Overview The SPCM-AQR is a self-contained module that detects single photons of light over the 400nm to 1060nm wavelength range - a range and sensitivity that often outperforms a photo-multiplier tube. The SPCM-AQR-IX uses a unique silicon avalanche photodiode with a circular active area that achieves a peak photon detection efficiency of more than 65% at 650nm over a 180μm diameter. The photodiode is both thermoelectrically cooled and temperature controlled, ensuring stabilized performance despite ambient temperature changes. Count speeds exceeding 10 million counts per second (Mc/s) are achieved by the SPCM-AQR-1X module. There is a “dead time” of 50ns between pulses. As each photon is detected, a TTL pulse of 2.5 Volts (minimum) high in a 50load and 35ns wide is output at the rear BNC connector. To avoid a degradation of the module linearity and stability, a case temperature between 5˚C and 40˚C should be maintained. Saturation The photon count decreases at higher incoming light levels. The count at which the output rate starts to decrease is called the saturation point. As an extreme example, if the module is exposed to intense light the count rate will fall to zero. Consequently, in certain applications, tests should be performed by the operator to ensure that a low count rate is not caused by detector saturation. Precautions should be taken to avoid any excessive light level that will damage the SPCM module. Applications LIDAR Photon correlation spectroscopy Astronomical observation Optical range finding Adaptive optics Ultra sensitive fluorescence Particle sizing Key Features and Benefits Peak photon detection efficiency at 650nm: 65% typical Active area: SPCM-AQR-IX: 175 m User friendly Gated input Single +5V supply www.optoelectronics.perkinelmer.com D A T A S H E E T BIOMEDICAL SOLUTIONS SPCM-AQR Single Photon Counting Module
Transcript
Overview
The SPCM-AQR is a self-containedmodule that detects single photonsof light over the 400nm to 1060nmwavelength range - a range andsensitivity that often outperforms a photo-multiplier tube.
The SPCM-AQR-IX uses a uniquesilicon avalanche photodiode witha circular active area that achievesa peak photon detection efficiencyof more than 65% at 650nm over a 180µm diameter. The photodiodeis both thermoelectrically cooledand temperature controlled,ensuring stabilized performancedespite ambient temperaturechanges.
Count speeds exceeding 10 millioncounts per second (Mc/s) areachieved by the SPCM-AQR-1Xmodule. There is a “dead time” of50ns between pulses.
As each photon is detected, a TTLpulse of 2.5 Volts (minimum) highin a 50� load and 35ns wide isoutput at the rear BNC connector.To avoid a degradation of themodule linearity and stability, a case temperature between 5˚Cand 40˚C should be maintained.
Saturation
The photon count decreases athigher incoming light levels. The count at which the outputrate starts to decrease is calledthe saturation point. As an extremeexample, if the module is exposedto intense light the count rate will fall to zero.
Consequently, in certainapplications, tests should beperformed by the operator toensure that a low count rate is not caused by detector saturation.
Precautions should be taken toavoid any excessive light level thatwill damage the SPCM module.
The SPCM-AQR-WX-FC has an“FC” fiber-optic receptacle pre-aligned to the optical detector.Optical fibers with an FC connectoron one end are available separately,(see Ordering Guide 2). Due to thewavelength dependence of thegraded index coupling lens, theoperating wavelength range must bespecified (see Ordering Guide 2).The photon detection efficiency ofconnectorized modules is about95% of that quoted for standardmodules.
Fiber shielding
When used with optical fibers, both the fiber itself and theconnector shrouds must becompletely opaque. Otherwise,stray light will increase the countrate. The SPCM-QCX pigtailsconform to this requirement (seeOrdering Guide 2).
Gating function
A gating function is provided witheach module – useful for viewing asignal that occurs only in a smalltimeframe window. Also, in someapplications the background lightflux is higher than the signal. Inthis case. the gating option could beused to improve the S/N ratio byopening a window only when thelight signal is present. The output ofthe module is disabled when a TTLlow level is applied to the modulegate input.
Light emission duringphoton detection
One peculiarity of silicon avalanchephotodiodes is that as an incomingphoton is detected, a small amountof light is emitted from theavalanche region. The emitted lighthas a broad spectral distribution. Inmost cases, this is not a problem.However, it can cause some confusion if another detector is
monitoring light, or if the opticalsystem is such that light emittedfrom the SPCM-AQR is reflectedback on itself. If these photonsreturn 35 ns after the initial event,they will be detected.
Safety
The SPCM-AQR contains a highvoltage power supply. All internalsettings are pre-set; there are nouser adjustments. Units thatappear defective or have sufferedmechanical damage should not beused because of possible electricalshorting of the high voltage powersupply.
