detectors will be faster.

2. CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS


3. POWER REQUIREMENTS


All model require dual power supplies. These can be linear, switched power supplies, or batteries.

The normal operating voltage is +15V and -15V and a ground/return connection. The batteries achieve the lowest noise, but are not necessary. The front end of the amplifiers are voltage regulated and have a very high power supply noise rejection ratio. The KMPV and KISDP series with single output draw 35mA, and with dual outputs draw 55mA. The KLD series draws 20mA with single output, and 38mA with dual outputs.

The detectors may also be operated with +12V -12V power supplies. On detectors with a DC output, this requires the readjustment of the DC level to zero for the ambient background, ,when the detector is operating. There is a small hole above the DC output connector with a 15 turn potentiometer, which can be accessed with a small screwdriver.

4. CALIBRATION TEST REPORT DESCRIPTION


Every detector is tested 100% and calibrated against a 500K blackbody. The rise time is measured from 10% to 90% with a diode laser pulse. Below is a typical test report for a KLD series detector.


      Kolmar Technologies, Inc.
      Test Data Sheet                                    18 DEC 2004

      _______________________________________________________________
      Infrared detector:
      Detector Model:         KLD-1-J1/DC
      Detector Serial No.     3888-11
      Lot:                    MCT PV            3385-10
      ________________________________________________________________________
      Description:

      Window:                 ZNSE 10.6UM ARC
      Distance detector/front Window   nominal  1.02 CM
      Field of View [FOV]           60 degrees full angle nom.
      Connector(s)            BNC
      TEMP SENSOR:            NA
      TRANSIMPEDANCE AMP.        10000 DC.CH    NA       AC.CH


      Dewar type              J SIDELOOKING     SN       04-4737
      LN2 hold time                 12          nominal
      Detector Temperature          77                               K

      Detector data:                                                 Units

      Size:                          1                               mm DIA.
      Active area:            7.85E-03                               cm^2
      Responsivity(DETECTOR):     6.78                               Amp/Watt
      Quantum efficiency PEAK:    0.80 @ BIAS V     0.06             window included
      Peak wavelength:           10.53                               um
      Cut off wavelength:        11.45                               um
      Resistance (@V=0):           200                               Ohm
      RoA :                       1.57                               Ohm-cm^2
      BACK IMPEDANCE              3000    0.063 @ V                  Ohm
      R series                       5 max                           Ohm
      risetime                1.86E-07                               sec
      Bandwidth(-3db)                2 NOM                           MHz

                                                                     
      D*[@PEAK,@50kHz         7.86E+10                               Jones
      RESPONSIVITY            6.78E+04          DC OUTPUT            V/W
      RESPONSIVITY            NA                AC OUTPUT            V/W
      Pin Configuration:

5. OPERATION OF DETECTOR


Requirements: Detector, fill tube, and liquid nitrogen, dual power supply +15V return -15V 100mA minimum. Will also operate with +12V return -12V supply or batteries.

Connect power supply to detectors pins or socket. Connect the signal output coaxial cables to the BNC or SMA connector[s] output connectors.

Cool detector with liquid nitrogen using the funnel fill tube. Keep filling the funnel in cone increments. Repeat until reservoir is full [spill over]. Cool down time is about 5 to 10 minutes. The detector is at working temperature once the rapid boil off venting has stopped. Place the fill port plug in the fill port. Turn on the power. Connect the DC channel output to an oscilloscope and check the DC output level. This has been set to zero with 295K background temperature in the detector's field of view. Confirm that this is still true. If the detector is still cooling, this voltage may be decreasing. Wait until it has stabilized. If this level is not at zero Volts, it may be adjusted by turning the 25 turn potentiometer in the hole above the DC output connector. You are good to go.

6. TROUBLE SHOOTING


There should be no problems when operating these detectors. But sometimes things do go wrong. The problem cases are: no signal, low signal, excess noise, poor signal to noise ratio.
  • NO SIGNAL

    We like to think our products are perfect so first look for a cause elsewhere. Is there power to the detector? Are both positive and negative sides connected? Is the return connected? Is the amplifier drawing the correct current -- 35mA, 20mA, or 60mA depending on the specification? What is the signal source and is it on? What is the signal power -- is it too low to see in the peak-peak 5mV broadband noise? or is it too high and the amplifier is saturated at +12V DC output? And the obvious, is the detector still cold?

    A quick check with a DC coupled detector; look at the output on a scope. It should be near zero volts with white noise 5mV peak to peak. Hold you hand in the field of view and the DC level should go up. If nothing happens, or if the DC level is at -12V or +12V, contact technical support.

  • LOW SIGNAL

    Assuming the source has not changed and the signal has decreased, this may be a detector problem. Contact technical support.

  • EXCESS NOISE

    Excess noise my be caused by the environment, poor ground connections, high background photon flux, or ground loops. Power supply noise should not be a problem because of the high noise rejection built into the amplifier.

7. MAINTENANCE


The KMPV, KLD and KISDP series detectors should provide years of trouble free use with proper care and handling. However, after several years of operation, the Dewar may require a vacuum refreshing. Indications that service is needed are shorter liquid nitrogen [LN2] hold time, or condensation on the Dewar.

