SPD_A_NIR
Ultra-low-noise NEAR INFRARED
1 or 2-channels SINGLE PHOTON COUNTING MODULEdnceahEn 14!
0in 2

The SPD_A_NIR from AUREA Technology is the “best-in-class” high-performance andeasy-to-use single photon counting modules engineered for the most demanding low-levelof-light applications. The SPD_A_NIR provides undeniable superior detection performances
over existing commercial detection technologies, such as solid-states, photomultipliers andMicro Channel Plates technologies.

The first worldwide 2-channels single photon counter> Features <High Quantum Efficiency up to 25%
Very low Dark Count Rate
1 or 2 independant channels
Self-contained, compact and easy-to-use
Adjustable PDE, dead-time and gate width
Remote control USB 2.0 interface
LabVIEW and C++ DLL librairies> Applications <Quantum Optics, Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Dots

Thanks to its outstanding low-noise and high photon detection efficiency, the self-contained
SPD_A modules enable worldwide scientists and engineers to measure very-low-light-level
down to the single photon level. By achieving extremely low light level analytical measurements,
it allows our worldwide customers to focus on their own challenges, and remain at the cuttingedge of their field.
Engineered with “high performance, and ease-of-use” innovative mindset, the SPD_A_NIR
includes the world’s most advanced InGaAs Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (Geiger-APD)
technologies, integrated cooling systems, the latest fast data processing and the most intuitiveand practical user interfaces.
Very compact the newly designed SPD_A is the only commercially available photon counting
module which provides 1 or 2 channels, and also a large variety of valuable options, such asthe fully integrated Time-to-Digital Converter or the extremely-low-noise “champion” version.
The SPD_A series were designed to meet the needs of a large variety of applications. In order
to meet each application, the SPD_A can be qualified or customized based on the customers’
technical requirements. At each delivery, a precise test report is provided.
The SPD_A_NIR is becoming the most popular photon counting module in today’s industry!
SPECIFICATIONSParameter

Typical values calibrated @ 1550 nm

DETECTION

Photon Source characterization

Spectral range

900 nm to 1700 nm (InGaAs)

Eye-safe Laser Ranging (LIDAR)

Optical fiber type

SMF (9 μm core) or MMF (50 μm core)

Fiber optics characterization (OTDR)

Detection Efficiency

Adjustable from 10% up to 25% [5% increments]
Adjustble up to 30% for “Champion” option

Time Correlated Single Photon
Counting (TCSPC)

Dark Count Rate

< 5,000 cps @10% QE with SMF< 1,000 cps @10% QE with SMF for “Champion” option

Fluorescence, fluorescence life time

Timing jitter< 200 ps @ 20% QE

Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy

Dead-time range

Adjustable from 500 ns to 1 ms [100 ns increments]

Photo-luminescence

Afterpulsing probability< 0.1% at 100 kHz @ 10 ns gate and 10% QE< 5% at 1 MHz @ 10 ns gate and 10% QE

Cooling time

< 2 min @ 25oC

Singlet Oxygen measurement> Options available on request <GATE trigger input signal

Detection Efficiency up to 30%

External trigger

Variable up to 20 MHz, TTL and sinusoidal

Internal trigger generator

Variable up to 20 MHz (internal generator is provided)

Effective gate width

Adjustable from 1 ns to 100 ns [0.5 ns increments]

Trigger delay

Variable from 0 to 128 ns [0.5 ns increments]

Champion (Extremely-low-noise)
Fully integrated 60 ps TDC for TCSPC
Analog output (0 to 5 Volts)
Wireless Bluetooth connection

Detection output signal
Detection OUT

TTL signal [20 ns width]

Monochromator interface

AUREA Technology SAS

18 rue Alain Savary 25000 Besançon

Francesupport@aureatechnology.com

www.aureatechnology.com

DATA SHEET V2.3 Jan. 2015

User Interfaces

Typical Photon Detection Efficiency vs Wavelength

CONTROL

A very well-designed and easy to use Graphical User Interface is provided.

Connectors
CTL_USB

Mini USB 2.0 type B

Opt IN

FC/PC optical connector

Detection OUT

SMA female type

0.9

20% QE

Trigger (Clock IN & OUT)

SMA female type

0.8

15% QE

1Timing Jitter vs Quantum Efficiency

10% QE

0.7

180 ps0.6

Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental

500 ps0.5Power supply

110 – 230 VAC

Power consumption< 10 Watts @ 5 VDC (1 channel)< 20 Watts @ 5 VDC (2 channels)

Dimension (LxWxH)

315 x 285 x 85 mm30.4

280 ps

0.3
0.2
0.1

Weight5 kg

Operating temperature+ 10°C to + 30°C

Storage temperature- 40°C to + 70°C

000.5Time [ns]

11.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

Other available Single Photon Counting modules

TCSPC versions and available options
The LynXea serie is also available with 60 psec time resolution for TCSPC
applications. Its Graphical User Interface directly provides fluorescence decay
curve, time correlation...
The SPD_A also provides many options, such as the “champion” serie which
performs extremely low DCR and high Quantum Efficiency.

Ordering Information

AUREA Technology provides a large portfolio of high-performance
Photon Counting and TCSPC solutions from 400 nm to 1700 nm.

Contact Information
For more information contact us at support@aureatechnology.com

MX

M1: 1 channel
M2: 2 channels

YY

SM: Single Mode optical fibre
MM: Multi Mode optical fibre

ZZ

01: FC/PC
other type on request

ACExtremely low DCR

SPD_A_NIR_MX_YY_ZZ

DISCLAIMER
The manufacture reserve the right to change this document at any time without notice and disclaims liability for editorial, pictorial and typological errors. © 2011-15 AUREA Technology SAS. All rights reserved.

AUREA Technology SAS

18 rue Alain Savary 25000 Besançon

Francesupport@aureatechnology.com

www.aureatechnology.com
Jan 2015

V2.3