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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

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