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# PicoQuant

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.picoquant.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [From Observables to Dynamic Structural Biology at the Single Molecule Level](https://www.picoquant.com/science/from-observables-to-dynamic-structural-biology-at-the-single-molecule-level/): Fluorescence has become an important tool for studying biomolecular conformations, interactions, and dynamics. In a recent review, Peulen et al., Current Opinion in Strucural Biology (2026)1, examine how quantitative fluorescence measurements can be translated into structural and kinetic information about biomolecules. A central challenge is that fluorescence does not report molecular structure directly. Instead, experimentally measured photon signals are converted into intermediate quantities such as FRET efficiencies, distance distributions, rate constants, brightness, or other photophysical parameters. These quantities can then be used to constrain structural or kinetic models.
- [Single-Molecule Spectroscopy of Biomolecular Condensates](https://www.picoquant.com/science/single-molecule-spectroscopy-of-biomolecular-condensates/): Biomolecular condensates are often first recognized by what can be seen: droplets, domains, or other spatially distinct assemblies that can arise through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).
- [Single Molecules. Big Questions. Inspiring Discussions.](https://www.picoquant.com/news/single-molecules-big-questions-inspiring-discussions/): From October 6 to 8, 2026, PicoQuant welcomed 75 researchers from 15 countries to Berlin for the 31st International Workshop on Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy. Over three days, participants explored the latest scientific developments, shared ideas, and connected across disciplines.
- [Investigating Perovskite Optoelectronic Devices at Work](https://www.picoquant.com/news/investigating-perovskite-optoelectronic-devices-at-work/): What happens inside a perovskite device while it operates? Local changes in carrier transport, recombination, and defect chemistry can shape performance and remain hidden in conventional measurements.
- [HydraHarp 500 L wins Quantum Effects Award 2026](https://www.picoquant.com/news/hydraharp-500-l-wins-quantum-effects-award-2026/): We are proud to announce that our upcoming HydraHarp 500 L has received the Quantum Effects Award 2026 in the category Quantum Communication & Networks.
- [Congratulations to the Early Career FRET Researcher Award Winners](https://www.picoquant.com/news/congratulations-to-the-early-career-fret-researcher-award-winners/): We congratulate Nusrat Qureshi (EMBL Heidelberg), Mariska Haas (Ulm University), and Lars Dingeldein (Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies), the three recipients of the Early Career FRET Researcher Award at Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years, held in Tutzing, Germany, from September 21–25, 2026.
- [New Application Note: Quantitative FCS in Zero-Mode Waveguides](https://www.picoquant.com/news/quantitative-fcs-in-zero-mode-waveguides-at-micromolar-concentrations/): Zero-mode waveguides (ZMWs) reduce the effective observation volume, enabling FCS measurements at micromolar fluorophore concentrations while maintaining low molecular occupancy.
- [FCS with Zero-Mode Waveguides](https://www.picoquant.com/science/fcs-with-zero-mode-waveguides/): Part 1 introduced the physical principle of zero-mode waveguides and explained how their strongly confined observation volume can extend FCS toward fluorophore concentrations that are difficult to access with conventional diffraction-limited confocal FCS.
- [Excitation Across Timescales](https://www.picoquant.com/science/excitation-across-timescales/): Light emission after optical excitation does not follow a single clock. Depending on the sample and underlying photophysical processes, emission dynamics can extend from picoseconds and nanoseconds to microseconds, milliseconds, or even longer. Prompt fluorescence is generally found at the fast end of this range, while delayed fluorescence, phosphorescence, and long-lived states in materials can persist much longer. These timescales can overlap, however, so the measured lifetime alone does not uniquely identify the underlying mechanism.
- [Zero-Mode Waveguides](https://www.picoquant.com/science/zero-mode-waveguides/): Zero-mode waveguides address this problem at its physical origin by reducing the optically probed volume itself.
