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Photon Timing HydraHarp 500

HydraHarp 500

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High-Resolution Multichannel Event Timer & TCSPC Unit

HydraHarp 500 is a high-accuracy time tagger and TCSPC unit with picosecond timing precision. Featuring versatile trigger methods and multiple interfaces, it is perfectly suited for demanding applications that require many input channels and high data throughput.

  • Outstanding timing precision of 2 ps RMS for single channel, 3 ps RMS between channels
  • Cutting-edge time resolution of 1 ps
  • Scalable up to 16+1 channels with advanced channel configuration
  • Choice of edge triggers or Constant Fraction Discriminators (CFD) possible
  • Sustained time tagging with up to 85 Mcps via USB 3.0 and high speed data link through eFPGA interface
  • Ultrashort dead time of 680 ps, no dead time across channels
  • Multifunctional on-board event filters
  • Ref In/Ref Out/PPS In/White Rabbit interface for multi-device synchronisation

The HydraHarp 500 integrates exceptional speed, precision, and flexibility to meet the requirements of cutting-edge research applications. With its ability to handle high-throughput experiments, deliver picosecond-level timing resolution, and supports different device configurations, it sets new standards in time-correlated single photon counting and event timing. Designed for reliability and seamless integration, the HydraHarp 500 excels in diverse fields, e.g. quantum optics or materials science, ensuring accurate and reproducible results even in demanding environments.

Benefits

  • Accurate data you can trust with high data quality
  • Flexibility in instrumentation
  • High effectiveness/increased productivity
  • Headroom to improve with additional FPGA for advanced users
  • More complete dataset with less blindspots
  • Makes experimental setup easier
  • More available channels
  • Connect devices to add more channels/enable long distance measurements

Flexible control options for any application

The HydraHarp 500 offers three ways to control and operate the device, ensuring seamless integration into your workflow. Whether you need an easy-to-use software interface, a powerful Python-based API for fast programming, or fully customizable programming options, the HydraHarp 500 adapts to your needs.

screenshot of UniHarp software

The HydraHarp 500 includes a Windows software package with essential functions for setting parameters, displaying results, and managing the loading and saving of parameter settings and data curves. Key data, including count rate, maximum counts, position and peak width, are continuously displayed, supported by a comprehensive in-built help system which guides users in maximizing the capabilities of the HydraHarp 500.

screenshot of snapi

The HydraHarp 500 is compatible with the snAPI, a powerful Python wrapper that connects the high-speed capabilities of PicoQuant’s TCSPC and Time Tagging Electronics with the flexibility and ease of Python. Built on a robust C++ core, snAPI ensures optimal performance for seamless communication, efficient device configuration, and real-time data processing. It enables users to access unfolded data directly from TCSPC devices or read PTU files with ease, providing unparalleled flexibility for advanced data handling.

 

Preliminary specifications of the HydraHarp 500 models

Input Channels and Sync
Discrimination Individual software adjustable CFD or edge trigger on all inputs (HydraHarp 500-S) Edge trigger on all inputs (HydraHarp 500-M)
Number of detector channels (in addition to Sync input) 4 (Base model) for HydraHarp 500-S; 5-8 (Base model + channel upgrades) 8 (Base model) for HydraHarp 500-M; 9-16 (Base model + channel upgrades)
Input voltage operating range (pulse peak into 50 Ohms) -1500 mV to 1500 mV
Input voltage max. range (damage level) -2000 mV to 3000 mV
Trigger edge CFD: falling edge / edge trigger: falling or rising edge, software adjustable
Time to Digital Converters
Minimum time bin width 1 ps
Timing precision* 3 ps rms typ.
Timing precision / √2* 2 ps rms typ.
Dead time 680 ps for edge trigger, 4.2 ns with CFD
Differential non-linearity < 6 % peak, < 0.9 % rms (over full measurement range)
Maximum sync rate (periodic pulse train) 640 MHz
Histogrammer
Count depth 32 bit (4 294 967 295 counts)
Maximum number of time bins 65536 (via GUI), 524288 (via DLL)
TTTR Engine
Peak count rate per input channel 1.47 × 109 cps for burst durations up to 1000 events
Sustained count rate per input channel** 80 Mcps
Total sustained count rate, sum over all input channels** 85 Mcps
External Marker Inputs
Number 4
External Synchronization
Ref IN 10 MHz, 100 MHz, or 500 MHz, 200 … 1500 mV p.p., 50 Ohm; AC coupled
Ref OUT Default: 10 MHz, 1000 mV, 50 Ohm; DC coupled
Datasheet
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HydraHarp 500

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