PicoQuant has released version 3.0 of its data acquisition software for the PicoHarp 300 Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) system. Version 3.0 provides a programmable time offset in the sync input to replace adjustable cable delays (4ps resolution, ±100ns) and a programmable time offset in all PHR 800 router channels to tune for relative delay (4ps resolution, ±8ns). It also provides a new future-proof file format and export of histograms directly to ASCII files, as well as various improvements in usage and user interface.
The PicoHarp 300 is based on a new time digitiser with 4 picoseconds resolution, a very short dead time, a processing rate of up to 10 million counts per second, and an extremely low differential non-linearity. The system provides two identical input channels that can operate independently, but with a common crystal time base. Therefore, not only traditional TCSPC histograms for the measurement of fluorescence decays, but also picosecond coincidence correlations can be obtained.
For synchronisation with other processes external marker signals can be recorded. This allows fluorescence lifetime imaging with virtually all existing imaging devices including laser scanning microscopes (LSMs). Dedicated upgrade kits for widespread microscope models are available.
The software also provides warnings in situations where the measurement conditions are suboptimal or user settings are potentially erroneous. The PicoHarp 300 is designed as a USB 2.0 plug-and-play device, allowing control and data acquisition from a regular desktop computer or notebook PC.