UV / Soft X-Ray Enhanced Series

1. Do the devices in the UVE Series, block most of the near IR response by an optical filter?
2. Are the XUV devices used with windows for measurement?
3. Does applying a reverse bias to XUV photodiodes damage the device?
4. What is the maximum reverse voltage that can safely be applied to a XUV device?
5. Do XUV devices detect X-ray radiation directly with no scintillation?
6. Are there any photodiodes available for direct measurement of X-rays over 17.6 keV?
7. What are scintillating crystals?
8. What are the various types of scintillation crystals available that can be used with photodiodes?
9. How do I determine which type of scintillating crystal is suitable for my application?

1. Do the devices in the UVE Series, block most of the near IR response by an optical filter?
No. In this series OSI Optoelectronics' propriety photodiode design make them less responsive in the near IR range of electromagnetic spectrum. The photodiodes are simply lying behind a quartz glass window.

2. Are the XUV devices used with windows for measurement?
No, because there would be a significant loss of XUV light through the window, due to absorption.

XUV devices are shipped with removable can and window. The devices in this family have a higher output current from X-ray. X-ray photons tend to scatter as they pass through glass.

3. Does applying a reverse bias to XUV photodiodes damage the device?
No. Though applying a reverse bias in excess of the maximum specified may result in permanent damage to the device.

4. What is the maximum reverse voltage that can safely be applied to a XUV device?
The maximum reverse voltage that can be safely applied to XUV devices is 3 to 5 Volts.

5. Do XUV devices detect X-ray radiation directly with no scintillation?
XUV devices can detect X-ray energies up to 17.6 keV directly without using scintillation crystals.

6. Are there any photodiodes available for direct measurement of X-rays over 17.6 keV?
No. For energies over 17.6 keV, an indirect measurement method by using scintillating crystals is recommended. You may contact our Applications Group for further information about your specific application.

7. What are scintillating crystals?
Scintillating crystals are inorganic crystals, which convert X-ray photons to visible light by dominantly the scattering effect.

8. Which Scintillators Are There Available?
There are many scintillating crystals that can be used with photodiodes. Some of the most popular are: Cadmium Tungstate (CdWO4), Cesium Iodide (CsI) and Bismuth Germanate Oxide (BGO).

9. Which Scintillator Shall I Use?
Since there are too many variables involved in designing a detector/crystal combination, please contact our Applications Group to discuss your specific application.

Back to Top

FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions
Opto Sensor Glossary of Terms
Application Notes
Reading and Resources
Standard Products
Custom Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Basic PIN Photodiode Characteristics
• Input Light Intensity
• Temperature and Bias Effects
• Detector/ Filter Combination
• Avalanche Photodiodes
• High Speed Devices
• Frequency Response & Transimpedance Circuit
• Noise and Lower Limit of Detectivity
• UV / Soft X-Ray Enhanced Series
• Position Sensing Devices (PSDs)
• Packaging-Mechanical