- [AI-Assisted Programming with snAPI](https://www.picoquant.com/science/ai-assisted-programming-with-snapi/): The simplest way to use AI for programming with snAPI is to ask a general-purpose AI assistant such as ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, or Cursor. Describe what you want to measure or analyze, and the assistant can help you generate, adapt, or troubleshoot Python code.
- [One Sample, Multiple Insights with Solira](https://www.picoquant.com/science/one-sample-multiple-insights-with-solira/): A material may appear uniform in one measurement and highly heterogeneous in another. Correlative characterization connects these different views before they lead to incomplete interpretations.
- [Photon Number Resolution with an Interleaved SNSPD](https://www.picoquant.com/science/photon-number-resolution-with-an-interleaved-snspd/): Photon Number Resolution (PNR) extends the capabilities of standard single-photon detectors by providing information not only on whether photons were detected, but also on how many photons contributed to a detection event. With superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), PNR can be achieved by either intrinsic or multiplexed approaches.
- [Why Spatially Resolved TRPL Imaging Matters](https://www.picoquant.com/science/why-spatially-resolved-trpl-imaging-matters/): Also read Part 1: “Why Steady-State PL Is Often Not Enough”
- [Room-Temperature Valley Emission from MoSe2](https://www.picoquant.com/science/room-temperature-valley-emission-from-mose2/): High-Q chiroptical cavities enabled strong valley-selective emission from monolayer MoSe2 at room temperature and revealed how photonic resonances can control exciton recombination.
- [Metabolic FLIM for Steatotic Liver Disease](https://www.picoquant.com/science/metabolic-flim-for-steatotic-liver-disease/): Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is driven by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, triggering mitochondrial stress and progressive metabolic dysfunction. As the disease advances, mitochondrial respiration becomes increasingly impaired, contributing to oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually liver failure.
- [Why Steady State PL Is Often Not Enough](https://www.picoquant.com/science/why-steady-state-pl-is-often-not-enough/): Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy is one of the most widely used characterization methods in materials science. Emission spectra can provide insight into bandgap energies, defect-related states, compositional variations, and optical quality. In semiconductors, nanomaterials, and perovskites alike, steady state PL has become a routine tool of material evaluation. Yet spectral information alone rarely tells the full physical picture.
- [Mapping Astrocytic Sodium](https://www.picoquant.com/science/mapping-astrocytic-sodium/): Quantifying intracellular sodium in intact brain tissue is technically difficult. Intensity based measurements with chemical indicators can be affected by differences in dye loading, local dye concentration, bleaching, and optical conditions.
- [Smart Microscopy Starts with Smarter Decisions](https://www.picoquant.com/news/smart-microscopy-starts-with-smarter-decisions/): What if your microscope could use the information it just acquired to decide what happens next? Our latest blog article explores how LumiPy, the Python interface for Luminosa single photon confocal microscope, enables feedback-adaptive microscopy workflows by connecting programmable microscope control with the scientific Python ecosystem. Discover how open workflows can support automation, real-time decision-making, and future AI-assisted microscopy applications.
- [Smart Microscopy with Luminosa and LumiPy](https://www.picoquant.com/science/smart-microscopy-with-luminosa-and-lumipy/): A microscopy experiment rarely ends when an image has been acquired. Images are segmented, quantified, compared, filtered, classified, and often used to decide what should be measured next. A researcher may first acquire a FLIM image, identify cells or regions of interest, extract positions, and then perform point measurements only where the previous result indicates that they are meaningful. In another case, acquisition parameters may be adjusted during a measurement to improve data quality, reduce photobleaching, or select suitable conditions for a specific fluorescence technique.
- [The Dream Microscope](https://www.picoquant.com/science/the-dream-microscope/): Perovskite solar cells have reached remarkable efficiencies, but many of the processes that ultimately determine their stability and performance occur simultaneously across different length scales and physical domains. Structural defects, chemical composition, morphology, and carrier dynamics all influence one another.
