AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier: Features and Applications

The maximum input current depends on the gain setting: 2 μA at 1 MV/A, 200 nA at 10 MV/A, and 20 nA at 100 MV/A.By offering a reliable current-to-voltage conversion, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier enables accurate photodetector signal amplification, which is essential for applications ranging from biomedical instrumentation to fluorescence microscopy and oscilloscope signal conditioning.

Unlike standard amplifiers, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is specifically designed to handle extremely low currents with low-noise amplification, ensuring that even faint optical signals are faithfully translated into usable voltage outputs. This makes it indispensable in laboratories where precision measurement is crucial. Whether interfacing with analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or functioning as a lock-in amplifier pre-amplifier, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier guarantees consistent performance, high accuracy, and ease of integration into complex optical setups. Its design not only prioritizes signal amplification techniques but also accommodates sensor calibration tools and optical signal processing requirements with exceptional efficiency.

Key Specifications of the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier

Gain and Bandwidth

One of the most significant attributes of the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is its adaptable gain settings. The device supports multiple gain configurations—typically 1 MV/A, 10 MV/A, and 100 MV/A—allowing users to tailor the signal amplification according to the intensity of the incoming photodiode current. Coupled with a bandwidth that ranges from DC to 1 kHz, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is capable of capturing slow-changing or steady-state signals without distortion. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of experimental setups, including fluorescence measurement amplifiers and oscilloscope signal conditioning systems.

The bandwidth specifications are carefully designed to optimize the trade-off between noise performance and signal fidelity. When paired with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) or Geiger-Müller tubes, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier ensures that even the faintest signal pulses are accurately represented in the voltage output. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in optical sensing devices where high sensitivity is required without compromising signal clarity.

Input and Output Characteristics

AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier offers ultra-low input noise (~0.06 pA/√Hz), ensuring precision for sensitive, high-accuracy applications. Its output voltage range is configurable, offering ±1 V with a 50 Ω load and up to ±2 V with a high-impedance load, accommodating various measurement instruments. The amplifier’s rise/fall time characteristics are less than 300 μs, allowing accurate tracking of signal changes. This ensures that the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier remains highly reliable when used in fluorescence microscopy or biomedical sensor experiments.

Power Requirements and Physical Dimensions

The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is compact, lightweight, and powered via a 5 V DC Micro-B USB connection, drawing approximately 45 mA of current. Its compact in-line design ensures easy integration with other devices such as oscilloscopes, ADCs, and lock-in amplifiers, making it a convenient choice for both research and educational laboratories. The robust build quality of the AMP100, combined with its portable form factor, provides a balance between precision electronics and user-friendly installation.

Features That Make AMP100 Unique

Polarity Switch and Photodiode Compatibility

One of the standout features of the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is its versatile polarity switch functionality, allowing seamless integration with anode-grounded or cathode-grounded photodiodes. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of photodetectors, including both conventional photodiodes and specialized sensors like photomultiplier tubes. The polarity switch allows researchers and engineers to optimize their optical setups without additional circuitry, enhancing efficiency in scientific research applications.

Zero Adjustment for Dark Current Correction

Another significant feature is the zero adjustment mechanism, which compensates for offsets introduced by dark currents in photodiodes. This feature ensures accurate baseline voltage readings, preventing false measurements and enhancing the reliability of photodetector signal amplification. Laboratories and researchers working in optical signal processing or fluorescence measurements benefit from this precision, especially when dealing with low-light or weak optical signals.

Compact Design and Connectivity Options

The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier boasts a compact in-line design, complete with BNC connectors for both input and output. This design simplifies installation in complex setups and allows direct integration with oscilloscopes, ADCs, and lock-in amplifier pre-amplifiers. Its lightweight structure and durable build make it suitable for both stationary lab environments and mobile research setups, such as portable biomedical instrumentation platforms.

LED Power Indicator and Build Quality

To further enhance user confidence, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier features an LED indicator that confirms power and operational status. Combined with high-quality materials and precise engineering by Thorlabs, this amplifier ensures long-term reliability and robust performance in demanding optical environments. Suppliers such as Meet Optics, Volition, and Koheron also provide variants and documentation for the AMP100, confirming its global recognition and technical authority.

How the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier Works

Basics of Transimpedance Conversion (Current to Voltage)

At its core, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier functions as a current-to-voltage converter. Photodiodes and other light-sensitive devices generate electrical currents proportional to the intensity of light received. The AMP100 converts these tiny currents into measurable voltages, allowing seamless interfacing with oscilloscopes, ADCs, and other analytical instruments. This conversion is vital for optical signal processing, fluorescence measurement amplifiers, and sensor calibration instruments.

Circuit Configuration and Internal Components

Internally, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier relies on operational amplifiers (op-amps) in a feedback configuration to ensure accurate current-to-voltage conversion. The low input noise and stable gain characteristics are achieved through precision resistors and high-quality electronic components. These design elements make the AMP100 suitable for delicate measurements in biomedical sensors, fluorescence microscopy, and scientific research applications, where precision cannot be compromised.

Signal Amplification Process Explained

Once the photodiode generates a current, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier amplifies it with minimal noise interference, producing a voltage output suitable for analysis. The process ensures that even signals from weak light sources are preserved and faithfully represented. When used as a lock-in amplifier pre-amplifier, the AMP100 enhances signal detection by providing a clean, amplified input to the downstream instrument, ensuring accurate measurements even in noisy environments.

