Defining the Performance Benefits of High-Sensitivity Hybrid Detectors

High-sensitivity hybrid detectors are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of laser-based measurement and test systems in the infrared regime. Combining advanced avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with ultra-low-noise, high-bandwidth electronics in hermetically sealed packages, hybrids deliver exceptional responsivity and dynamic range for precision applications. Their ability to capture weak optical signals ensures accurate characterization of laser sources, beam profiles, and system performance under real-world conditions.

For metrology and photonics testing, stability and repeatability are critical. Hybrids can minimize dark current, maintain gain linearity, and support fiber coupling, enabling reliable measurements across extended wavelengths. With bandwidths exceeding several hundred MHz and noise-equivalent power (NEP) optimized for low-signal environments, these detectors provide the speed and sensitivity required for high-resolution temporal and spatial analysis.

Whether validating LiDAR systems, calibrating laser range finders, or performing optical return loss measurements, high-sensitivity hybrids offer unmatched precision and robustness. Their proven reliability in aerospace and defense translates seamlessly to laboratory and industrial test environments, making them indispensable for next-generation photonic measurement platforms.

About the presenter
Branko Petrov, Ph.D., is the product manager for the Optoelectronics group at CMC Electronics. He is focused on robust low-noise hybrid sensors as well as technologies, enabling faster readout, low optical signal detection, and long-distance measurements.

He has over fifteen years of experience with semiconductors, including III-V materials, femtosecond optics, photoconductive materials for terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, and pulsed edge-emitting lasers. He holds a doctorate in physics from the University of Sherbrooke (Université de Sherbrooke) in Quebec, Canada, for which he focused on the optimization of emission and detection of novel photoconductive compounds in the THz domain.