- [Photon Number Arrival-Time Gating](https://www.picoquant.com/science/photon-number-arrival-time-gating/): Photon-number-resolving (PNR) detectors provide considerably more information than conventional binary single photon detectors by assigning each detection event to a specific photon-number state. In many experiments, however, determining the photon number is only the first step. Researchers often wish to isolate specific events, for example single-photon detections during detector characterization, multi-photon events in correlation measurements, or heralding events in quantum optics experiments such as in quantum communication and photonic quantum computing.
- [PicoQuant sponsors Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years](https://www.picoquant.com/news/picoquant-sponsors-single-molecule-fret-the-next-30-years/): PicoQuant is pleased to sponsor Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years, taking place from September 21 to 25, 2026, in Tutzing, Germany.
- [Single Molecule Conference Celebrates 20th Edition](https://www.picoquant.com/news/single-molecule-conference-celebrates-20th-edition/): The conference “Single Molecule Spectroscopy and Superresolution Imaging XX” will celebrate its 20th edition in 2027 as part of BiOS, held during SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco. To mark this special anniversary, Nobel Laureate W.E. Moerner of Stanford University will open the conference with a keynote presentation.
- [Inside Solira: Designing a Flexible TRPL Microscope for Materials Characterization](https://www.picoquant.com/science/inside-solira-designing-a-flexible-trpl-microscope-for-materials-characterization/): Modern materials research increasingly benefits from combining different dimensions of information, such as spatial, temporal, and spectral data. With Solira, PicoQuant introduces a flexible TRPL microscope designed to bring these photoluminescence characterization approaches into one research environment.
- [Why Point Measurements Are Not Enough for Structured Perovskite Devices](https://www.picoquant.com/science/why-point-measurements-are-not-enough-for-structured-perovskite-devices/): Perovskite solar mini modules rely on laser-structured regions to define electrically functional areas. While steady-state photoluminescence measurements can confirm the optical response of the active layer, they often provide limited insight into how laser processing affects local recombination dynamics and material properties.
- [Continuous Measurements in Hardware and Software](https://www.picoquant.com/science/continuous-measurements-in-hardware-and-software/): Fast dynamic processes often happen on time scales much shorter than the total duration of an experiment. A cell passing through a laser focus, a molecule changing its state, or a correlation signal evolving over time may only produce relevant photon events for a brief moment. In such cases, the measurement system must continuously capture consecutive data blocks without introducing blind gaps between them.
- [Which Tools Do You Need to Study TMDs?](https://www.picoquant.com/news/which-tools-do-you-need-to-study-tmds/): TMDs exhibit fascinating photophysical behavior, including strong excitonic effects, layer-dependent band structures, and spin–valley coupling. These make them highly relevant for research in optoelectronics, valleytronics, and quantum photonics.
- [Optimizing Trigger Settings for Precise Photon Timing](https://www.picoquant.com/science/optimizing-trigger-settings-for-precise-photon-timing/): Every photon detected by a single-photon detector is converted into an electrical pulse. Before this pulse can be time tagged, the device must determine the exact pulse begin. This is defined by the trigger setting.
- [Solira: New Microscope for Time-Resolved Photoluminescence and Materials Research](https://www.picoquant.com/news/introducing-solira-our-new-microscope-for-time-resolved-photoluminescence-and-advanced-materials-research/): We are launching Solira, our new microscope for time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements and advanced materials characterization, introduced to the public for the first time at the E-MRS Spring Meeting 2026 in Strasbourg, France (May 25–29, 2026). Combining methods such as TRPL, TRPL imaging, carrier diffusion mapping, and correlation measurements within one configurable system, Solira enables the investigation of semiconductors, perovskites, nanomaterials, LEDs, quantum emitters, and other advanced material systems.
- [Photon Number Resolution at High Count Rates](https://www.picoquant.com/science/photon-number-resolution-at-high-count-rates/): Photon number resolution (PNR) using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) has attracted growing interest for quantum optical applications such as photonic quantum computing. In intrinsic SNSPD-based PNR, photon number information is encoded directly in the detector pulse shape and can be extracted from observables such as pulse timing and width.
