Ultrafast Detectors: InGaAs Photodiodes Tackle Nonlinearity and Win


Ewing, NJ - September 1, 2010

Ultrafast photodiodes having highly linear optoelectronic transfer functions are imperative for improving the key performance metrics of microwave photonic systems such as dynamic range, noise figure, and excess radio-frequency phase noise.

For more than a decade, microwave photonic systems have been considered to replace their all-electronic counterparts in several applications including phased-array radar, low-noise radio-frequency (RF) oscillators, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and arbitrary waveform generators. These efforts have been driven by the inherent capability of processing high-bandwidth RF signals in the optical domain and transmitting them over low-loss optical fibers. However, the process of extracting the RF signals from the optical domain through photodetection invariably generates nonlinear signal distortions. This drawback has historically impeded practical deployment of microwave photonic technology in analog applications. Furthermore, the photodiodes' power-handling capability limits the optical power level and, consequently, the gain and noise figure of photonic systems. Circumventing these limitations has spurred the quest for developing highly linear, high-power photodiodes for ultrafast applications.

See Related Products: Highly Linear InGaAs Photodiode (HLPD®) Lab Buddy to 22 GHz



Discovery Semiconductors is an industry leader in manufacturing ultrafast, high optical power handling InGaAs photodiodes, radio frequency over fiber optical receivers, balanced optical receivers and several other custom products for applications ranging from analog RF links to ultrafast digital communications. Discovery’s subsystems include Kitty Hawk, an ultra-fast Optical Coherent System.

For additional information, including complete product specifications, operational capabilities and pricing, or to discuss your application in detail, please call Discovery at: (609) 434-1311 or fax: (609) 434-1317.

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