Digital photon counter SPCM-AQRH

flow cytometrylaserfluorescence

Product Overview
The SPCM-AQRH Single-Photon Counting Module detects individual photons from 400 nm to 1064 nm. It employs a SLiK silicon avalanche photodiode with a 180 µm circular active area, providing peak photon detection efficiency greater than 70% at 650 nm. Each detection event produces a TTL-level output pulse available at the rear BNC connector. The photodiode is thermoelectrically cooled and temperature-controlled for stable operation across case temperatures from 5 °C to 70 °C.

Key Features

• SLiK silicon APD with 180 µm circular active area
• Peak PDE > 70% at 650 nm
• TTL-level output at rear BNC; gated output option
• Single +5 V supply
• Thermoelectric cooling and active temperature control
• Internal protection circuitry against ambient-light overload
• Minimum dead time <25 ns (recent electronics)
• Dynamic range >35 Mcps
• Low afterpulse probability and high uniformity over the active area

Technical Specifications

• Wavelength range: 400 nm to 1064 nm
• Peak photon detection efficiency: >70% @ 650 nm (over 180 µm diameter)
• Active area diameter: 180 µm
• Dynamic range: >35 Mcps
• Minimum dead time: <25 ns
• Output: TTL-level pulse at rear BNC; gated output available
• Supply voltage: Single +5 V
• Cooling: Thermoelectric cooling with temperature control; operating case temperature 5 °C to 70 °C
• Protection: Internal overload protection
• Compliance: RoHS-compliant

Options and Models
The module is supplied with a free-space input window as standard. Optional interfaces include FC fiber adapter, C-mount bracket and tube cage mount bracket/adapter. Multiple SPCM-AQRH variants are available with different output pulse widths, dead times and pulse heights:

• SPCM-AQRH-1X — Output pulse width 10 ns; Dead time 24 ns; Output pulse height 2.2 V
• SPCM-AQRH-2X — Output pulse width 18 ns; Dead time 28 ns; Output pulse height 2.2 V
• SPCM-AQRH-3X — Output pulse width 28 ns; Dead time 35 ns; Output pulse height 2.2 V
• SPCM-AQRH-4X — Output pulse width 10 ns; Dead time 24 ns; Output pulse height 4.4 V
• SPCM-AQRH-5X — Output pulse width 18 ns; Dead time 28 ns; Output pulse height 4.4 V
• SPCM-AQRH-6X — Output pulse width 28 ns; Dead time 42 ns; Output pulse height 4.4 V

Applications & Integration

• Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) and fluorescence lifetime measurements
• Photon-starved detection for LIDAR, quantum optics and quantum communications
• Single-molecule and low-light spectroscopy
• Laboratory instruments and OEM integration requiring +5 V supply and compact single-photon detection
• Mounting and optical interface options simplify integration into existing optical setups