PDM Series
Single Photon Avalanche Diode
Quantity
Key Highlights
- 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
Description
The PicoQuant PDM Series is a family of solid-state Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) modules designed for high-sensitivity photon counting and time-resolved measurements.
The detectors use epitaxial silicon SPADs combined with patented integrated Active Quenching Circuits (iAQC). This architecture provides excellent photon detection efficiency together with very high temporal resolution, making the PDM Series particularly suitable for applications where precise photon arrival-time information is critical.
The PDM Series provides a timing output with a resolution down to <50 ps FWHM. At wavelengths above approximately 470 nm, the temporal response can be comparable to MCP-PMT detectors, with an Instrument Response Function (IRF) around 50 ps achievable when combined with suitable fast TCSPC electronics and a short-pulsed laser.
Three active-area diameters—20, 50, and 100 µm—are available, allowing users to select the detector according to their optical configuration and coupling requirements. Fiber-coupled versions are available with an FC/PC connection, while free-beam versions can be used in open optical setups.
A major advantage of the PDM Series is its stable timing response at high count rates. This makes the detectors particularly useful for single-molecule measurements, fluorescence lifetime measurements, FCS, FLIM, quantum optics, and photon-correlation experiments.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Detector Technology | Silicon Single Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) |
| Detector Type | Solid-state single-photon detector |
| Manufacturer | Micro Photon Devices (MPD) |
| Spectral Range | Approx. 400–1000 nm |
| Maximum Detection Efficiency | 49% at 550 nm |
| Detection Efficiency at 400 nm | 24% typical |
| Detection Efficiency at 650 nm | 37% typical |
| Timing Resolution – NIM Output | Down to 50 ps FWHM |
| Timing Resolution – TTL Output | 250 ps FWHM |
| Active Area Diameter | 20, 50, or 100 µm |
| Afterpulsing Probability | ≤3% |
| Typical Dead Time | 77 ns |
| Output Signals | TTL counting + NIM timing |
| Output Pulse Rise/Fall Time | <2 ns on 10 pF load |
| Output Pulse Duration | 20 ns typical |
| Gating Input | TTL |
| Supply Voltage | 5–12 V DC, unregulated |
| Fiber Connection | FC/PC available |
| Optical Configuration | Fiber-coupled or free-beam |
Application
The PDM Series is designed for applications requiring high photon sensitivity, precise timing, and stable performance at high count rates.
Life Science & Biophotonics
- Time-Resolved Fluorescence
- Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM)
- Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging (PLIM)
- Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
- Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCS)
- Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
- Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
- Single-Molecule Detection
- STED Microscopy
- Dual-Focus FCS (2fFCS)
- Pulsed Interleaved Excitation (PIE)
- TRPL Imaging
- Lanthanide Upconversion
Quantum Optics & Photonics
- Antibunching Measurements
- Coincidence Correlation
- Quantum Communication
- Quantum Entanglement
- Quantum Teleportation
- Quantum Information Processing
Other Applications
- Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL)
- LIDAR / Ranging / SLR
- Bunch Purity Measurements