- [New UniHarp 1.2 and snAPI Software Releases](https://www.picoquant.com/news/new-uniharp-1-2-and-snapi-software-releases/): PicoQuant has released UniHarp 1.2 and a new version of snAPI, introducing several new capabilities for advanced photon-counting experiments. The centerpiece is Photon Number Resolution (PNR): a method that goes significantly beyond conventional on/off detection and is now directly integrated into both software packages.
- [Fast Volumetric FLIM Beyond Confocal Limits](https://www.picoquant.com/science/fast-volumetric-flim-beyond-confocal-limits/): Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy is widely used to extract functional information from biological systems. Yet in live imaging, FLIM quickly reaches a practical limit. Acquisition speed, photon budget, and phototoxicity are tightly coupled, and improving one typically degrades the others.
- [FlexLambda Kit for Flexible Wavelength Selection](https://www.picoquant.com/news/flexlambda-kit-for-flexible-wavelength-selection/): PicoQuant introduces the FlexLambda Kit, a compact wavelength selection unit engineered for flexible and efficient detection across the visible and near-infrared spectrum. The system allows fast, precise adjustment of both detection wavelength and bandwidth, enabling highly adaptable experimental setups.
- [Expanding the Horizon of FCS with SPAD Arrays](https://www.picoquant.com/science/expanding-the-horizon-of-fcs-with-spad-arrays/): Recent detector developments are beginning to change this picture. SPAD arrays allow correlations to be calculated not only within a single detection channel but across multiple pixels simultaneously. This enables new experimental strategies such as spot-variation FCS, multi-foci FCS, or cross-correlation between spatially separated detection volumes.
- [Why Timing Architecture Defines Modern Multi-Wavelength Experiments](https://www.picoquant.com/science/why-timing-architecture-defines-modern-multi-wavelength-experiments/): In modern multi-wavelength experiments, the challenge is no longer the availability of laser sources. It is the ability to structure them in time. Sequential excitation, grouped pulses, defined pauses, burst mode operation, and synchronization with detection electronics are not peripheral functions. They determine how an experiment behaves.
- [How PicoQuant Measures Time](https://www.picoquant.com/science/how-picoquant-measures-time/): Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) has long been the gold standard for measuring extremely short time intervals between photon events. Traditionally, these measurements relied on hardware histogramming, where photon arrival times are immediately processed by the device to build a histogram of time differences. While this approach paved the way for classic fluorescence lifetime measurements, modern experiments increasingly demand more flexibility and deeper insight into photon dynamics.
- [Measuring Carrier Lifetimes in Semiconductor Wafers](https://www.picoquant.com/science/measuring-carrier-lifetimes-in-semiconductor-wafers/): Charge carrier lifetime is one of the most sensitive indicators of semiconductor material quality. It reflects recombination processes, defect densities, and transport properties that directly influence device performance.
- [New Analysis Options Push the Limits of FLIM Imaging Modalities](https://www.picoquant.com/science/new-analysis-options-push-the-limits-of-flim-imaging-modalities/): FLIM experiments generate multidimensional datasets that contain far more information than simple intensity images. Researchers frequently need to evaluate lifetime distributions, compare regions of interest, or distinguish between multiple fluorescent species within the same image.
- [Master Oscillator Fiber Amplifier (MOFA) in Picosecond Laser Design](https://www.picoquant.com/science/master-oscillator-fiber-amplifier-mofa-in-picosecond-laser-design/): A Master Oscillator Fiber Amplifier (MOFA) is based on a clear architectural principle: the separation of pulse generation and power amplification. The master oscillator defines the temporal characteristics of the laser emission. In picosecond diode systems, this is often realized with a gain-switched laser diode that produces short infrared pulses with adjustable repetition rates and well-defined pulse dynamics.
- [Advanced Laser Operation Modes](https://www.picoquant.com/science/advanced-laser-operation-modes/): In many experiments, discrepancies in reported lifetimes or emission behavior are not caused by the material itself but by the excitation scheme. Fast recombination, delayed emission, or steady-state effects require fundamentally different temporal excitation profiles.
