THORLABS SPCNT User Manual
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THORLABS SPCNT User Manual

THORLABS SPCNT User Manual

Single photon counting device
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SPCNT
Single Photon Counting Device
User Guide
2023

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Summary of Contents for THORLABS SPCNT

  • Page 1 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device User Guide 2023...
  • Page 2 Version: Date: 30-May-2023 Copyright © 2023 Thorlabs...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Table of Contents Chapter 1 Safety Chapter 2 Intended Use Chapter 3 Introduction Ordering Codes and Accessories Requirements Chapter 4 Getting Started Parts List Operating Elements Setup Software Installation Compatible Detectors Chapter 5 Operation SMA Connectors...
  • Page 4 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 13 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts...

  • Page 5: Safety

    This precision device is only serviceable if returned and properly packed into the complete original packaging including the cardboard inserts. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging. Refer servicing to qualified personnel! Changes to this device cannot be made nor may components not supplied by Thorlabs be used without written consent from Thorlabs. Attention The following statement applies to the products covered in this manual, unless otherwise specified herein.

  • Page 6: Intended Use

    PC for further analysis. The SPCNT is connected to the PC via the USB port, and can be controlled by Thorlabs'...

  • Page 7: Ordering Codes And Accessories

    Single Photon Detection Modules with Fixed Gain 3.2 Requirements These are the requirements for the PC intended to be used for remote operation of the SPCNT. Software Requirements The SPCNT can be run with the Thorlabs Optical Power Monitor software (OPM). Please see the requirements for the OPM on the website.

  • Page 8: Operating Elements

    INPUT connector (SMA). The sensor may also be connected or exchanged at a later point. 4. The SPCNT counting device is now ready for operation and is recognized by the OPM software. In case the SPCNT is not automatically recognized, please see the section troubleshooting.

  • Page 9: Software Installation

    6. Configure the SPCNT counting device in the Thorlabs OPM software as described in the section Optical Power Monitor. 7. The counts can now be monitored either via the OPM software or on the SPCNT display directly. Note In addition to using the Thorlabs software Optical Power Monitor, the user can build custom made software with the help of the SCPI commands saved within the OPM software.

  • Page 10: Operation

    Write-Your-Own-Application (WYOA). 5.1 SMA Connectors The SPCNT counting device has three SMA connector for signal input, montior output, and for input of an external signal measurement gating. Signal Input The SMA connector INPUT receives the pulse signal from a connected single photon detector.

  • Page 11: Operation Without A Connected Pc

    Chapter 5 Operation 5.2 Operation without a Connected PC The SPCNT can be used to monitor counts or their frequency directly on the device display. In this case the default settings, which are listed below, are applied to the SPCNT.

  • Page 12: Devices

    This left panel lists the recognized, connected devices. Additional devices (up to 8 SPCNT in parallel) may be added via the icon To change the displayed name or assign a color in the OPM for a selected device, click the icon Disconnect devices via the link icon 2.
  • Page 13 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation Internal Binning Use internal binning to set binning from within the OPM software. Internal Binning provides adjustment of the following parameters: 1. Bin Width [ms] The bin width determines the duration within which pulses are counted.
  • Page 14 Detector or other unwanted background signal. When connected to a PC running the OPM software, the zero button on SPCNT device is disabled. To set Zero to eliminate background, set up the detector as used but in the absence of the desired signal. Cover the detector and click the icon .
  • Page 15 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation As in other applications of the Optical Power Monitor software, click the icon to add display of more features. 5. Statistics The Statistics panel shows the measurement statistics in chart and table format. This data can be recorded via the icon Rev: 1.0, 30-May-2023...
  • Page 16 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation to set the duration of the acquired statistics and the recording duration. to save statistics, which were acquired just before via , or a recording to switch to the last or next statistics frame which was recorded via the icon to record statistics data within the duration set via the icon .
  • Page 17 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation 6. Graph The Graph panel shows the signal over time either as frequency or counts, as selected under Settings-Display - Parameter. to set the duration of the acquired graph and the recording duration.

  • Page 18: Monitoring

    0.1 second. The Monitoring interface has three sections from left to right: 1) Table: The table lists the connected SPCNT devices which are selected for logging in the Monitoring interface. To select them, click the settings icon...
  • Page 19 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation 2) Logging Chart: This panel displays the frequency or counts over time according the settings selected under the setting icon . The region of interest in the graph, display of the legend and marks of certain data points can be selected in the panel above the graph.

  • Page 20: Logging Settings

    SPCNT devices in parallel. When the software saves multiple files, an associated .tcsv file is saved for accelerated loading of data into the data viewer. Do not move or delete any files from the common folder.

  • Page 21: Data Viewer

    To load data into the Data Viewer, go to the tab File menu and select Load to open the file of interest. Data from the SPCNT, logged by the OPM software, can be loaded and displayed in the Data Viewer.

  • Page 22: Write Your Own Application

    Optical Power Monitor. Please download and open the software. Connect the SPCNT device to the PC. The connected SPCNT will be recognized. To access the SCPI commands, disconnect the SPCNT from within the OPM with a click to the link icon The following interface appears: Click on the very right blue icon to open the Terminal with the SCPI commands.
  • Page 23 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 5 Operation The SCPI commands appear. To go to different SCPI command sections, either scroll down or jump to a specific category by clicking respective tabs on the top right side of the panel.

  • Page 24: Operating Principle

    PC for display and analysis. The underlying base unit for the SPCNT is pulses / bin. The bin width and Dead Time (to introduce periodic interruptions) are set either in the provided OPM software, via custom made software, or using an external gated signal from a signal generator.
  • Page 25 In the example below, an external signal is set to 412 ms. 7 counts occur within the 412 ms, which equals a frequency of 16.99 Hz. This frequency is displayed on the SPCNT device as well as on the OPM interface.

  • Page 26: Specifications

    Display Size 25 mm x 35 mm (0.98" x 1.38") ) The SPCNT device counts pulses only when the signal level is above the threshold. ) non-condensing All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ± 15% rel. humidity (non condensing).

  • Page 27: Dimensions

    7.1 Dimensions Chapter 8 Maintenance and Service Protect the SPCNT from adverse weather conditions. The SPCNT is not water resistant. Attention To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents! The unit does not need regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any modules and/or components that could be repaired by the user himself.

  • Page 28: Certifications And Compliances

    SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliances Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliances Page 24 MTN032924_D02...

  • Page 29: Warranty And Rma Information

    Chapter 10 Warranty and RMA Information Thorlabs warrants material and production of the SPCNT for a period of 24 months starting with the date of shipment in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Thorlabs’...

  • Page 30: Copyright And Exclusion Of Liability

    Chapter 12 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability Thorlabs has taken every possible care in preparing this document. We however assume no liability for the content, completeness or quality of the information contained therein. The content of this document is regularly updated and adapted to reflect the current status of the product.
  • Page 31 SPCNT Single Photon Counting Device Chapter 12 Copyright and Exclusion of Liability Chapter 13 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up- to-date contact information. USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland Thorlabs, Inc.

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