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MultiHarp 150

MultiHarp 150

Multichannel Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit

Power your time-resolved experiments with a multichannel time-tagging and TCSPC platform offering picosecond precision and high-throughput performance.
MultiHarp 150 multichannel TCSPC time tagging unit
Table of contents

Key Features

Various channel configurations
“P” and “N” models for differing performance requirements
High throughput via USB & external FPGA interface
Remote synchronization via White Rabbit
Smart on-board event filters

High-Throughput Multichannel Time Tagging & TCSPC Unit

Precision Time Tagging for High-Throughput Photon Counting

MultiHarp 150 is PicoQuant’s sure-footed workhorse for high-throughput multichannel time tagging and TCSPC, designed for photon-counting experiments that require reliable performance across a wide range of use cases. It offers up to 17 detection channels, picosecond timing resolution, and an ultrashort dead time of 650 ps, enabling precise event acquisition even at high count rates. As the first time-tagging device on the market to support White Rabbit synchronization, MultiHarp 150 also enables ps-precise timing alignment in multi-device and distributed measurement setups.

MultiHarp 150 addresses a broad spectrum of time-resolved applications due to its combination of performance, robustness, and scalability. It is equally suited for coincidence and correlation measurements, time-resolved spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime analysis, and any precision timing task, making it a versatile platform for laboratories and industry that require a dependable allround solution for advanced time-tagging experiments.

Specifications

MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Number of detector channels (in addition to sync)4 (MultiHarp 150 4P), 8 (MultiHarp 150 8P), or 16 (MultiHarp 150 16P)4 (MultiHarp 150 4N) or 8 (MultiHarp 150 8N)
Input voltage operating range (pulse peak into 50 Ohms) - 1200 mV to 1200 mV- 1200 mV to 1200 mV
Input voltage max. range (damage level)± 2500 mV± 2500 mV
Trigger methodFalling or rising edge, software adjustableFalling or rising edge, software adjustable
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Minimum time bin width5 ps80 ps
Timing precision*< 28 ps RMS< 85 ps RMS
Timing precision / √2*< 20 ps RMS< 60 ps RMS
Dead time < 650 ps (can be increased via software up to 160 ns in steps of 1 ns)< 650 ps (can be increased via software up to 160 ns in steps of 1 ns)
Maximum sync rate (periodic pulse train)1.2 GHz1.2 GHz
Differential non-linearity< 5 % peak to peak, < 1 % RMS (over full measurement range)< 10 % peak to peak, < 1 % RMS (over full measurement range)
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Count depth32 bit (4 294 967 295 counts)32 bit (4 294 967 295 counts)
Maximum number of time bins65 53665 536
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Peak count rate per input channel1.5 Gcps for burst durations up to 1.3 µs1.5 Gcps for burst durations up to 1.3 µs
Sustained count rate per input channel**78 Mcps78 Mcps
Total sustained count rate, sum over all input channels**85 Mcps85 Mcps
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Throughput T2/T3 Mode156 Mcpsnot included in “N” version
Latency T2 Mode4.5 µs to 5.0 µsnot included in “N” version
Latency T3 Mode4.5 µs to 5.0 µsnot included in “N” version
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
PeriodProgrammable, 0.1 µs to 1678 s (0.596 Hz to 10 MHz)Programmable, 0.1 µs to 1678 s (0.596 Hz to 10 MHz)
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Number44
MultiHarp 150 PMultiHarp 150 N
Ref. IN10 MHz, 200 … 1500 mV p.p., 50 Ohm, AC coupled10 MHz, 200 … 1500 mV p.p., 50 Ohm, AC coupled
Ref. OUTdefault: 10 MHz, White Rabbit mode: 31.25 MHz, 1400 MHz, 50 Ohm, AC coupleddefault: 10 MHz, White Rabbit mode: 31.25 MHz, 1400 MHz, 50 Ohm, AC coupled
PPS IN1 s, LVTTL1 s, LVTTL
White Rabbit interfaceconnector for SFP moduleconnector for SFP module

* In order to determine the timing precision it is necessary to repeatedly measure a time difference and to calculate the standard deviation (RMS error) of these measurements. This is done by splitting an electrical signal from a pulse generator and feeding the two signals each to a separate input channel. The differences of the measured pulse arrival times are calculated along with the corresponding standard deviation. This latter value is the RMS jitter which we use to specify the timing precision. However, calculating such a time difference requires two time measurements. Therefore, following from error propagation laws, the single channel rms error is obtained by dividing the previously calculated standard deviation by √(2). We also specify this single channel RMS error here for comparison with other products.

** Sustained throughput depends on configuration and performance of host PC.

 

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 MultiHarp 150

Provides detailed specifications of this high-throughput multichannel TCSPC and time-tagging unit for fast, precise photon counting.

Technical Note: Multi-Device Synchronization using MultiHarp 150 and White Rabbit

This tech note describes White Rabbit-based synchronization of multiple TCSPC devices over long fiber networks.

