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Becker & Hickl - Model SPC-180N Series -TCSPC/FLIM Modules for Advanced Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
The SPC-180N Series by Becker & Hickl is a suite of high-performance modules designed for fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). Known for its high-time resolution, the series caters to various applications such as fluorescence lifetime measurements, single molecule spectroscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The modules are equipped with high-speed PCI-Express interfaces for rapid data transfer, crucial for avoiding bus saturation in fast FLIM operations. Featuring ultra-fast timing electronics, the modules span three variants: SPC-180N, SPC-180NX, and SPC-180NXX, each offering differing time range and resolution to accommodate diverse experimental needs. The series provides the functionality to measure internal timing jitter and IRF widths, advantageous for ultra-fast detectors like SSPDs. SPCM software, included with the modules, facilitates comprehensive data acquisition and analysis, supporting both acquisition and advanced analysis modes. These modules are well-suited for integration into various scanning microscopes and serve as a basis for FLIM upgrades.
The SPC-180N is a high-end performance module for fluorescence lifetime imaging micrscopy (FLIM) with high-time resolution. The board can be used for fluorescence lifetime measurements, single molecule spectroscopy, FCS and FCCS recording, FLIM, Mosaic FLIM, FLITS, and combined FLIM / PLIM applications. This module is also the basis of FLIM upgrades for various scanning microscopes.
General Information
The SPC-180N modules have ultra-fast timing electronics equivalent to those of the SPC‑150N series. The modules are available in three versions with different time range and time resolution:
Minimum Time Channel Width
SPC-180N: 813 fs
SPC-180NX: 405 fs
SPC-180NXX: 203 fs
Internal Timing Jitter (RMS) / IRF Width (FWHM)
SPC-180N: 2.5 ps / 6.6 ps
SPC-180NX: 1.6 ps / 3.5 ps
SPC-180NXX: 1.1 ps / 2.8 ps
The -NX version, and, especially, the -NXX version have been designed for ultra-fast detectors, SSPDs and ultra-fast hybrid detectors.
All SPC-180N series modules have high-speed PCI-Express (PCIe) interfaces. The new interface achieves extremely high data transfer rates. With the SPC-180N series modules, bus saturation and FIFO overflow in fast FLIM applications are unlikely to occur. To further facilitate fast FLIM, the modules of the SPC-180N series have a fast counter in parallel to the TCSPC timing electronics. This allows the data acquisition software to build up FLIM images, for which the intensity remains linear up to the highest count rates.
All SPC-180N family modules have high-speed PCI-Express (PCIe) interfaces and can be easily installed in nearly all PCs or configured as stand-alone timing unit.
Measurement Software Included
The SPCM operating and measurement software is included with all SPC series modules. SPCM provides online calculation and display (2D, 3D) of data (decay curves, FLIM, FCS, FCCS) acquired in multiple operation modes. SPCM software undergoes active continuous development. SPCM receives frequent updates with new features and bug fixes. Read more…
FLIM and FCS Data Analysis
For advanced fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and single-curve data analysis, please use SPCImage NG.
For advanced visualisation and analysis of dynamic effects, please use SPCDynamics.
For advanced fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and cross-correlation (FCCS) data analysis, please use Burst Analyzer.
- High-Throughput PCIe Interface
- Unprecedented Time Resolution and Excellent Timing Stability
- Time Channel Width Down to 203 fs
- Internal Timing Jitter (RMS) / IRF Width (FWHM) Down to 1.1 ps / 2.8 ps
- 12 MHz Saturated Count Rate
- -NX and -NXX Versions Ideal for Ultra-Fast HPM (Hybrid) Detectors and Superconducting NbN Detectors
- Precision Fluorescence Decay Recording
- High-Resolution FLIM, Simultaneous FLIM / PLIM and Multi-Wavelength FLIM
- Photon Correlation, Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
- Free Instrument Software for Windows 10 / 11
- Realtime Calculation of FLIM Images, FCS Curves and Decay Curves from FLIM ROIs
- Realtime Fit of FCS Curves
- Link to SPCImage NG Data Analysis
- Parallel Operation of Up to 4 Modules
- Available as Multi-Module Package, e.g. SPC-182NX, SPC-183NX and SPC-184NX