Hybrid photodetector for single-molecule spectroscopy and microscopy

We report benchmark tests of a new single-photon counting detector based on a GaAsP photocathode and an electron-bombarded avalanche photodiode developed by Hamamatsu Photonics. We compare its performance with those of standard Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes. We show its advantages for FCS due to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inProceedings of SPIE, the international society for optical engineering Vol. 6862; no. 68620F
Main Authors Michalet, X, Cheng, Adrian, Antelman, Joshua, Suyama, Motohiro, Arisaka, Katsushi, Weiss, Shimon
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 15.02.2008
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Summary:We report benchmark tests of a new single-photon counting detector based on a GaAsP photocathode and an electron-bombarded avalanche photodiode developed by Hamamatsu Photonics. We compare its performance with those of standard Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes. We show its advantages for FCS due to the absence of after-pulsing and for fluorescence lifetime measurements due to its excellent time resolution. Its large sensitive area also greatly simplifies setup alignment. Its spectral sensitivity being similar to that of recently introduced CMOS SPADs, this new detector could become a valuable tool for single-molecule fluorescence measurements, as well as for many other applications.
ISSN:0277-786X
DOI:10.1117/12.763449