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PDM Series

PDM Series

Single Photon Avalanche Diode

Achieve low-noise single-photon detection with exceptional timing precision in the visible and near-infrared, ideal for demanding time-resolved experiments. 400 – 1000 nm
PDM Series SPAD single-photon avalanche diode detector module by MPD
Table of contents

Key Benefits

Wide dynamic range
Best timing precision for shortest lifetimes
Low dark counts for improved signal-to-noise
High detection efficiency
Reliable vis-NIR coverage
Compact module design
Flexible configurations

Precision Timing for Demanding Photon Counting

Ultrafast Single-Photon Detection

PDM Series delivers high-performance, solid-state SPAD detector modules designed and manufactured by Micro Photon Devices (MPD) for seamless use in time-resolved photon counting. Built around epitaxial silicon Single Photon Avalanche Diodes with patented integrated Active Quenching Circuits (iAQC), they provide excellent photon detection efficiency and timing resolutions down to < 50 ps (FWHM). With multiple active area options, robust daylight tolerance, flexible fiber or free-beam coupling, and stable timing at high count rates, PDM Series is ideally suited for a wide range of time-resolved single-photon techniques, including LiDAR, antibunching and TRPL.

Measured IRF of 49 ps FWHM after excitation at 670nm. The laser-deconvoluted SPAD timing response is 37 ps FWHM.

Measured IRFs Across the Visible and NIR

The instrument response functions of PDM Series highlight their fast and stable timing behavior across the visible and near infrared spectrum. When combined with suitable picosecond excitation sources and time tagging & TCSPC electronics, the modules deliver clean, well-defined IRFs with characteristic SPAD performance at different wavelengths. These measurements demonstrate the reliable temporal response and high sensitivity that make PDM Series well suited for time-resolved photon counting applications with a strong focus on quantum optical setups.

Quantum efficiency of the PDM Series SPADs, peaking at ~49% near 550 nm.

Key Timing and Detection Performance

  • Timing resolution down to <50 ps (FWHM) with stable IRF performance across count rates
  • High photon detection efficiency with up to 49% quantum effiency at 550 nm
  • Silicon SPAD architecture with patented iAQC for fast, clean avalanche quenching
  • Multiple active area options (20, 50 and 100 µm) for optimized light collection
  • Robust daylight-tolerant operation and low afterpulsing probability (<3%)
  • Two-output design (TTL + NIM) for seamless integration with Time Tagging and TCSPC electronics
at 25 °C

Specifications

at 400 nm

24 %**

at 550 nm

49 %**

at 650 nm

37 %**

SPAD diameter

20 µm (on request)

50 µm

100 µm

Available selections

< 25 cps
< 5 cps

< 250 cps
< 100 cps
< 50 cps
< 25 cps

< 500 cps
< 250 cps
< 100 cps
< 50 cps
< 25 cps

Counting output, TTL signal (FWHM)

250 ps

Timing output, NIM signal (FWHM)

Down to 50 ps, increases in blue/UV spectral range

Maximum

3 %

Dead time

77 ns (typical)

Output signal

TTL for counting output, NIM for timing output

Output pulse rise and fall times

< 2 ns on 10 pF load

Output pulse duration

20 ns (typical)

Gating input

TTL control (low level gates detector off)

Supply input connector

Standard 3.5 mm supply socket

Supply voltage

Unregulated DC, any value 5 V – 12 V

* Typical, without FC connector

** Losses due to fiber connector: < 20 % absolute

All Information given here is reliable to our best knowledge. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications and external appearances are subject to change without notice.

Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet PDM Series

Contains specifications, features and applications of SPAD photon counting detectors offering high PDE and timing resolution down to 50 ps.

Scientific Insights & Resources

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Instrument Response Across the Visible Spectrum

Instrument response function of PDM SPAD detector at 670 nm
Measured IRF of 49 ps FWHM after excitation at 670nm. The laser-deconvoluted SPAD timing response is 37 ps FWHM.
Instrument response function of PDM SPAD detector at 635 nm
Measured IRF of 83 ps FWHM after excitation at 635nm. The laser-deconvoluted SPAD timing response is 50 ps FWHM.
Instrument response function of PDM SPAD detector at 470 nm
Measured IRF of 71 ps FWHM after excitation at 470nm. The laser-deconvoluted SPAD timing response is 44 ps FWHM.
Instrument response function of PDM SPAD detector at 405 nm
Measured IRF of 224 ps FWHM after excitation at 405nm. The laser-deconvoluted SPAD timing response is 216 ps FWHM.
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