Title :
Photodetectors for optical communication systems
Author :
Melchior, Hans ; Fisher, Mahlon B. ; Arams, Frank R.
Author_Institution :
Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc., Murray Hill, N. J.
Abstract :
The characteristics of high-sensitivity photodetectors suitable for wide bandwidth optical communication systems are summarized. Photodiodes, photomultipliers, and photoconductive detectors for wavelengths from 0.3 µm to 10.6 µm are covered. The use of internal current gain by means of avalanche and electron multiplication and by means of optical heterodyne detection to increase sensitivity of high speed photodetectors is discussed. The application to visible and infrared laser communication systems is reviewed.
Keywords :
Bandwidth; Detectors; Electron optics; High speed optical techniques; Optical fiber communication; Optical mixing; Photoconductivity; Photodetectors; Photodiodes; Photomultipliers;
Journal_Title :
Proceedings of the IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/PROC.1970.7972
