Photek AuraTek Photon Counting System
From our partners at Photek:
AuraTek is the next generation Multi-channel Photon Counter offering excellent single photon timing of <40ps rms, high density adaptable channel formats, and with optional integrated readout electronics.
Three formats are currently available PCS-256, MAPMT228 and MAPMT253. Here, we will overview the Photon Counting System.
The AuraTek Photon Counting System (PCS-256) is an innovative, photon counting system that combines a Multi-Anode MCP-PMT with the high performance TOFPET readout electronics. The easyto-use system contains 256 independent, high performance photon counting channels, each having a time stamp with 44 ps resolution and timing performance of < 100 ps rms after amplitude walk correction. The system is self-triggering and event driven, with time and amplitude data provide for each photon detected. The maximum count rate for each channel is 160 kcps, with a maximum total system count rate of about 10 Mcps. An optional user provided event identifier can be time stamped and included in the data stream by replacing one of the 256 anodes with an external input. The 160 MHz clock used by the sensor head is available to synchronize external circuits, or optionally, the user can provide their own 160 MHz clock. A Gigabit Ethernet link (640 Mbps max data rate) makes the final connection to a data acquisition computer providing online data display and storage of raw data to disk for later processing. The PCS256 is available with any of Photek’s high sensitivity photocathodes, each providing high quantum efficiency with extremely low dark counts for optimal signal-tonoise performance. Customization of the PCS-256 for your specific needs includes; fibre optic input window for proximity focusing, multi-photon pulse readout, and varying pixel size and geometry using Photek’s proprietary Anisotropic Conductive Film technology. Software is provided to allow real-time monitoring of data and to optimize data post-processing.
Applications:
High Content Screening
Time Resolved Spectroscopy
Wide Field Time Correlated Single Photon Counting
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) & more
Product Specifications
Detector Characteristics
Window
Fused Silica or Fiber Optic
Active Area
26.5 x 26.5 mm
Electron Multiplier
Dual MCP
Anode Format
16 x 16
Anode Pitch
1.656 mm
Photocathode
Solar Blind, Bialkali, S20, or S25
Single Photon Response
Dark Counts per Channel
~2 cps
Time Stamp Resolution
44 ps
Transit Time Spread
<100 ps
Channel Trigger Rate (Maximum)
160 kHz
Maximum Ratings
Sensor High Voltage
< 3000 V
Average Total Count Rate
107 cps
Operating Temperature
-50 to +50°C
Storage Temperature
-50 to +50°C
Power
12V @ 5 A
Sensor Head (WxHxD)
188 mm x 120 mm x 82 mm