06 Mar 2013 PicoQuant has released a new Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) and Multichannel Scaling (MCS) board with PCI Express (PCIe) interface.
TimeHarp 260
- One or two independent input channels and common synch channel (up to 84 MHz)
- Two models with either 25 ps (PICO model) or 1 ns (NANO model) base resolution
- "Long range mode" option for PICO model with 2.5 ns base resolution
- Ultra short dead time (<25 ns for PICO model, <1 ns for NANO model)
- Time-tagging with sustained count rates up to 40 Mcps
- 32768 histogram channels
- Adjustable delay on each channel with 25 ps (PICO model) or 1 ns (NANO model) resolution
- Multi-stop capability for efficiency at slow repetition rates
- Programmable trigger output
- External synchronization signals for (fluorescence lifetime) imaging or other control events
- Drivers and demo code for custom programming
The TimeHarp 260 is based on a custom Time-to-Digital-Converter (TDC) design that offers an ultrashort dead time and very high throughput even at high temporal resolutions. It is available with either 25 ps or 1 ns base resolution. A time-tagged mode allows the most sophisticated offline analysis of photon dynamics.
Each version of the TimeHarp 260 is available in different configurations with either one or two independent detection channels and an additional common sync input. All of them, including the sync input, can be used as independent timing channels for coincidence correlation experiments. Alternatively, the common sync input can be used for TCSPC with fast excitation sources while the other inputs serve as independent detector channels for TCSPC. In this case, the TimeHarp 260 allows forward start-stop operation at the full repetition rate of mode locked lasers up to 100 MHz. Each input channel has an internal adjustable delay with ±100 ns range. This unique feature eliminates the need for specially adapted cable lengths or cable delays for changes in the experimental set-up.
The time-tagged mode for recording of individual photon events with their arrival time on all channels offers a very elaborate way of investigating the photon dynamics offline. Furthermore, Time-Tagged Time-Resolved (TTTR) data can be correlated in real-time, e.g., for Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) experiments. External marker signals can synchronize the device with other hardware such as scanners, e.g., for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM). The TimeHarp 260 also features a trigger output that generates pulse periods between 0.1 µs and 1.678 s, corresponding to repetition frequencies between 0.596 Hz and 10 MHz. This feature can, e.g., be used to control external light sources.
The TimeHarp 260 software for Windows provides functions such as the setting of measurement parameters, display of results as well as loading and saving of parameters and results. Important measurement characteristics like count rate, count maximum, position and peak width are displayed continuously. The comprehensive online help function shortens the user's learning curve. Additionally, a library for custom programming, e.g., with LabVIEW is available as an option.
About PicoQuant
PicoQuant GmbH is a research and development company in the field of optoelectronics. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in the science and technology park Berlin-Adlershof, Germany. The company is a worldwide leader in the field of single photon counting applications. The product line includes pulsed diode lasers and LEDs, photon counting instrumentation, fluorescence lifetime spectrometers and time-resolved confocal microscopes. PicoQuant employs currently around 50 people. Since April 2008 Sales and Support in North America is handled by PicoQuant Photonics North America Inc. |
