Low noise position sensitive detector for optical probe beam deflection measurements

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1147201· OSTI ID:288895

Spear, J D ^[1]; Russo, R E ^[2]

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1. Energy and Environment Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, M/S 70-193A, Berkeley, California 94720 (United States)
2. Energy and Environment Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, M/S 70-193A, Berkeley, California (United States)

We report the design of an optical position sensor that uses two discrete photodiodes electrically connected in parallel, with opposing polarities. A lens provides optical gain and restricts the acceptance angle of the detector. The response of the device to displacements of an optical spot is similar to that of a conventional bicell type position sensitive detector. However, the discrete photodiode design enables simpler electronic amplification with inherently less electrical noise than the bicell. Measurements by the sensor of the pointing noise of a focused helium{endash}neon laser as a function of frequency demonstrate high sensitivity and suitability for optical probe beam deflection experiments. {copyright}{ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098; W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 288895
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 67, Issue 7; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
POSITION SENSITIVE DETECTORS
DESIGN
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
LASER RADIATION
PHOTODIODES
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO
TEMPERATURE NOISE