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.
Why choose HydraHarp 500?
1.FAST
High data throughput with up to 16+1 fully independent channels and an extremely low dead-time per channel with no dead time across channels.
2. PRECISE
Outstanding timing precision and picosecond accuracy, powered by a high-precision internal clock and exceptionally low jitter.
3. FLEXIBLE
Versatile channel configurations and trigger options for a wide range of detectors; includes USB 3.0, external FPGA interface, and White Rabbit for efficient data transfer and synchronization.
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.
| HydraHarp 500 S | HydraHarp 500 M | |
|---|---|---|
| Input Channels and Sync | Individiual software adjustable CFD or edge trigger on all inputs | Edge trigger on all inputs |
| 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 |
|
* In order to determine the timing precision it is necessary to repeatedly measure a time difference and to calculate the standard deviation (rms error) of these measurements. This is done by splitting an electrical signal from a pulse generator and feeding the two signals each to a separate input channel. The differences of the measured pulse arrival times are calculated along with the corresponding standard deviation. This latter value is the rms jitter which we use to specify the timing precision. However, calculating such a time difference requires two time measurements. Therefore, following from error propagation laws, the single channel rms error is obtained by dividing the previously calculated standard deviation by √(2). We also specify this single channel rms error here for comparison with other products.
** Sustained throughput depends on configuration and performance of host PC.
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.
Free yet powerful device software for data acquisition and optional software for in-depth acquisition and analysis
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. Additionally, the HydraHarp 500 is fully compatible with UniHarp, a sleek, powerful and intuitive graphical user interface. UniHarp revolutionize the interaction with PicoQuant’s TCSPC and Time Tagging Electronics, offering seamless access to advanced measurement modes like time trace, histogram, unfold, raw and correlation (including FCS and g²). It simplifies data acquisition and analysis for researchers in photonics, life science, materials science, and quantum optics. The GUI provides a streamlined interface to configure, initiate, and monitor your time tagger, ensuring every photon count is captured with precision. With intuitive parameter-setting tools UniHarp puts full control at your fingertips.
Fast, intuitive, and versatile Python-based API for efficient device communication, configuration, and data handling
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. With snAPI, researchers can create custom algorithms, perform complex calculations, and develop tailored data pipelines, unlocking deeper insights and innovative experimental workflows. Alternatives for advanced T2 data collection and analysis are the SymPhoTime and QuCoa software suites offered by PicoQuant. SymPhoTime is focused on typical life science applications while QuCoa is oriented towards typical quantum optics applications.
A library for custom programming, e.g., with C, C#, LabVIEW, Matlab, and Python is available. Demo code is provided for an easy start.
For users requiring full customization, the HydraHarp 500 offers a comprehensive library supporting programming languages such as C, C#, LabVIEW, Matlab, and Python. This library allows researchers to create tailor-made solutions for specific experimental needs. Provided demo code ensures an easy start, while essential functions like setting parameters, displaying results, and managing data are readily accessible.
