SPAD Lambda (λ)
A linear single-photon detector array for spectral applications.
Linear detector array
Wide detection spectra and low noise
Time tagging and gating
Plug and play
SPAD Lambda, high-efficiency linear photon detector
SPAD Lambda (λ) is a linear detector with a 320×1 SPAD array. It features single-photon detectors (SPADs) enabling both photon-counting and photon-time tagging. This arrangement is ideal for spectral detection applications. Thanks to microlenses and state-of-the-art production facilities, this detector offers high detection efficiency. The detector is capable of both time gating and time stamping for the ultimate control over time-varying signals of interest.
*Other product names: SPADλ
For consistency and clarity, note that these names refer to the same product.
Linear detector array
SPAD Lambda features a single line with 320 single-photon detectors. This form factor is suitable for spectral applications that require high-speed, low light performance and/or single photon timing.
Wide detection spectra and low noise
Our single-photon detectors are fabricated in a state-of-the-art CMOS process and offer a low dark count rate of less than 250 cps. Microlenses enhance the detection with a peak detection efficiency of over 45%.
Time tagging and gating
The sensor features both time tagging and time gating to study time varying signals of interest, this offers the most flexible approach to filter out unwanted signal while still preserving the arrival information of single-photons.
Plug and play
The system requires just a 5V power adapter and two USB3 cables to run. For full flexibility, 4 additional control lines can be connected to the SMA connectors. The industry standard C/CS-mount optical port and the M4 screw mounting positions offer a flexible integration into any existing optical setup.
The detector is bundled with an intuitive software interface. The software gives easy access to all functionalities offered by our detectors, allows for fast prototyping and makes acquiring single-photon data easier than ever.
For the advanced users, we offer full remote control through a standard TCP/IP interface. This enables the user to take full control of the system from any TCP/IP capable software package, such as Matlab, Octave, Labview and Python.
The linear form factor of SPAD Lamba (λ) makes it very suitable for spectral applications. Time tagging and gating offer additional flexibility to extract fluorescence lifetime data.
Other applications include flow cytometry and the study of quantum properties.
| Properties | SPAD Lambda |
|---|---|
| Array size | 320×1 pixels |
| Peak detection probability | 50% @ 520 nm |
| Wavelength window | 400—950 nm |
| Fill factor (collimated light) | >80% |
| Median dark count rate | <250 cps |
| Maximum pixel count rate | 12.5 Mcps |
| Maximum system bandwidth (2× USB-3) | 6 Gbps |
| Maximum photon throughput (counting mode) | 4 Gcps |
| Maximum photon throughput (time tagging mode*) | 140 Mcps |
| Timing resolution in time tagging mode | 20 ps |
| Timing synchronous to | laser clock |
| Minimum gate width | 4 ns |
| Minimum gate step size | 17 ps |
| Power consumption | 7—10 W |
| External SMA triggers | dwell clock line clock frame clock laser clock |
| Peltier and air cooling | ✔ |
| Protective glass window | ✔ |
| Robust metal enclosure | ✔ |
*Time tagging is an optional feature in our SPAD Lambda systems. Systems without time taggers are available at a reduced price.