Warranty
A standard 12-month warrantyfollowing shipment applies. Anywarranty is null and void if themodule case has been opened.
EDS warning
Modules should only be handled atan ESD-safe work station.
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Table 1. Specifications SPCM-AQR-WX at 22˚C, all models, unless otherwise indicated
Gating threshold voltage: (at V supply = 5 V)Low level (sink current >90mA) 0 0.4 VHigh level (sink current >30mA) 3.5 5.25 V
Table 2. Absolute maximum ratings
Supply voltage (1) 5.5 V
Mean count rate 5 Mc/s (Above this point, dead time will increase due to diode self-heating)
Peak light Intensity 104 photons per pulse and pulse width less than 1 ns.
Case temperature (3) 50˚C storage, 40˚C operating
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Operating instructions
1. Connection to incorrect voltageor reverse voltage may destroythe module. The warranty isinvalid where such damageoccurs.
2. These modules are not qualifiedfor shock or vibration otherthan normal instrumentationenvironments.
3. The module dissipates a meanpower of 2.5W and a maximumpower of 6.5W at high countrate and 40°C. Adequate heatsinking must be provided byclamping the module to asuitable heat sink via the holesin the module base. For thespecification performance, themodule case temperature mustnot exceed 40°C.
4. Bi-stability of the dark count:On a small percentage ofdelivered modules, bi-stabilityof the dark count has beenobserved. Research indicatesthis bi-stability is probably due to transitions at a singleimpurity site between a lowenergy and a high energy state.The phenomenon is seen as anabrupt change in the dark countrate, e.g., 350 to 390 c/s., andthe dark count switchesbetween the two states at a ratedependent upon the detectortemperature. Multilevelswitching has also beenobserved, where more than oneimpurity site is switching.
5. Long-term bi-stability is relatedto fundamental semiconductorphysics and is beyond
PerkinElmer’s control. Warrantyclaims will not be consideredagainst bi-stability alone.Warranty claims will only beconsidered if the high level ofthe dark count exceeds themaximum level in thespecification.
6. In the dark, the modulegenerates random counts thatfollow a Poisson distribution. Ina Poissonian process, thestandard deviation is equal tothe square root of the averagecount. In this specification the“dark count variation” refers tothe stability of the averagecount of the module.
7. The actual photon rate could becalculated using the followingequation, as indicated below:
ACTUALCOUNTRATE Photons = (OUTPUT ModuleCountRate x CORRECTIONFACTOR @ the Module CountRate) - DARK COUNT ModulePHOTON DETECTION EFFICIENCY Module
The theoretical value, at low count rate, of the Correction Factor follows this equation:
Correction Factor = 1 Where: td = Module Dead Time
1- (td X CR) CR= Output Count Rate
The deviation from an ideal linear system is another way of looking at the saturation effect. The following equations show how to calculate this departure from the linearity:
OUTPUT ModuleCountRateLINEARITY = -1
(PHOTONS Actual Count Rate x PHOTON DETECTION EFFICIENCY Module) + DARK COUNT Module
1
= -1Correction Factor
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Figure 1. Block diagram of module Figure 2. Electrical connections
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Fiber type ordering guide
Part Number Fiber Type Connector Type Diameter Numerical
Core Cladding Outer Aperature
SPCM-QC4 Multimode FC / Bare 62.5 �m 125 �m 2.5 mm 0.27
SPCM-QC6 Multimode FC / Bare 100 �m 140 �m 2.5 mm 0.29
SPCM-QC8 As SPCM-QC6 but 905 SMA on free end, 100 microns core fiber
SPCM-QC9 As SPCM-QC6 but FC connector on free end, 100 microns core fiber
Please contact PerkinElmer Optoelectronics for other configurations.
SPCM ordering guide
Appendix I
Declaration of Conformity
Declaration stating that PerkinElmer has conformed to CSA (Canadian Standards Association) which provides theright to bear the CSA mark on this product.
This product is eligible to bear the CSA mark with adjacent indicator ‘C’ and ‘US’.
Products:CLASS 8721 84 ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR LABORATORY USE – Certified to US standardsCLASS 8721 04 LABORATORY EQUIPMENT – Electrical.
Single photon counting module SPCM-AQR model SPCM-AQR-WX (where W = 1 and X = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), rated 5 Vdc,1.9 A, Continuous operation, installation category l, pollution degree 2
APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS:
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 (R1999) – Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, andlaboratory use, part 1: General requirementsCAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1B-92 – Amendment 2:1997 to CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 101.1-92, Safety requirements forelectrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirementsUL std no. 61010A-1 – Electrical equipment for laboratory use ; part 1:General requirements
This product is eligible to bear the CE mark in accordance with:
EN 61326:1997 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory useEN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory useThis product has been tested as per the following standards:
