These 818 Series fiber-optic photodiode optical power sensors are a low cost alternative to the 818-IS or 918D-IS Series sphere-based fiber-optic detectors. They are based on our standard 818 Series detectors with an included, removable  FC/PC fiber optic adapter. Replacing 884-FC with , , , and will accommodate for additional popular fiber optic connectors.

The maximum measurable power of photodiode sensors is dependent on several factors such as the wavelength of incoming light, photodiode current output saturation, temperature, use of an attenuator and a power meter's maximum current input value. Newport provides maximum power specifications based on the power meter models, with and without an attenuator, and wavelength-dependent maximum power level. With these factors affecting measurable power in mind, choosing the proper detector for your application is critical.

Our calibrated photodiode sensors include a full spectral response calibration utilizing NIST-traceable standards calibrated with high-precision equipment maintained in Newport’s optical detector calibration facility. Tight calibration facility and process control allows the tightest calibration uncertainty in industry. Each detector is shipped with the calibration data, which is electronically stored inside the detector's EEPROM. A certificate of calibration as well as the actual calibration curves and data are shipped with each detector for attenuator and no attenuator models. To maintain accuracy and guarantee performance, Newport recommends annual photodiode detector calibration.

The photodiode sensor in the 818-xx-L-FC/DB is calibrated in free space. The 884-FC fiber adapter has no impact on calibration. Therefore, free space measurements can be done simply by removing the fiber adapter.

The 818 series detectors include a BNC connector with a removable calibration module. The /DB suffix indicates a DB15-style calibration module that is directly compatible with Newport’s current power meters. For older instruments that require no calibration module (BNC), we recommend that customers purchase 818-xx/DB and simply remove the DB15 calibration module. Please order the  when only a new calibration module is needed for the 818 Series photodiode detectors, without the need to recalibrate the detector.

The BNC connector extends the functionality of the 818 Series photodiode sensors. It enables direct connection to an ammeter or lock-in amplifier. It also allows the detector output to be viewed on an oscilloscope after first connecting it to a current-to-voltage preamplifier, such as Newport's model . Furthermore, the cable length can be extended by connecting another BNC cable.