PMA Hybrid Series

Application & Methods PMA Hybrid Series Hybrid Photomultiplier Detector Assembly DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS TECHNICAL DOWNLOADS KEY BENEFITS High-Performance Hybrid Detection for Photon Counting Clarity in Every Single Photon PMA Hybrid Series combines large area hybrid photomultiplier technology (PMTs) with sensitivity of single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). With timing precision down to 20 ps, negligible afterpulsing, and detection efficiencies up to 45 %, these detectors enable reliable photon counting in demanding TCSPC, FLIM, and correlation applications. Each module integrates temperature stabilization, RF shielding, and all required electronics for effortless operation and seamless compatibility with PicoQuant systems, spectrometers, and laser scanning microscopes. These capabilities make the PMA Hybrid Series an ideal choice for FCS, FLIM, FRET, TRPL, LiDAR, and other advanced photon-counting workflows. Hybrid Detection in Time-Resolved Measurements Hybrid photomultiplier detectors combine fast timing, low noise, negligible afterpulsing and dead time-free detection in a way that is difficult to achieve with conventional detector technologies. These characteristics enable reliable photon counting under demanding conditions, including high count rates and time-resolved measurements where detector-related artifacts can otherwise limit accuracy. Hybrid Detection for High-Rate TCSPC High-speed TCSPC measurements often face significant challenges from pile-up distortion and timing errors, especially when photon arrival rates approach or exceed the excitation rate. Systems perform reliably only when the detector combines short dead time, low dark counts and minimal afterpulsing. Hybrid photodetectors meet these requirements through their fast response and clean timing behavior, which allows accurate reconstruction of fluorescence decay curves even under high photon flux. PMA Hybrid provides these characteristics in a compact detector module, making it well suited for measurement schemes that require both high count rates and precise timing. Read how high-rate TCSPC was demonstrated in a recent study. Key Performance Characteristics Five photocathode options covering 220–890 nm with detection efficiencies up to 45 % Timing performance down to 20 ps FWHM, dead time-free and with negligible afterpulsing, ideal for FCS and correlation methods Large active areas up to 6 mm for high light collection efficiency and flexible optical coupling Nickel-coated housing with dedicated RF shielding and optimized preamplifier for clean TCSPC timing Integrated Peltier cooling, HV supply, overload protection, and dual signal outputs for stable single-photon measurements Direct compatibility with PicoQuant TCSPC systems, spectrometers, and laser scanning microscopes Specifications Cathode type 07 – 3mm 07 – 6mm 40 – 3mm 40 – 5mm Wavelength range 220 nm – 650 nm 220 – 850 nm 300 – 720 nm 300 – 870 nm 380 – 890 nm Dark counts (cooled)* typ. 10 cps | max. 20 cps typ. 100 cps | max. 250 cps typ. 100 cps | max. 300 cps typ. 300 cps | max. 1000 cps typ. 150 cps | max. 320 cps typ. 250 cps | max. 600 cps Transit time spread (FWHM, typ. value) 50 ps 20 ps 30 ps 90 ps 170 ps 130 ps Overload shutdown at** 80 MHz Single electron response width (typ. value) 600 ps Pulse rise / fall time (typ. value) 400 ps Connector SMA female Impedance 50 Ohms Polarity negative