SPCMs - Single Photon Counting Modules

Single Photon Counting Modules from Excelitas Technologies achieve excellent performance in very low light level applications. We believe they out-perform every other solution on the market.

The SPCM detects single photons of light over the 400-1060nm wavelength range - a range and sensitivity that often outperforms a photomultiplier tube. A key strength is the peak photon detection efficiency of up to 80% @ 700nm, with selections for various wavelengths available. The active area of 180µm is the largest on the market, with uniformity that is simply unmatched. SPCMs have extremely high single-photon detection efficiency, and are much more sensitive than the PMT in the visible range.

Typical applications for these single photon detector modules include LIDAR, Photon-Correlation Spectroscopy, Astronomical Observation, Optical Range Finding, Adaptive Optics, Ultra-Sensitive Fluorescence and Particle Sizing.

The new SPCM-NIR is a Single Photon Counting Module specifically selected and performance-optimized for the near infra-red wavelength spectrum. This module uses a specially selected SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with peak single photon detection efficiency typically better than 73% while maintaining uniformity over a 180µm diameter active area.

The improved SPCM-AQRH has the highest linear dynamic range of >35 Mcps, an even better dead time of just 20ns, and low dead-time variation. The -AQRH-TR standard module is optimized for timing resolution measurements, particularly time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) applications such as Fluorescence Lifetime.

The C30902EH series of avalanche photodiodes is ideal for a wide range of applications, including LIDAR, range-finding, small-signal fluorescence, photon counting and bar code scanning.

Single Photon Counting Modules from Excelitas Technologies achieve excellent performance in very low light level applications. We believe they out-perform every other solution on the market.

C30902SH The C30902EH series of avalanche photodiodes is fabricated with a double-diffused “reach-through” structure. This structure provides high responsivity between 400 and 1000 nm as well as extremely fast rise and fall times at all wavelengths. The responsivity of the device is independent of modulation frequency up to about 800 MHz. The detector chip is hermetically-sealed behind a flat glass window in a modified TO-18 package. The useful diameter of the photosensitive surface is 0.5 mm. 0.475mm photosensitive diameter, dead time filter 20ns, photon detection efficiency >70% at 700nm

Data Sheet

SPCM-AQ4C

The SPCM-AQ4C is a 4 channel photon counting card 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 module has an FC fiber connector mounted and aligned on each detector.

The SPCM-AQ4C uses a unique silicon avalanche photodiode (SLiK) with a circular active area, achieving peak photon detection efficiency of approximately 60% at 650nm over a 180µm diameter

Data Sheet

SPCM-AQRH The improved SPCM-AQRH has the highest linear dynamic range of >35 Mcps, an even better dead time of just 20ns, and low dead-time variation. It uses a unique silicon avalanche photodiode (SLiK) with a circular active area, achieving peak photon detection efficiency of approximately 70% at 650nm over a 180µm diameter with unmatched uniformity over the full active area.

Data Sheet

SPCM-NIR Specifically selected and performance-optimized for the near infra-red wavelength spectrum. This module uses a specially selected SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with peak single photon detection efficiency typically better than 73% while maintaining uniformity over a 180 µm diameter active area.

Data Sheet

SPCM-AQRH-TR

The SPCM-AQRH-XX-TR is specifically selected and performance optimized for timing resolution.

The module uses a specially selected SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with timing resolution better than 250ps while maintaining peak photon detection efficiency (PDE) of more than 75% at 650nm over a 180µm diameter active area.

While some performance parameters like dead-time and dynamic range are traded off against the optimized timing performance, other performance parameters of the standard part, such as outstanding uniformity, overload protection, temperature stability and linearity, remain.

See relevant apps note on timing resolution at foot of this page.

Data Sheet

SPCM Power Supply

SPCM Power Supply ‐ 15 Watt AC‐DC Adapter. Up to 15 W continuous power, DOE Level VI, CEC, ErP Stage 2, No load power consumption <0.1W, Universal input voltage range

Data Sheet