In March 2023, the Horiba PTI QM-400 Spectrofluorometer in Waverly 970 was upgraded with Horiba’s DeltaHub time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) lifetime module. This new setup features fast lifetime acquisition times, sensitivity is higher by using single-photon counting detection, more accurate measurements, and can measure a wide range of lifetimes .
A new amplifier-discriminator module was also purchased that features an amplifier with bandwidth up to 2GHz, a constant fraction discriminator, detector overload protection, and programmable non-volatile settings. The combination of features make it suitable for applications involving low gain detectors.
A new 355 nm light source was also purchased. Horiba’s SpectraLED source is a nice alternative to xenon lamps because they can operate at higher repetition rates, the software can easily control the pulse duration and repetition rate, there is no afterglow which typically hinders lifetime interpretations below 100 us and operates silently.
See the below tables for more detailed specifications.
| TCSP Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Minimum lifetime | 30 ps with laser-diode source |
| Shortest acquisition time | 100 millisecond |
| Diode controller | NanoLED and SpectraLED |
| Repetition rates | 10 kHz–1 MHz with NanoLED0.1 Hz–10 kHz with SpectraLED |
| Prompt FWHM | <200 ps FWHM with PPD and laser diode |
| Dead time | 10 ns |
| Time ranges | 100 ns – 11 s |
| Wavelength selection | Interchangeable filters (filters purchased separately from HORIBA or others) |
| Detector response | 250–650 nm standard; 250–850 nm and 300–900 nm optional |
| PC interface | USB 2.0. PC not included. Requires Windows® XP or Windows® 7, 32/64-bit English language ver. |
| System footprint | 75 cm * 45 cm nominal excluding PC (depending on options) |
| Amplifier Discriminator Module Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Gain | 20dB to 30dB programmable (40dB option available) |
| Threshold adjustment | -10mV to -200mV |
| Input connector | SMA type |
| Output connectors | Lemo00 (NIM, Camac) |
| NIM output | -0.8V peak at 5ns duration (50-Ohm termination) |
| TTL output | >2V peak at 5ns duration (50-Ohm termination) |
| Re-trigger rate | 50MHz |
| Indicators | Host, Limit, Count, Power |
| Power requirement | 15V DC |
| Dimensions | 13.5cm x 20cm x 3.9cm |
| Weight | 0.47 kg |