PDA-23

Cooled Single Photon Detector Array

Unlock spatially resolved single-photon detection with a 23-pixel SPAD array, combining low dark counts and precise time tagging for advanced experiments.
PDA-23 cooled 23-pixel SPAD detector array with breakout adapter
Table of contents

Key Features

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

Precision Detection, Scaled Across 23 Pixels

High-Performance 23-Pixel SPAD Array

PDA-23 is a cooled 23-pixel SPAD array for single-photon detection from 400 to 850 nm and beyond, developed in collaboration with Pi Imaging. A high native fill factor combined with microlenses yields an effective fill factor above 80% for efficient photon collection. Each pixel features high PDE, low timing jitter, and low dark count rates around 100 cps, with typically only one hot pixel above 1 kcps, further reduced by integrated Peltier cooling. C-mount and optical-table mounting options, plus per-pixel SMA outputs compatible with MultiHarp 160 time tagging & TCSPC units, simplify integration into advanced imaging and TCSPC setups.

MultiHarp 160: High-throughput multichannel time tagging & TCSPC unit.

Precision Meets Compatibility

PDA-23 interfaces seamlessly with MultiHarp 160, enabling precise, parallel TCSPC acquisition across all 23 SPAD channels. A dedicated breakout adapter provides individual SMA outputs for each pixel, ensuring clean signal routing and full per-channel timing control. Combined with MultiHarp’s ultrafast 5 ps resolution and up to 64 independent inputs, this pairing delivers a robust, scalable platform for advanced time-resolved imaging and multi-spot detection workflows.

Dual-foci fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) using selected SPAD array pixel pairs. Cross-correlation curves reveal diffusion dynamics and spatial relationships between detection volumes.

Expanded Insights from SPAD-Array FCS

Integrating a SPAD array into time-resolved fluorescence measurements provides immediate access to pixel-wise correlations, varying detection volumes, and lifetime-resolved information. Using PDA-23, approaches like Spot Variation Fluorescence Correlation (Lifetime) Spectroscopy (svF(L)CS), multi-foci FCS, and advanced diffusion analysis become feasible without altering the optical setup, enabling broader experimental exploration from a single dataset.

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Specifications

Active area

100 μm x 110 μm

Native fill factor

23.5 %

Effective fill factor with microlenses

> 75% / typ. 80%

Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE)

Typ. peak PDE 55 % at 520 nm
PDE typically above 35 % for wavelengths from 440 to 660 nm

Timing jitter

< 120 ps FWHM for wavelengths between 510 and 785 nm

Dark count rates

Peltier-cooling for lowering dark counts
< 40 cps (median)
No hot pixel >4000 cps
Max. 1 hot pixel >400 cps (not center pixel)

Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet PDA-23

Contains specifications, features and applications of a cooled SPAD detector array offering high PDE, low jitter and low dark count rates.

Relevant for Your Research​

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In-Depth Scientific Resources

Scientific Resources

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Poster: FCS with SPAD Arrays

Luminosa enables advanced single-molecule studies with FLIM, FCS, varPSF control, and a new SPAD array for higher-resolution imaging and innovative FCS applications.

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Expand Your System

Complete your setup

Combine compatible components to build a complete system tailored to your experimental requirements and measurement workflows.
Image Scanning Microscopy Analysis Software
Sharper images with higher resolution
Reliable results with transparent processes
Enhanced contrast in lifetime determination
Improved image contrast through out-of-focus rejection
Reproducible ROI selection using histograms of fitted parameters
High-Throughput Multichannel Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit
Largest channel scalability
High throughput via USB & external FPGA interface
Remote synchronization via White Rabbit
Smart on-board event filters
Multichannel Picosecond Diode Laser Driver
Higher timing precision
Improved long-term system stability
Reduced setup complexity
Reproducible measurement
Easy system integration
Scalable system growth
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