UniHarp
Universal Time-Tagging Data Acquisition Software
Quantity
Key Highlights
- Run complex experiments faster with intuitive workflows
- Gain immediate experimental feedback via real-time visualization
- Set up complex measurements without scripting
- Compare live results directly with previously recorded data
- Clean measurement data using built-in filtering tools
Description
UniHarp is PicoQuant's universal data acquisition software for Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) and time-tagging experiments.
Designed as an easy-to-use graphical interface, UniHarp allows researchers to configure PicoQuant timing electronics, acquire photon data in real time, visualize measurement results, and save or load experimental data. Its measurement framework preserves photon timing information, allowing the same acquired data to be used for different types of analysis—from conventional TCSPC histograms to advanced photon-correlation measurements.
The software supports several measurement classes, including Histogram, Time Trace, Correlation, Unfold, and RAW. Correlation measurements can be used for applications such as Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) and second-order photon correlation g²(τ) measurements.
UniHarp also provides tools for working with data after acquisition. Functions such as Coincidence, Herald, Substream, Merge, and Delay allow researchers to select, combine, filter, or manipulate photon time-tag data for more advanced experiments and analysis workflows.
The software is compatible with PicoQuant's current time-tagging platforms, including HydraHarp 500, PicoHarp 330, MultiHarp 150/160, and TimeHarp 260 with the applicable DLLs. UniHarp supports configurations ranging from 1 to 64 channels, making it suitable for both compact single-channel experiments and large multichannel photon-counting systems.
Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Software Type | Universal Data Acquisition Software |
| Primary Function | TCSPC & Time-Tagging Data Acquisition |
| GUI | Windows-based |
| Supported Channels | 1–64 |
| Measurement Classes | Histogram, Time Trace, Correlation, Unfold, RAW |
| Correlation Modes | FCS, g² and other photon-correlation measurements |
| Real-Time Visualization | Yes. |
| Data Acquisition | Real-time |
| Data Saving / Loading | Yes. |
| Supported File Formats | PTU, PHU, ASCII |
| Data Export | ASCII and Windows Clipboard |
| Display Scale | Linear or logarithmic |
| Plot Functions | Zoomable measurement display |
| Device Monitoring | Count rate, maximum counts, peak position, peak width, etc. |
| Auto-Tune | Yes. |
| Curve Memory | Yes. |
| Coincidence Analysis | Yes. |
| Herald Processing | Yes. |
| Substream Processing | Yes. |
| Merge Function | Yes. |
| Delay Function | Yes. |
| Automation | Supported |
| Compatible Devices | HydraHarp 500, HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 330, MultiHarp 150/160, TimeHarp 260* |
Application
UniHarp can be used across a wide range of time-resolved photon-counting and photon-correlation applications, including:
Life Science & Biophotonics
- Time-Resolved Fluorescence
- Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
- Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements
- Photon-counting microscopy
- Single-molecule measurements
Quantum Optics & Photonics
- Photon Antibunching
- g²(τ) Measurements
- Photon Correlation
- Coincidence Measurements
- Quantum Optics Experiments
- Single-Photon Experiments
Materials & Physical Sciences
- Time-resolved photoluminescence
- Photon statistics
- Time-resolved spectroscopy
- Semiconductor and nanomaterial characterization
PicoQuant specifically highlights applications in quantum optics, photonics, materials science, and life sciences.