UniHarp SOON

UniHarp is a unique, state-of-the-art graphical user interface for data aquisition that brings precision, flexibility, and simplicity to working with PicoQuant's time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) and time-tagging devices. Designed with versatility and ease of use in mind, UniHarp allows researchers to utilize advanced measurement classes such as histogram, time trace, unfold, raw, and correlation (e.g., FCS and g²) while maintaining full control over all hardware and software parameters. The universal software is compatible with all current PicoQuant time-tagging devices, including the HydraHarp 500, HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 330, MultiHarp 150/160, and TimeHarp 260 (with optional DLLs). It offers real-time data acquisition, plotting, saving, and loading capabilities, as well as intuitive parameter-setting tools and comprehensive status monitoring for your PicoQuant time-tagging devices. With UniHarp, conducting cutting-edge experiments in quantum optics, photonics, materials science, and life sciences has never been easier.

Measurement Class Details

The software's data acquisition capabilities are based on the unique time-tagging modes by PicoQuant’s TCSPC electronics. In these modes, photons on each detection channel are either tagged with the absolute arrival time since the beginning of the measurement or with the time difference to the last laser pulse. This schemes preserve photon timing information and allow a large range of data interpretation ranging from simple TCSPC histograms to complex correlation analysis. 
Details on advanced measurement classes of UniHarp software >
 

Supported Time Tagging Units

HydraHarp 500

High-Resolution Multichannel Event Timer & TCSPC Unit

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MultiHarp 150

High-Throughput Multichannel Event Timer & TCSPC Unit

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MultiHarp 160

Scalable Multichannel Event Timer & TCSPC Unit

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PicoHarp 330

Precise and Versatile Event Timer & TCSPC Unit

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TimeHarp 260

TCSPC and MCS Board with PCIe Interface

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HydraHarp 400

Multichannel Picosecond Event Timer & TCSPC Module

Advanced measurement classes of UniHarp

Histogram

Histograms of photon arrival times are essential for studying temporal kinetics, including excited state lifetimes in time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) experiments. UniHarp allows precise parameter adjustments and visualizes the histogram as data is acquired, making it easy to record decay dynamics. Histogramming photon arrival times captures the relative timing between a synchronization signal and photon detection, with picosecond-level resolution. This technique is highly versatile and is utilized in various fields including Quantum Optics, Quantum Cryptography (QC), Time-Of-Flight (TOF), fluorescence decay, and coincidence correlation, among others.

Time Trace

Time trace measurement captures photon arrival times over extended periods, ideal for monitoring signal intensity over time or analyzing time-dependent behaviors such as molecular blinking. UniHarp provides intuitive controls to configure these measurements and allows real-time plotting for immediate feedback.

Correlation

Correlation analysis, including auto- and cross-correlation for FCS or g(2) measurements, is integral for characterizing molecular interactions and quantum emitter properties. UniHarp simplifies correlation setups and visualizes results for instant interpretation.

Unfold

Unfold measurement processes data streams to extract detailed photon timing information. This class is essential for experiments requiring high temporal resolution and provides a robust interface for managing unfolded photon arrival data.

Raw

Raw data acquisition enables direct access to unprocessed photon data, empowering researchers to develop custom analysis pipelines or validate device performance under unique conditions. UniHarp makes exporting and managing raw data seamless.

Further Features

Auto-Tune: This feature includes a button that automatically adjusts measurement mode settings based on the detected signal. It simplifies setup processes by optimizing the device configuration to ensure accurate data collection tailored to the specific characteristics of the signal being analyzed.

Curve Memory: This functionality allows users to anchor graphs of previously measured data within the plot window, or to load historical data stored on the PC. By enabling the comparison of recorded and live data directly in the plot window, users can more effectively track changes and trends over time, facilitating a deeper understanding of the data patterns.

Scoreboard: Designed for enhanced operational monitoring, the Scoreboard is a customizable and resizable window that continuously displays key data such as count rate, maximum counts, position, and peak width. This feature is especially useful for ensuring data readability from a distance, such as during the alignment of equipment, providing a clear, at-a-glance overview of critical measurements to aid in precision adjustments and equipment setup.

UniHarp: Your Research Partner

By combining advanced measurement capabilities with a sleek, intuitive interface, UniHarp is the go-to software for researchers seeking precision and efficiency in TCSPC experiments. From data acquisition to analysis, UniHarp empowers you to push the boundaries of discovery.

• Graphical user interface: Windows based GUI
• Supported TCSPC modules: HydraHarp 500, HydraHarp 400, PicoHarp 330, TimeHarp 260 (with optional DLLs), and MultiHarp 150/160
• Supported Channels: 1 to 64
• Measurement Classes: Histogram, Time Trace, Correlation (FCS or g²), Unfold, and RAW
• Measurement preview: TCSPC histogram, Time Trace, and FCS
• Display: Linear or logarithmic scale, zoomable 
• Export Data Format: PTU, PHU, and ASCII also via Windows clipboard
• Operating System: Win 10/11

The data acquisition software UniHarp for PicoQuant's time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) and time-tagging devices can be used in all applications that are based on time-resolved data acquisition, such as:

• Time-Resolved Fluorescence
• Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)
• Photon Antibunching