Applications of the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier

Optical Sensing and Detection

The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is widely used in optical sensing devices, including environmental monitoring sensors and photodetector arrays. Its low-noise amplifier design allows detection of subtle light variations, making it essential for applications such as spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and biomedical instrumentation.

Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Measurements

In spectroscopy and fluorescence studies, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier converts weak photocurrents from PMTs or photodiodes into voltage signals that can be easily analyzed. This makes it an indispensable tool for researchers studying organic and inorganic compounds, as well as for fluorescence measurement amplifiers in educational and research laboratories.

Sensor Calibration and Research Experiments

The AMP100 plays a vital role in sensor calibration tools and scientific research applications, ensuring that light-sensitive instruments provide accurate and reliable data. Its adjustable gain and signal amplification techniques allow precise measurement and calibration, whether for biomedical sensors or advanced optical sensing devices.

Educational and Lab Setups

Due to its compact in-line design and ease of setup, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is ideal for educational laboratories and hands-on experiments. Students and researchers can use it to study photodiode current conversion, analyze light intensity, and explore analog-to-digital converter interfaces, gaining practical experience in photonics and electronics.

Advantages and Limitations of the AMP100

Strengths: Precision, Low Noise, Flexibility

The AMP100 excels in precision measurement, low-noise performance, and flexible gain settings, making it suitable for a broad range of applications. Its polarity switch functionality, zero adjustment mechanism, and compact in-line design further enhance its versatility. Researchers can confidently rely on it for photodetector signal amplification, fluorescence measurement amplification, and oscilloscope signal conditioning without compromising accuracy.

Limitations: Input Current Ranges, Frequency Limits

While the AMP100 offers exceptional performance, it has limitations. The maximum input current is constrained by the gain setting, and its bandwidth is limited to 1 kHz, which may not suit extremely fast optical signals. Nonetheless, for the majority of scientific research applications, optical signal processing, and sensor calibration tasks, these constraints are manageable and do not detract from its overall reliability.

Choosing the Right Transimpedance Amplifier for Your Needs

Comparing AMP100 with Other Models

When selecting a transimpedance amplifier, the AMP100 stands out due to its balance of performance, size, and price. Alternatives such as Koheron’s variable-gain AMP100 or AudioSource AMP 100 provide specialized solutions, but the Thorlabs AMP100 is widely recognized for laboratory-grade precision and biomedical instrumentation compatibility.

Factors to Consider: Gain, Noise, Bandwidth, Price

Choosing the right amplifier involves evaluating gain settings, input current noise, rise/fall time characteristics, and output voltage range. The AMP100 provides an optimal combination of these factors, making it a practical choice for both researchers and engineers. Its competitive pricing from Thorlabs, Meet Optics, or Volition ensures accessibility without compromising quality.

Tips for Integration with Photodiodes

Integration is straightforward thanks to BNC connectors, polarity switch options, and compact design. Users should match the amplifier gain to the expected photodiode current and ensure proper power supply, thereby achieving accurate photodiode current conversion and reliable signal amplification.

Installation and Setup Guide for AMP100

Connecting to Photodiodes and Measuring Devices

Connecting the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is simple. The photodiode output is routed into the amplifier input via BNC connectors, and the output connects to an oscilloscope, lock-in amplifier, or ADC interface. Correct wiring ensures low-noise amplifier performance and accurate voltage readings.

Configuring Gain and Polarity Settings

Users can adjust the gain settings to 1 MV/A, 10 MV/A, or 100 MV/A based on the expected current range. The polarity switch functionality ensures compatibility with both anode- and cathode-grounded photodiodes, enhancing versatility for different laboratory setups.

Calibration Tips for Optimal Performance

To achieve the best results, use the zero adjustment mechanism to remove offsets caused by dark currents. Periodic calibration with sensor calibration tools guarantees reliable photodetector signal amplification and minimizes errors in optical sensing devices.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Tips

Common Issues and Solutions

Common challenges include excessive noise, signal clipping, or baseline drift. These issues can be resolved by verifying power supply stability, confirming proper gain selection, and ensuring correct photodiode current conversion. The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier’s robust design minimizes the occurrence of hardware failures.

Preventing Signal Distortion and Noise

To reduce noise, maintain short and shielded connections, use high-quality photodiodes, and set gain appropriately. These steps ensure the low-noise amplifier preserves signal integrity in sensitive applications like fluorescence measurement amplifiers.

Cleaning and Storing the Amplifier

Regularly clean the device with a dry cloth and avoid moisture. Proper storage in a controlled environment preserves its compact in-line design and longevity, maintaining reliable performance for research and educational applications.

AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier: Pricing and Where to Buy

The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is available through Thorlabs for approximately $575. Alternative suppliers like Meet Optics, Volition, and Koheron offer competitive pricing and technical support. All sources provide comprehensive documentation, including input current noise, bandwidth specifications, and signal amplification techniques, ensuring users can make informed purchasing decisions. The device’s warranty and support options enhance trust, making it a dependable choice for professional and academic use.

Conclusion

The AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is a highly precise, low-noise, and versatile amplifier designed for optical sensing, fluorescence measurement, and photodetector signal amplification. Its combination of adjustable gain, polarity switch functionality, zero adjustment mechanism, and compact in-line design ensures it meets the demands of scientific research applications, biomedical instrumentation, and educational laboratories. Whether for complex experiments or basic photodiode testing, the AMP100 Transimpedance Amplifier is a trustworthy and efficient solution, supported by reputable manufacturers such as Thorlabs, Meet Optics, and Koheron.

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