Photodetectors: Devices, Circuits and Applications

By Silvano Donati

Book Overview

In the exciting field of optoelectronics, most new frontiers are explored first through the development of photodetectors. This book introduces photodetectors step-by-step, covering every photodetector of practical importance throughout the entire spectral range from UV to far IR -- all with a minimum of mathematics.KEY TOPICS: Leading researcher Donati Silvano begins with classic photoemissive devices, photocathodes and vacuum phototubes; then intoduces the theory and applications of photomultipliers. Silvano presents in-depth coverage of semiconductor photodetectors and related devices, including photodiodes, avalanche devices, phototransistors, photoconductors, and solar cells. Infrared techniques and thermal detectors for non-contact termperature measurements and thermal-image pickup are also covered in detail. The book covers state-of-the-art techniques in coherent detection and photodetection; image-sensing devices such as intensified image tubes and CCDs; and much more. For each device, Silvano presents critical guidance on operation, performance parameters, sensitivity limits, special features -- and in most cases, application circuits with schematic details and design hints.MARKET: For all science and engineering professionals involved with optoelectronics.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0130203378
• ISBN13: 9780130203373
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Pearson
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Deep and wide

Photodetection is a surprisingly deep subject. Quantum photodetectors are probably the best transducers of anything in any field--one photon gets you one electron, over an enormous range of irradiance. Despite this apparent simplicity, intelligent design with photodetectors requires a deep knowledge of how they work, and what the tradeoffs in using them are.Silvano Donati's _Photodetectors_ is a very good book, connecting much of the fundamental physics with operational specifications. Having these connections makes us more confident and more accurate in making design choices and photon budgets, leading to better instruments.The language is clear for the most part, and the examples are helpful and come when needed. There are a few places where it looks a bit like a bunch of papers strung together, but those are mostly in the appendices, e.g. the derivation of the noise of avalanche photodiodes. Also, the discussions of ancillary subjects such as front end amplifiers are not quite as good as those on the primary subject of photodetectors.These are minor objections, and _Photodetectors_ will repay your close reading if you have instruments to design. It has an honorable place on my bookshelf.