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I N T R O D U C T I O N
The PF32 system consists of 1024 single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) arranged in a 32 × 32
array. Each pixel has its own photon counting and timing electronics, making it a powerful and
unique single-photon sensitive time-resolved imager. It can be used in time-correlated single-
photon counting (TCSPC) mode with a photon timing accuracy of 55 ps, or it can be used in photon
counting mode as a single-photon sensitive high frame rate camera. In TCSPC mode, the sensor
can be operated in conjunction with a wide variety of light sources, such as pulsed lasers and
LEDs, to perform time-resolved measurements. To accommodate the differing properties of these
devices, a number of clocking/synchronisation options can be provided.
The camera has a CS-mount thread enabling the use of a wide variety of lenses, and with the
addition of adapters this can be extended to almost any lens the user wishes to employ. It is easily
connected to a computer through a USB 3.0 connection, and requires a simple 5V supply for the
entire system.
F E A T U R E S A T A G L A N C E :
32×32 pixel TCSPC imaging array.
o Fully digital photon counting and time-stamping (no analogue readout noise).
o In-pixel dual mode electronics:
55ps resolution 10-bit Time to Digital Converter (TDC) time-stamping
(1,023 time bins).
7-bit photon counting (count up to 127 photons per pixel per frame)
o Pipelined operation: simultaneous data acquisition and readout.
Flexible readout timing allows an increased frame rate for a subset of pixels or reduced
number of counter/TDC bits (LSB first).
Row and column enable/disable settings to define region of interest.
Optional calibration mode to lock TDC resolution to laser or reference frequency.
External laser synchronisation signal and reference clock inputs to provide TDC stop
signal and calibration loop reference frequency.
Individual power and bias supplies for noise-sensitive features.
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