The Noise of Infrared Detectors and Methods for Determination of Characteristic Detector Variables . das Rauschen von Infrarotdetektoren und Messmethoden Zur Bestimmung der Charakteristischen Detektormessgroessen

摘要

Measuring equipment for the noise voltage and the detection characteristics of infrared detectors is described, in view of their possible utilization in coherent submillimeter wave communication. The characteristic variables for straightforward reception with detectors in the far infrared are introduced and explained. Several noise sources influencing the detector's operation and limiting the range of applicability are investigated. Background noise is found to be the principal limit for the application of photodetectors. These are ideal only when internal noise is less than background noise. A set-up is described which enables the measurement of noise voltage and infrared detector characteristics, the calibration, and if necessary, the adjustment of the receivers.