Pulse Counter Option

The UHF-CNT Pulse Counter enables the analysis of up to 4 pulse trains in parallel, which is relevant for event-based measurements such as photon detection with photo-multiplier tubes. There are 5 distinct modes of operation, and each channel offers an adjustable discriminator. The maximum count rate is 225 MHz. Measurement results from the pulse counters can be conveniently analyzed with LabOne^®. Branching conditions for the UHFAWG Arbitrary Waveform Generator can be defined based on counter values thanks to the cross-domain trigger engine, thus facilitating the implementation of ultra-fast feed-forward loops for quantum error correction.

UHF-CNT upgrade and compatibility

• Field-upgradeable option
• Compatible with all other UHF options

The UHF-CNT Pulse Counter can operate with the following modes:

• Free-running mode: the counter runs in repeated periods defined by a configurable timer. At the beginning of each period the counter is reset, and at the end the accumulated number of counts is output.
• Gated mode: the counter is controlled with the gate input signal. The counter is enabled at the rising edge of the gate input signal and disabled at the falling edge. The accumulated number of counts is output on the falling edge of the gate input signal.
• Gated free-running mode: this mode is similar to the free-running mode, but the gate input signal also controls when the counter can run. The counter and the timer are reset when the gate input signal is low.
• Time tagging: every single event is counted and transmitted to the host computer along with a time tag.

All modes feature background subtraction, i.e., take into account measurement values from two separate counters and count integration over time.

In combination with the UHFAWG Arbitrary Waveform Generator, the UHF-CNT features advanced cross-triggering functionality for complex pulsed experiments in quantum optics, among others. Counters can be initiated and reset by the UHFAWG and, vice versa, counter values can serve as a trigger or as branching conditions for the UHFAWG.