- [New workflow for FRAP and Python interface for Luminosa](https://www.picoquant.com/news/new-workflow-for-frap-and-a-python-interface-in-luminosa/): The latest software update for Luminosa Single Photon Counting Confocal Microscope expands the platform with new tools for adaptive microscopy workflows, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and improved single-molecule measurements. The update gives researchers more flexibility when designing experiments while simplifying automation and integration with existing Python-based analysis pipelines.
- [Designer van der Waals Materials for Quantum Emission](https://www.picoquant.com/science/designer-van-der-waals-materials-for-quantum-emission/): Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and other van der Waals materials are increasingly studied as platforms for quantum emitters and next-generation quantum photonic devices. Their layered structure enables precise control over electronic and optical properties, opening new opportunities for engineered quantum light sources.
- [Time Tagger for Highest-Throughput Applications Ahead](https://www.picoquant.com/news/time-tagger-for-highest-throughput-applications-ahead/): We are preparing to expand the HydraHarp family with the upcoming HydraHarp 500 L. This new variant will set new standards for data throughput and scalability. With outstanding timing resolution, excellent timing precision and up to 64 flexible channels, the HydraHarp 500 L is engineered for highest-throughput applications powered – for the first time – by USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, making it ideal for rapid, large-volume data acquisition.
- [Resolving Hole Injection Pathways in InGaN Red Micro-LEDs on Silicon](https://www.picoquant.com/science/resolving-hole-injection-pathways-in-ingan-red-micro-leds-on-silicon/): Long-wavelength InGaN emitters promise monolithic RGB integration on silicon. Yet achieving efficient red emission remains difficult. High indium incorporation increases strain, promotes defect formation, and complicates carrier transport within multiple quantum wells. In particular, insufficient hole injection and enhanced Shockley–Read–Hall recombination limit external quantum efficiency in red micro-LEDs.
- [Metabolic State Profiling of Organoids with FLIM](https://www.picoquant.com/news/metabolic-state-profiling-of-organoids-with-flim/): Our new Technical Note demonstrates the possibility of identifying distinct metabolic profiles of organoids using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) of autofluorescence arising from different bound and unbound states of NAD(H) under two-photon excitation.
- [HydraHarp 400 Discontinued](https://www.picoquant.com/news/hydraharp-400-discontinued/): The HydraHarp 400 Multichannel Picosecond Event Timer & TCSPC Module has been discontinued as of November 2025. This product is no longer available for new orders.
- [snAPI Expands to Linux](https://www.picoquant.com/news/snapi-expands-to-linux/): The powerful software library snAPI for convenient high-level Python programming of PicoQuant’s TCSPC and time tagging instruments has received great attention since it was initially released last year. The snappy new API (short snAPI) is a powerful Python wrapper for the lower level „bare metal“ libraries for configuration and operation of the popular instruments.
- [Upgrading Laser Scanning Microscopes for High-Rate Sodium Imaging](https://www.picoquant.com/science/upgrading-laser-scanning-microscopes-for-high-rate-sodium-imaging/): Quantifying intracellular sodium in living tissue is technically demanding. Available Na⁺ indicators emit comparatively few photons, and classical TCSPC-based FLIM often requires long integration times to obtain stable decay fits. Under dynamic biological conditions, this quickly becomes limiting.
- [PicoQuant Celebrates 30th Single Molecule Workshop in Berlin](https://www.picoquant.com/news/picoquant-celebrates-30th-single-molecule-workshop-in-berlin/): An international audience of more than 250 participants came together in Berlin from September 23–26, 2025 to celebrate the 30th edition of PicoQuant’s renowned Single Molecule Workshop. Marking three decades of scientific exchange, the anniversary event brought together pioneers of the field, leading experts, and a new generation of researchers shaping the future of single-molecule science.

