Pi Imaging's participated in ISSW 2024 and new red-enhanced SPAD sensors are unveiled

Lausanne, June 25, 2024 — We are excited to announce our recent participation in the International SPAD Sensor Workshop - ISSW 2024, the most prestigious conference dedicated to single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs), SPAD-based sensors, and related applications. Our latest research was showcased by our Head of IC Design, PhD Augusto Carimatto.

The international SPAD sensor workshop (ISSW) is the leading event focusing on the study, modeling, design, fabrication, and characterization of SPAD sensors. Held in Trento, Italy, from June 3-6, 2024, the workshop attracts researchers, practitioners, and educators who are passionate about SPADs, SPAD imagers, and their diverse applications across fields such as medical diagnostics, telecommunications, and quantum computing.

At ISSW, we proudly unveiled our innovative "Red-Enhanced SPAD Sensor with 150-ps Gating for FLIM." This state-of-the-art sensor is designed to significantly enhance confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and is targeted at detection wavelengths above 600 nm, matching the standard red fluorophores like Alexa Fluor 647 and Atto 647. PhD Carimatto’s presentation, along with an interactive poster session, generated enthusiastic discussions among international experts in SPAD technology.

PhD Carimatto’s presentation provided an overview of the technical advancements: peak detection efficiency is shifted to 640 nm from the current “green optimized” products positioned at 520 nm, while the noise (dark count rate) and timing jitter remain at less than 100 counts per second and 120 ps FWHM, respectively. The sensor’s 150-ps time-gating capability marks a major leap forward, enabling precise temporal resolution in FLIM without the necessity of an external time tagger. This development is poised to improve the spatial resolution and fluorescence lifetime precision of biological samples with red fluorophores, facilitating cutting-edge research in cellular and molecular biology. Spatial resolution is improved beyond diffraction limit by using image scanning microscopy (ISM), while fluorescence lifetime precision is improved by detecting more photons while maintaining good timing jitter. During the poster session, co-presented by our experienced IC designer Pouyan Keshavarzian, attendees engaged with detailed explanations of the sensor’s design and capabilities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to ISSW co-organizers Claudio Bruschini and Edoardo Charbon, also the co-founders of Pi Imaging. Their dedication to organizing this event has created a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas and innovation within the SPAD community. Their efforts have been crucial in driving advancements in this field.

Our participation in ISSW 2024 has reaffirmed our commitment to leading the way in SPAD technology. The knowledge exchange and networking opportunities provided by this event have been invaluable, propelling us to further innovate in this field. We are excited about the potential applications of our red-enhanced SPAD sensor and are eager to continue its development.