Technical Note: Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy Measurements

Coveres measurement principles, instrumentation, TCSPC detection, and applications in materials and life sciences

Technical Note: TCSPC

Explaining the principles of time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), including photon statistics, detectors, timing electronics, and applications.

Time Tagger for Highest-Throughput Applications

HydraHarp 500 L 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.
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New Standards for Data Throughput and Scalability
Scientific Insights & Resources

Latest Blog Articles

Super-resolved FLIM image of DNA origami structures showing lifetime-based discrimination of FRET and non-FRET events.
July 26, 2023

Super-Resolved FRET by Confocal FLIM

Fluorescence lifetime imaging maps of intracellular sodium concentration in hippocampal neurons during baseline, severe chemical ischemia, and recovery, with and without TRPV4 inhibition.
September 29, 2025

Upgrading Laser Scanning Microscopes for High-Rate Sodium Imaging

Super-resolved FLIM image of DNA origami structures showing lifetime-based discrimination of FRET and non-FRET events.
July 26, 2023

Super-Resolved FRET by Confocal FLIM

Fluorescence lifetime imaging maps of intracellular sodium concentration in hippocampal neurons during baseline, severe chemical ischemia, and recovery, with and without TRPV4 inhibition.
September 29, 2025

Upgrading Laser Scanning Microscopes for High-Rate Sodium Imaging

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Key Technical Highlights

MultiHarp 150 combines advanced time-tagging architecture with specialized features that enable precise, high-throughput photon timing and seamless integration into complex experimental setups.

Diagram illustrating T2 and T3 time tagging architectures used in TCSPC systems to record photon arrival times.

Time-Tagged Time-Resolved (TTTR) Acquisition

Time-Tagged Time-Resolved (TTTR) acquisition records every detected photon as an individual time-tagged event, preserving the complete temporal structure of the experiment. In quantum optics and detector characterization, TTTR is the native data model for coincidence analysis, photon statistics, and time-interval measurements across many channels.

MultiHarp 150 supports TTTR operation in both T2 and T3 modes, enabling flexible timing analysis depending on the experimental requirements. High sustained count rates, compact data formats, and hardware-level filtering help keep even long measurements manageable. Beyond quantum applications, TTTR also enables advanced analyses such as FCS, fluorescence dynamics, and burst detection. A dedicated blog article provides a deeper introduction to TTTR, its modes, and application range.

White Rabbit timing network synchronization concept for MultiHarp 150 time tagger

World's First White Rabbit Ready Time Tagger

MultiHarp 150 was the world’s first White Rabbit ready time tagger with fully integrated White Rabbit nodes. This hardware-level integration allows seamless operation within deterministic, Ethernet-based timing networks that provide sub-nanosecond accuracy and stable synchronization over large distances. By embedding the timing infrastructure directly inside the instrument, the MultiHarp 150 enables highly reliable, long-distance synchronization without sacrificing input channels and is ideally suited for advanced distributed experiments and modern timing architectures.

Software for Intuitive Operation and Custom Workflows

MultiHarp 150 is supported by modern software tools designed for efficient data acquisition, real-time monitoring, and flexible experiment control (Windows and Linux). In addition to intuitive graphical operation, comprehensive programming interfaces support custom workflows and automation using Python, LabVIEW, C/C++, Matlab, and other common scientific environments.

UniHarp software interface displaying time resolved histogram measurement data

UniHarp: Unified Control for Time-Tagging and TCSPC

UniHarp is the primary data acquisition software for the MultiHarp 150, providing an intuitive and streamlined environment for time-resolved experiments. It enables real-time control of measurement parameters, live visualization through histograms and time traces, and direct access to correlation tools such as g² and FCS. With structured parameter handling, clear visual feedback, and flexible data export, UniHarp supports both fast exploratory measurements and routine high-throughput workflows.

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snAPI Python interface for controlling PicoQuant Time Tagging & TCSPC electronics.

snAPI: Flexible Python Control for Advanced Workflows

For automated measurements and custom data pipelines, snAPI offers direct Python access to all essential configuration and acquisition functions of the MultiHarp 150. Its lightweight interface integrates smoothly into scientific codebases, enabling scripted experiments, real-time data processing, and experiment-specific control logic. snAPI is ideal for users who require maximum flexibility and seamless integration into automated or algorithm-driven workflows.

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Relevant for Your Research​

Matching Applications & Methods​

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Fluorescence lifetime imaging of MDCK cell membranes labeled with the tension probe Flipper-TR visualizes membrane tension changes during osmotic stress in mechanobiology experiments.
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In-Depth Scientific Resources

Scientific Resources

Access in-depth application notes and scientific posters with detailed methods, measurement data, and real-world use cases.

Application Note: Visualize Dynamic Processes with rapidFLIM HiRes

Application note on rapidFLIM HiRes for fast FLIM imaging with 10 ps resolution, enabling high-speed analysis of dynamic processes in biological samples

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Poster: Fast Analysis in Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging

Poster describing fast FLIM analysis in Luminosa using GPU-based algorithms, dynamic binning, and automated workflows for rapid lifetime imaging.

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