Photosensitive Elements: Dark Current 1-100 nA at 25°C

Component Specifications

Definition

Photosensitive elements are optoelectronic components that detect and convert incident light into proportional electrical signals through photoelectric effects. In linear sensor arrays, these elements are arranged in a linear configuration to capture one-dimensional light intensity profiles for position sensing, edge detection, and dimensional measurement applications.

Working Principle

Photosensitive elements operate based on the photoelectric effect, where incident photons excite electrons in semiconductor materials (typically silicon or germanium), generating electron-hole pairs. This creates a measurable photocurrent or changes in resistance/voltage proportional to light intensity. In linear arrays, multiple elements are scanned sequentially to create continuous light intensity profiles.

Materials

Semiconductor materials: Silicon (Si) for visible light, Germanium (Ge) for infrared, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) for specific wavelengths. Packaging materials: Ceramic or plastic housing with optical-grade glass/quartz windows. Electrodes: Aluminum or gold bonding wires.

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Rise Time	10-100 ns
Active Area	0.1-10 mm² per element
Dark Current	1-100 nA at 25°C
Responsivity	0.4-0.6 A/W at peak wavelength
Element Pitch	25-100 μm
Spectral Response	400-1100 nm (typical silicon)
Number Of Elements	64-4096 elements per array
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 10110-7, IEC 60747-5, DIN 58141-2

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Linear Sensor Array

A one-dimensional array of photosensitive elements arranged in a straight line that captures image data by detecting light intensity along a single axis.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Dark current drift with temperature
Saturation at high light intensities
Cross-talk between adjacent elements
Window contamination affecting sensitivity
ESD damage during handling

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Temperature fluctuations
Failure: Dark current variation leading to measurement drift
Mitigation: Implement temperature compensation circuits and thermal management

Trigger: Mechanical vibration
Failure: Micro-cracks in semiconductor material
Mitigation: Use vibration-resistant packaging and mounting techniques

Trigger: Optical window contamination
Failure: Reduced light transmission and measurement errors
Mitigation: Regular cleaning schedules and protective covers when not in use

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

±2% responsivity variation across elements, ±5% linearity deviation

Test Method

ISO 10110-7 for optical components, IEC 60747-5 for discrete semiconductor devices, spectral response testing with calibrated light sources

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

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Inspection readiness

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Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Photosensitive Elements

Manufacturer profiles associated with Photosensitive Elements.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Edge Connector

Edge connector is a printed circuit board (PCB) connector that mates with the edge of another PCB, commonly used in high-speed memory modules for reliable electrical connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between photosensitive elements and photodiodes?

Photosensitive elements is a broader term that includes various light-sensitive devices (photodiodes, phototransistors, photoresistors), while photodiodes specifically refer to semiconductor diodes that convert light to current. In linear arrays, photodiodes are most commonly used as the photosensitive elements.

How do photosensitive elements maintain accuracy in varying light conditions?

Advanced photosensitive elements incorporate temperature compensation circuits, automatic gain control, and reference elements to maintain accuracy. Some systems use pulsed light sources with synchronous detection to eliminate ambient light interference.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Photosensitive Elements