Germanium detector for measuring power of λ =10.6 μ radiation

An experimental study was made of the reaction of a detector, utilizing the photon drag effect, to high-power (500 kW) CO₂ laser pulses. The responsivity (1×10^–7 V/W) was determined and the power at which a spark appeared on the surface of germanium (7×10⁶ W/cm²) was measured. This spark produced an additional voltage pulse which was superimposed on the useful signal.