TimeHarp 260
TCSPC and MCS Board with PCIe Interface
Quantity
Key Highlights
Compact form factor for system integration
Single- and Dual channel configuration
“PICO” and “NANO” models for differing performance requirements
Description
The PicoQuant TimeHarp 260 is a compact PCIe-based Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC), Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS), and time-tagging board designed for precise photon timing and straightforward integration into experimental and OEM systems. Based on a custom Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) architecture, the TimeHarp 260 provides high temporal resolution combined with short dead time and high counting performance. It is available in two versions: the PICO model with a 25 ps minimum time bin width for high-resolution timing applications, and the NANO model with a 250 ps minimum time bin width optimized for applications requiring extremely short dead time. The TimeHarp 260 can be configured with either one or two independent detector channels, together with a common synchronization input. The inputs can also be used as independent timing channels for coincidence and correlation measurements. Its TTTR capability enables recording individual photon events with their arrival times, supporting advanced offline analysis of photon dynamics. For system integration and advanced measurements, the DUAL configuration provides four external LVTTL marker inputs, which can be used to synchronize the board with external hardware such as scanners for Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). The programmable trigger output can also be used to control external devices or light sources. The TimeHarp 260 is therefore well suited for researchers and system developers who need a compact and flexible timing platform for time-resolved spectroscopy, fluorescence measurements, photon correlation, quantum optics, and photon-counting systems.
Specifications
Parameter | TimeHarp 260 PICO | TimeHarp 260 NANO |
Interface | PCIe | PCIe |
Detector Channels | 1 (SINGLE) or 2 (DUAL) | 1 (SINGLE) or 2 (DUAL) |
Common Sync Input | Yes. | Yes. |
Minimum Time Bin Width | 25 ps | 250 ps |
Optional Long-Range Mode | 2.5 ns | — |
Timing Precision | <20 ps RMS | <250 ps RMS |
Timing Precision / √2 | <14 ps RMS | <180 ps RMS |
Dead Time | <25 ns | <2 ns |
DNL | <2% peak; <0.2% RMS | <2% peak; <0.2% RMS |
Maximum Sync Rate | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
Sustained Count Rate / Channel | 40 Mcps | 40 Mcps |
Total Sustained Count Rate | 40 Mcps | 40 Mcps |
Peak Count Rate / Channel | 1000 Mcps* | 1000 Mcps* |
Maximum Histogram Bins | 32,768 | 32,768 |
Count Depth / Time Bin | 4,294,967,296 counts (32-bit) | 4,294,967,296 counts (32-bit) |
Adjustable Input Delay | ±100 ns | ±100 ns |
Delay Resolution | 25 ps | 250 ps |
External Marker Inputs | 4 LVTTL (DUAL only) | 4 LVTTL (DUAL only) |
Trigger Output Period | 0.1 µs–1678 s | 0.1 µs–1678 s |
Trigger Output Frequency | 0.596 Hz–10 MHz | 0.596 Hz–10 MHz |
Application
Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) High-resolution measurement of photon arrival times for fluorescence lifetime and other time-resolved spectroscopy applications.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) Time-tagging and synchronization of photon detection events with external scanners and imaging systems.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) Time-tagged photon measurements and correlation analysis for studying molecular dynamics and fluorescence fluctuations.
Time-Resolved Photoluminescence (TRPL) Measurement of photoluminescence decay dynamics in semiconductor and other optoelectronic materials.
Quantum Optics Photon counting, coincidence measurements, photon correlations, antibunching, and other experiments involving single-photon timing.
Photon Correlation & Coincidence Measurements Multiple input channels can be used for coincidence and correlation experiments between photon detection events.
Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS) Measurement of event rates as a function of time, particularly useful for long-lived fluorescence, luminescence, and other slow-decay processes.
OEM & System Integration The compact PCIe form factor makes the TimeHarp 260 suitable for integrating precise photon timing into custom measurement instruments, research platforms, and educational systems.
Materials Science & Nanophotonics Time-resolved characterization of nanomaterials, semiconductor structures, quantum emitters, and other photonic materials.