PMA Hybrid Series
Hybrid Photomultiplier Detector Assembly
Quantity
Key Highlights
Wide dynamic range
Best timing precision for shortest lifetimes
No dead time and negligible afterpulsing
High count rate performance
Large, easy-to-align active area
Reliable UV–NIR coverage
Description
The PMA Hybrid Series is a compact, single-photon-sensitive detector designed for high-performance time-resolved photon counting. It is based on a fast hybrid photomultiplier tube (HPD) combined with integrated Peltier cooling, a high-voltage power supply, and a timing-optimized pre-amplifier.
The detector provides excellent temporal performance, with timing resolution reaching below 50 ps FWHM for the most time-sensitive photocathode versions. Its negligible afterpulsing is particularly advantageous for photon-correlation techniques such as Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), where afterpulsing can distort correlation functions at short lag times.
The PMA Hybrid offers two signal outputs. A negative voltage pulse is provided for photon timing and counting, while a positive analog output is proportional to the detected count rate and can be connected to an A/D converter or other monitoring electronics.
Five photocathode options are available to cover different spectral regions, from UV and blue wavelengths through the visible and into the near-infrared. The PMA Hybrid 40 provides particularly high detection efficiency in the visible range, while the PMA Hybrid 42 and 50 are designed for longer visible and NIR wavelengths.
The detector can be directly integrated with PicoQuant TCSPC systems and can also be used with spectrometers and laser-scanning microscopes, including non-descanned detection (NDD) configurations.
Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
Detector Type | Hybrid Photomultiplier Detector |
Timing Resolution | Down to <50 ps FWHM, cathode-dependent |
Detection Efficiency | Up to 45% at 500 nm, cathode-dependent |
Spectral Range | 220–890 nm, depending on model |
Active Sensor Area | 3, 5, or 6 mm, cathode-dependent |
After pulsing | Negligible |
Cooling | Integrated Peltier cooling |
High-Voltage Supply | Integrated |
Pre-Amplifier | Integrated, optimized for timing-sensitive applications |
Overload Protection | Yes. |
Shutter | Yes. |
Housing | Nickel-coated aluminum with RF shielding |
Signal Output | 50 Ω SMA |
Additional Output | Analog output proportional to count rate |
Interface | CAN interface for system integration |
Application
The PMA Hybrid Series is particularly suitable for applications requiring very fast timing, single-photon sensitivity, low afterpulsing, and high count-rate capability.
Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC)
Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM)
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS)
Fluorescence Lifetime Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCS)
Fluorescence Lifetime Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy (FLCCS)
Laser Scanning Microscopy
Confocal Microscopy
Two-Photon Microscopy
Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
LIDAR / Ranging
Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (OTDR)