TimeHarp 260

Time-Tagged Time-Resolved (TTTR) mode records every photon event with its exact arrival time and channel assignment, enabling detailed offline analysis of fluorescence dynamics, correlation processes, and single-molecule behavior. It supports applications ranging from FCS and burst analysis to fast FLIM and quantum optics. Both T2 and T3 modes are available, covering free-running timing across all inputs. Dual-channel versions can also capture external marker events for precise synchronization with scanners and other hardware. Learn more about TTTR in our blog article.

TimeHarp 260 is built on a custom time-to-digital converter (TDC) architecture developed using fast SiGe technology, enabling picosecond timing, ultrashort dead time, and high sustained count rates. The poster “High Speed Multichannel TCSPC Electronics” provides an in-depth look at the underlying hardware design, including the multichannel TDC layout, FPGA-based data processing pipeline, and the memory-efficient event handling used for time tagging and correlation measurements. It also highlights the Long Range Mode, which extends the measurable time window for phosphorescence and long-lived decay processes into the second range while maintaining excellent timing performance. Test data, correlation measurements, and FLIM examples illustrate the robustness and precision of the electronics across a wide range of photon-counting applications.

Coincidence correlation measurements on a picosecond timing scale are a powerful tool in life sciences and quantum optics. In quantum optics, they are used to investigate phenomena such as photon antibunching, quantum entanglement, and single-photon emission. By correlating photon arrival times from multiple detectors, it becomes possible to determine whether an emitter behaves as a true single-photon source. The example shown demonstrates antibunching from nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds, confirming the presence of a single quantum emitter.

UniHarp is PicoQuant’s free data acquisition software for TCSPC and time-tagging devices, offering real-time control, clean visualization, and flexible data saving. It supports time traces, histograms, correlation measurements (including g² and FCS), and provides an easy, intuitive workflow for configuring and running experiments.

snAPI is PicoQuant’s efficient Python interface for TCSPC hardware, enabling streamlined device communication, configuration, and data handling. It allows users to build custom scripts, automation routines, and analysis pipelines with minimal overhead.