光子探测器的性能与工作温度有关。特别是响应光谱在长波范围的器件,必须要致冷到较低温度下才能工作。致冷的作用是降低热激活载流子与光生载流子之间的竞争。PbS的光谱范围在1～3微米,室温下工作也有很高的响应。在低温下工作时,不仅可以提高响应,而且可使响应光谱范围延长到3.5微米。由图1曲线可以看出PbS的黑体 Photon detector performance and operating temperature. In particular, devices that respond to the long-wave spectrum of the spectrum must be cooled to a lower temperature to operate. The effect of cooling is to reduce the competition between heat-activated and photo-generated carriers. The spectral range of PbS is in the range of 1 to 3 microns, and there is also a high response to work at room temperature. Working at low temperatures not only improves response but also extends the response spectrum to 3.5 microns. The curve of Figure 1 shows the black body of PbS