## Pages
- [Terms and Conditions TRMIC Course](https://www.picoquant.com/terms-and-conditions-trmic-course/): April 13-16, 2027Berlin, Germany
- [Report a Security Vulnerability](https://www.picoquant.com/report-security-vulnerability/): At PicoQuant, we take the security of our products with digital elements seriously. If you believe you have discovered a security vulnerability in one of our products, firmware, or software, we encourage you to report it to us so we can investigate and resolve it responsibly.
- [Year-End Trade-In Offer](https://www.picoquant.com/year-end-trade-in-offer/): Trade in a comparable device and receive up to 20 % off the list price of selected PicoQuant hardware. Products from other manufacturers are eligible too, and your trade-in device does not need to be functional.
- [Registration Time-Resolved Microscopy Course](https://www.picoquant.com/registration-trmic-course/): Date: April 13 - 17, 2027 Location: Berlin, Germany
- [Information regarding GDPR](https://www.picoquant.com/info-gdpr/): Die deutsche Version finden Sie weiter unten auf dieser Seite.
- [Registration Form: Single Molecule Workshop](https://www.picoquant.com/registration-single-molecule-workshop/): Home > Events > 31st International Workshop >
- [Registration Time-Resolved Photoluminescence Course](https://www.picoquant.com/registration-trpl-course/): Date: September 1 - 3, 2026 Location: Berlin, Germany
- [Products](https://www.picoquant.com/products/)
- [5-year limited warranty](https://www.picoquant.com/limited-warranty/): PicoQuant has a long standing successful history in designing, building and delivery of outstanding picosecond pulsed diode lasers and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and time-tagging electronics. Our modules are used all over the world for a very broad range of applications ranging from everyday quality control to high-end scientific research in laboratories of noble prize winners.
- [Awards](https://www.picoquant.com/awards/): PicoQuant awards prizes for the best student presentation at several conferences throughout the year.
- [Unsolicited Application](https://www.picoquant.com/unsolicited-application/): Home > Careers >
- [Terms and Conditions TRPL Course](https://www.picoquant.com/terms-and-conditions-trpl-course/): September 1-3, 2026Berlin, Germany
- [Terms and Conditions](https://www.picoquant.com/terms-conditions/): Our terms and conditions for sale and supply are available for download as a PDF document.
- [Disposal of used devices](https://www.picoquant.com/disposal-of-used-devices/): Important
- [Imprint](https://www.picoquant.com/imprint/): PicoQuant GmbHRudower Chaussee 2912489 BerlinGermanyTel: +49 30 1208820 89Fax: +49 30 1208820 90info@picoquant.com
- [Accessories](https://www.picoquant.com/accessories/): We offer a range of specialized accessories designed to enhance and support photon counting setups.
- [Applications & Methods](https://www.picoquant.com/applications-methods/): Scientific discovery requires both the right research context and the appropriate measurement approach. Explore how different fields and techniques work together to reveal dynamic processes with high precision.
- [Events](https://www.picoquant.com/events/): Connect and explore our technologies and applications.
- [Cooperations](https://www.picoquant.com/cooperations/): PicoQuant is regularly participating in research projects that bring together partners from academia and industry.
- [Careers](https://www.picoquant.com/careers/): Can’t find the right job for you? No problem! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who want to kick-start their careers with us in areas such as development, production, sales, marketing, or administration. Even if you’re interested in an internship, a master’s thesis, or a Ph.D., we offer exciting opportunities. Just send us your unsolicited application - we look forward to hearing from you!
- [Contact](https://www.picoquant.com/contact/): Tell us what you need and we’ll connect you with the correct PicoQuant department.
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who understand your research.
- [Terms and Conditions Single Molecule Workshop](https://www.picoquant.com/terms-and-conditions-workshop/): October 6-8, 2026Berlin, Germany
- [About us](https://www.picoquant.com/about/): We develop state-of-the-art technology for a broad range of applications in academia and industry
- [Downloads](https://www.picoquant.com/downloads/): Download links to the latest user manuals and operation software packages of PicoQuant products. 
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