Excelitas Technologies’ HELIX-902-200 silicon avalanche photodiode (Si APD) module is a compact, easy-to-use, analog low-light-level detection (L³D) module employing their leading-edge Si APD chips. The detector is in a hermetic TO package, mounted on a practical OEM-based PCB which includes high-voltage power supply, temperature compensation, a low-noise transimpedance amplifier, APD bias monitor, and microcontroller.

With this compact voltage-output module, the preamplifier gain is optimized to obtain maximum dynamic range and linearity with the APD at gain adjustable operating voltage. It optimizes APD operation in key performance parameters such as higher sensitivity, and better signal-to-noise ratio across the 400 nm to 1,100 nm wavelength range.

The HELIX-902-200 APD module is offered as a standard, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product. It contains a 0.5 mm diameter reach-through Si APD.

In addition to their standard, off-the-shelf APD module, Excelitas also offers customized modules tailored to the needs of the customer. Depending upon customer requirements, modifications can include a different APD, a cost-effective PCB module, optional calibration, bandwidth optimization, FC-connectorized packaging, and customized testing.