Unico

1-Color Gain-Switched Picosecond Laser

Compact, stand-alone picosecond laser delivering precise and versatile excitation for time-resolved fluorescence and photoluminescence applications. 375 – 640 nm
Unico stand-alone gain-switched picosecond laser with integrated driver

Key Benefits

Improved time-resolved data quality
Easy integration & operation
Stable long-term performance
Compact footprint for any setup
Reliable day-to-day measurements

Available Configurations

Wavelengths

Wavelength (±10) [nm]
Type
Pulse (FWHM) [ps]
Max. rep. rate [MHz]
Avg. power [mW]
CW power [mW]
375
Unico-375
< 120
200
3.5
20
405
Unico-405
< 80
200
4
50
450
Unico-450
< 130
200
3.5
50
485
Unico-485
< 130
200
3.5
50
515
Unico-515
< 170
200
4
50
640
Unico-640
< 100
200
4.5
50
Detail explanations and measurements conditions for the listed specifications are provided in the datasheet.

Specifications

Available wavelength*375, 405, 450, 485, 515, 640 nm
PolarizationLinear, vertical
Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER)Typ. > 30:1 (> 15 dB)
Power stability (12 hours) (ΔT (ambient) < 0.5 K)< 3 % RMS
Average beam dimension**1.0 ± 0.30 mm
Average beam circularity> 0.3
Transversale mode M**< 1.5
Coupling efficiency (single-mode PM fiber)> 40 %
Other optical specs (power, pulse, spectra)See tab wavelength (link)
RangeUser selectable 1 kHz to 200 MHz 1000 increments of 1 kHz from 1 to 999 kHz 200 increments of 1 MHz from 1 to 200 MHz
Rangesingle shot to 200 MHz
Trigger level-1V ... +1V into 50 Ohm
Trigger voltage-3V to +5V into 50 Ohm
Jitter< 12 ps (RMS)
ConnectorSMA
Amplitude< - 800 mV into 50 Ohm (NIM)
ConnectorSMA
Rise / fall time< 3 ns
ON Time (or inverted: OFF Time)Freely adjustable from 10 ns to 1 ms
OFF Time (or inverted: ON Time)Freely adjustable factor from 1 to 255 of ON (or OFF) Time
Impedance10 kOhms with pull-up 50 Ohms with pull-down
ConnectorSMA
Dimensions (W X H X L)75 x 83 x 140 mm
Weight1 kg
Temperature range10 - 35 °C
Humidity range< 80 % (non condensing)
Maximum power consumption< 30 W
PC InterfaceUSB 2.0
ConnectorUSB-C
Operating systemWindows 10 and 11

Download the datasheet here.

Laser Safety Warning Label (Class 3B)
Laser Safety Warning Label (Class 3B)

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.

Clean Pulses. Compact Design. Confident Results.

Gain-Switched Picosecond Excitation for Demanding Applications

Designed for Time-Resolved Spectroscopy and Imaging

Built on PicoQuant’s proven gain-switching technology, Unico delivers clean, high-quality pulses with excellent temporal stability, making it an ideal choice for time-resolved spectroscopy and imaging, including TRPL, FLIM, FRET, and related methods. Its fully integrated design eliminates the need for external drivers, enabling effortless integration into any experimental setup while maintaining a minimal footprint. With several available wavelengths and consistent performance across all configurations, Unico provides a versatile excitation source for demanding life science and materials science workflows. Available at various wavelengths, Unico supports time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging across a wide range of life science and materials science applications.

Fiber Coupling Option

Unico can be delivered with a single mode fiber output that offers efficient and stable beam delivery. Typical coupling efficiencies are above 40 % and provide a clean, well-defined signal suitable for fiber-based experiments. Each unit is aligned before shipment to ensure consistent performance at the fiber connector.

Relevant for Your Research​

Matching Applications & Methods​

Switcher A&M
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Materials Science
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Technical Documentation and Data

Technical Downloads

Datasheet Unico

Provides detailed specifications of this compact gain-switched picosecond laser designed for flexible operation in ps, ns, and CW modes.

Dimension Sheet Unico

Showing mechanical layout, adjustable mounting positions, connector interfaces, and overall device dimensions

Expand Your System

Complete your setup

Combine compatible components to build a complete system tailored to your experimental requirements and measurement workflows.

High-Resolution Multichannel Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit
Exceptional timing precision
Flexible trigger options
Upgradable channel configuration
High throughput via USB & external FPGA interface
Remote synchronization via White Rabbit
Smart on-board event filters
Precise and Versatile Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit
Exceptional timing precision
Flexible trigger options
Upgradable channel configuration
High thoughput via USB
Smart on-board event filters
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
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