Contact technical support to make arrangements to have this procedure performed on the Dewar. Or, this can be done by the owner, if a high vacuum pump system is available. The vacuum refresh procedure requires the VO-1 or VO-2 valve operator [see accessories listed at www.kolmartech.com/prod_lst.htm] and the procedure listed below.


Procedure:

CAUTION: DO NOT OPEN DEWAR VACUUM VALVE WHEN COLDWELL IS STILL COLD.
CONDENSATION ON DETECTOR MAY DEGRADE PERFORMANCE.
IT TAKES EIGHT (8) HOURS TO WARM UP PASSIVELY.


  • 1. Extract plunger of operator VO-1 [or VO-2]
  • 2. Place o-ring compression fitting  over  plug valve and tighten.
    Finger tightening is sufficient.
  • 3. Push plunger in to plug and screw in 2.5 to 3 turns.
    There is a mark on the knob.
  • 4. Place the smooth end (0.375 inch/ 9.5mm O.D. on VO-1 and 0.5 inch/12.7mm on VO-2) into vacuum
    system -- the connection may be adapter on pump or a high vacuum hose.
  • 5. Rough pump manifold. Valve still closed.
  • 6. Open valve. Pull out plunger and valve plug to open dewar
    valve.
  • 7. Evacuate dewar to pressure less than 1E-6 Torr.
  • 8. Close Valve. Push plunger in completely.
  • 9. Close high vacuum valve and vent system, then unscrew
    plunger from valve plug. Then retract plunger.
  • 10. Loosen compression o-ring fitting adapter and remove VO-1 from dewar.
  • 11. Replace dust cap on valve.

8. SPECIFICATIONS


MODEL KMPV11 SERIES
Size(mmxmm) 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, 0.1, 0.05
Quantum Efficiency >50%
Wavelength cutoff >11.5 um
Bandwidth DC to 20MHz
100Hz to 20MHz
FOV 60 degrees full angle
D*(peak,10kHz,60,1) 4x1010 Jones nom.
Responsivity
(output)
> 40,000 V/Watt
Power+12V,-12V or
+15V,-15V
55mA


MODEL KISDP-X-X SERIES
Size(mmxmm) 2.0, 1.0, 0.5
Quantum Efficiency >75%
Wavelength cutoff 5.4 um
Bandwidth DC to 20MHz
100Hz to 20MHz
FOV 60 degrees full angle
D*(peak,10kHz,60,1) 1.5 X 1011 Jones nom.
Responsivity
(output)
> 40,000 V/Watt
Power+12V,-12V or
+15V,-15V


KLD Series Configurations

 

Model *

Wavelength (m m)

Peak Cutoff

Size

(mm)

Bandwidth

(Hz)

 

D* (60FOV)

(Jones,typ)

 

Responsivity

(Volts/mWatt)

KLD-1-J1-3/11

10.5 >11.5

1 x 1

2M

4E10

>40

KLD-1-J1-3/9

7.6 >8.5

1 x 1

2M

8E10

>32

KLD-0.5-J1-3/10/DC

9.5 >10.5

0.5x0.5

DC - 5M

4E10

>40

KLD-2-J1-3/11/DC

10.5 >11.5

2 x 2

DC - 1M

4E10

>40

 

*Key:model-size-package-window/wavelength

AUTOMATIC ON/OFF FEATURE


Now all models KMPV-xx-Jx, KMPV-xx-Jx, KISDP-xx-Jx, KLD-xx-Jx   [HgCdTe and InSb photodiodes with  integral amplifiers] can have an automatic the on/off feature. The power to the amplifiers and detector is turned on when the temperature approaches the operating point [77K]. When liquid nitrogen is depleted, power is turned off at temperatures above 100K.

The power should always be turned off when the detector is not cooled. The automatic on/off feature prevents problems by avoiding an accidental power on  and no liquid nitrogen condition.

9. WARRANTY INFORMATION

KOLMAR TECHNOLOGIES WARRANTY

KTI warrants that equipment shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment from KTI. Liability under this warranty is limited to replacing, repairing, or giving credit for the purchase price of any equipment returned and shipped prepaid to KTI within one (1) year of delivery to the original Purchaser, provided prior authorization for such return has been given by an authorized representative of KTI. In-warranty repaired or replaced equipment is warranted only for the remaining unexpired portion of the original warranty period applicable to the repaired or replaced equipment.

This warranty shall not apply to equipment or components which our inspection shall disclose to have become defective or unworkable due to abuse, mishandling, misuse, accidental alteration, negligence, improper installation, or other causes beyond our control. Detectors damaged by lasers are not covered by warranty, but will be repaired for a nominal fee. This type of laser damage includes current damage to contacts when the detector is illuminated with high laser illumination and/or under high bias conditions.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

10. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Kolmar Technologies, Inc.
office@kolmartech.com
Tel: (978) 462 2905 - (800)966 6417 USA
fax: (978) 462 2893
(TOP)

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