SPCM Single Photon Detector Modules

Active Area Diameter 0.18 mm; Max. Dark Count Rate 25-2,500 c/s; Photon Detection Efficiency 60%-75%; Max. Count Rate 40 M c/s; Dead Time 22, 50 ns; Pulse Width 10, 30 ns

Excelitas’ SPCM single photon counting modules are self-contained modules that meet the low-light-level detection demands of confocal microscopy, fluorescence, luminescence, and TCSPC, particle sizing and quantum communications.

SPCM modules use a unique silicon avalanche photodiode (SLiK) with a 180 µm diameter circular active area, achieving peak photon detection efficiency greater than 65% to even 75% (depending on model) with unmatched uniformity over the full active area.

The photodiode is both thermoelectrically cooled and temperature controlled, ensuring stabilized performance despite ambient temperature changes. Operating temperature range has been increased and the module will function with case temperatures between +5 ˚C and +70 ˚C.

SPCM single photon counting modules are ideal for laboratory and OEM use and offer market-leading photon detection efficiency (PDE), low after-pulsing, high linear dynamic range, and low dark counts.

Excelitas' newly enhanced SPCM-AQRH single photon counting module detects single photons over the wavelength range of 400 nm to 1064 nm with performance parameters superior to other solid state or vacuum-tube based photon counters.

The SPCM-AQRH achieves >70% peak photon detection efficiency at 650 nm. A TTL-level pulse is generated for each photon detected and the signal is available at the BNC connector at the rear of the module. The module comes as standard with a free-space window to the APD, with FC fiber adapter, C-mount or tube cage mount bracket/adapter options.

Recent electronic circuit enhancements have reduced the minimum dead time to less than 25 ns, thereby increasing linearity and improving the dynamic range of the module. Timing resolution of the module was also improved significantly. The SPCM-AQRH has internal protection circuitry that protects the avalanche photodiode and the module electronics from damage due to accidental overload from exposure to ambient lighting.

The Excelitas SPCM-AQRH-WX-TR is a single photon counting module of the latest product generation, specifically selected and performance-optimized for timing resolution. This family of –TR modules is designed to support applications in time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), fluorescence lifetime measurements and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM).

The SPCM-AQRH-WX-TR uses a specially selected SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with timing resolution better than 250 ps while maintaining peak photon detection efficiency (PDE) of more than 75% at 650 nm over a 180 µm diameter active area. While some performance parameters, in particular afterpulse probability, are traded off against the optimized timing performance, other performance parameters of the standard SPCM-AQRH, such as outstanding uniformity, overload protection, temperature stability and linearity, are still maintained by this timing-optimized module.

The Excelitas SPCM-NIR is a single photon counting module specifically selected and performance-optimized for the near infrared wavelength spectrum. This NIR spectrum enhanced device is designed to support long range LiDAR, quantum communication and microscopy, as well as many other applications.

The SPCM-NIR uses a specially selected SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with peak single photon detection efficiency typically better than 73%. This module achieves enhanced red and NIR sensitivity while maintaining such other performance parameters of the standard SPCM-AQRH, such as outstanding uniformity, overload protection, temperature stability and linearity.

The SPCM-AQ4C is a four-channel photon counting module capable of detecting single photons of light over the wavelength range from 400 nm to 1060 nm. Each channel is independent from the others.

The SPCM-AQ4C uses a unique silicon avalanche photodiode (SLiK) with a peak photon detection efficiency exceeding 60% at 650 nm and an improved circuit with a peak count rate >4M c/s for short bursts of time on all four channels and a count rate of 1.5 M c/s for continuous operation. There is a "dead time" of 50 ns between pulses.

The module requires +2 V, +5 V, and +30 V power supplies. The output of each channel – a TTL pulse that is 4.5 V high (into a 50 Ω load) and 25 ns wide – is available at the card edge behind the circuit board. Each TTL pulse corresponds to a detected photon. All input and output signals are available at the card connector.

Applications: Particle Sizing & Characterization; Confocal Microscopy; Photon Correlation Spectroscopy; Quantum Cryptography; Astronomical Observation; Optical Range Finding; Adaptive Optics; Ultra-sensitive Fluorescence; Flow Cytometry; Wind LiDAR

Please note that Excelitas products are available from us only in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.