Photon Counting Detectors

SPAD, PMT & Hybrid Detectors from UV to NIR

High-performance SPAD, PMT and hybrid detectors for reliable photon counting across materials science, life science, quantum optics, and metrology.

Photon Counting and Timing Solutions

Advanced Detection Technologies for Single Photons

PicoQuant’s photon counting detectors combine precise timing, high sensitivity and low noise performance to support demanding time-resolved measurements. The portfolio includes detectors that cover UV to NIR wavelengths and provide reliable single-photon detection across a wide range of experimental conditions. Each technology offers distinct advantages in terms of timing jitter, detection efficiency, dark noise and active area, enabling researchers to match the detector to their optical setup and measurement method. Together with PicoQuant’s time tagging and TCSPC systems, these detectors form robust, high-performance solutions for photon counting in life material science, life science, quantum optics and metrology.

PMA SeriesPMA Hybrid SeriesPDM SeriesPDA-23
Spectral range185 to 920 nm220 to 890 nm400 to 1100 nm400 to 850 nm
Max. detection efficiency40 %* at 400 nm45 % at 500 nm49 % at 550 nm55 % at 520 nm
Min. timing resolution (FWHM, typ.)< 180 ps20 ps< 50 ps< 120 ps
Min. dark counts (cooled, typ.)< 50 cps10 cps< 25 cps< 40 ps (median)
Size of active area8 mm3, 5 or 6 mm20, 50 or 100 µm100 x 100 µm
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*Photocathode quantum efficiency. This value is typically somewhat lower than the detector-dependent photon detection efficiency.

Single-point photon detection

Point Detectors

Point detectors such as SPAD, PMT and hybrid detectors provide highest timing precision, sensitivity and low noise for reliable single-point photon counting in time-resolved measurements across quantum optics, material science, life science and metrology.

Photomultiplier Detector Assembly
Improved low-light detection over large areas
Fast timing performance
Widest spectral coverage
Robust RF and magnetic shielding
Easy system integration
Stable long-term operation
Hybrid Photomultiplier Detector Assembly
Wide dynamic range
Best timing precision for shortest lifetimes
No dead time and negligible afterpulsing
High count rate perfomance
Large, easy-to-align active area
Reliable UV–NIR coverage
Single Photon Avalanche Diode
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

Parallel photon detection

Array Detectors

Array detectors based on SPAD technology enable parallel photon detection with multiple pixels, supporting high-throughput imaging and spatially resolved measurements in advanced microscopy and time-resolved applications across quantum optics, material science, life science and metrology.

Cooled Single Photon Detector Array
Super-resolution with confocal microscopes
Higher photon collection efficiency
Reduced background and detector noise
Faster acquisition through parallelization
Improved signal-to-noise ratio
Scalable multi-channel TCSPC workflows

Acquisition & Analysis

Software

PicoQuant’s software supports fast setup, instrument control, real-time visualization and powerful analysis of time-tagging data, helping researchers extract quantitative results efficiently from complex time-resolved experiments.

Universal Time-Tagging Data Acquisition Software
Run complex experiments faster with intuitive workflows
Gain immediate experimental feedback via real-time visualization
Set up complex measurements without scripting
Compare live results directly with previously recorded data
Clean measurement data using built-in filtering tools
Fast, Intuitive, and Versatile Python Wrapper
Combine Python’s flexibility with C++ processing speed
Build custom analysis pipelines tailored to your research
Handle massive data streams on-the-fly
Automate experiments through simple Python scripting
Run the same code on Windows and Linux
Quantum Correlation Analysis Software
Faster insights through real-time analysis
Reproducible, publication-ready quantum data
Reliable coincidence logic without manual coding
Streamlined workflows across all detector setups
Consistent results independent of experiment complexity

Accessories

PicoQuant accessories complement photon counting setups with precision routing, power supplies, signal conditioning and timing components, ensuring reliable synchronization, clean signals and optimal performance in time-resolved experiments.

Info Request

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