photoconductive detector

photoconductive detector

A photoconductive cell used to detect photons in the infrared, usually made from either germanium or silicon doped with a variety of other metals, e.g. copper, arsenic, antimony. These detectors are used at wavelengths from about 10 to 200 μm, with liquid-helium cooling. In contrast to bolometers, the responsive elements of photoconductive detectors undergo no significant temperature change. See also infrared detectors.