High performing photodiodes for demanding applications

Demanding applications like laser range finding, proximity fuses, laser designation, smart munitions and laser warning systems all have the following in common i) detecting short pulses of light and the more sensitive the detector the better, ii) ability to operate in harsh environments and over a wide temperature range, iii) requirement for large dynamic range. In this paper we will examine how to design modules and package these photodiodes for these applications. In particular we will focus on InGaAs APD's for laser range finding, and on an InGaAs PIN array for a laser-warning module.