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Off topic Laser question — Parallax Forums

Off topic Laser question

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2001-03-13 13:02 in General Discussion
Shorter wavelength lasers seem brighter to the human eye. Does a photodiode
or photoresistor perform better with the lower wavelengths as well?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Jeff

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-03-13 06:23
    [font=arial,helvetica]Jefff,
    Human eye's peak response is in the Green region (500nm). It falls on either
    side of that wavelength region.
    Simple photodiodes and semiconductor devices have peak response in the near
    Infrared (~800nm) side of the spectrum - I don't know much about the latest
    blue sensitive photodiodes. Photmultiplier's response depend on the
    photochathode, and they inexpensive photomultiplers (like the IP28s) usually
    respond well in the shorter wavelength range -usually blue (their resposnse
    is limited by the glass envelop at shorter wavelengths (UV). But as you can
    guess, there are PMTs that are optimized
    for both IR as well as UV)
    Vetrivel
    UCSF [/font]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-03-13 13:02
    Vetrivel, Thank you for your succinct and prompt answer. My question arose
    as I was experimenting with narrow bandpass filters and a laser pointer in
    an attempt to make a laser navigation system. My filter is supposed to be
    80% efficient at 670nm but my results are less than stellar. I now believe
    that the wavelength of my laser is not as advertised. If I point the laser
    and my photodiode at a reflective material, (White melamine) I get clear and
    measurable results. If I install the +-10nm filter over the photodiode my
    measurements are barely perceptible. The reason I want the filter in place
    is for reliability in less than laboratory conditions. Thanks again.

    Jeff
    Original Message
    From: <Lvetri@a...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 1:23 AM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Off topic Laser question


    > Jefff,
    > Human eye's peak response is in the Green region (500nm). It falls on
    either
    > side of that wavelength region.
    > Simple photodiodes and semiconductor devices have peak response in the
    near
    > Infrared (~800nm) side of the spectrum - I don't know much about the
    latest
    > blue sensitive photodiodes. Photmultiplier's response depend on the
    > photochathode, and they inexpensive photomultiplers (like the IP28s)
    usually
    > respond well in the shorter wavelength range -usually blue (their
    resposnse
    > is limited by the glass envelop at shorter wavelengths (UV). But as you
    can
    > guess, there are PMTs that are optimized
    > for both IR as well as UV)
    > Vetrivel
    > UCSF
    >
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