THORLABS PMT2100 Series User manual

PMT2100 Series
Photomultiplier Tubes
User Guide

Copyright June 6, 2019 Thorlabs, Inc.Allrights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described
in this document is furnishe d under alicense agreement or nondis closure agreement. The
software maybe used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements. No
part of this publication maybe repro duced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted inany
form or any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any
purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the written permission of
Thorlabs, Inc.
Thorlabs, Inc.
108 Powers Court
Sterling, VA 20166
703-651-1700

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions ...........................................1
Chapter 2 Safety.................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Description........................................................................3
3.1. Overview ....................................................................... 3
Chapter 4 Getting Started .................................................................5
4.1. Ordering Codes .............................................................. 5
4.2. Unpacking and Inspection.............................................. 5
4.3. Setting Up PMT2100 Series PMT .................................... 6
Minimum Computer Requirements..............................................6
Preparation..................................................................................6
Chapter 5 Operation...........................................................................7
Chapter 6 Software ............................................................................9
6.1. PMT2100 Software Development Kit (SDK) Installation.. 9
6.2. Keysight IO Libraries Suite ........................................... 13
Keysight VISA Settings Configuration .......................................16
6.3. NI-VISA Runtime 18.5................................................... 18
6.4. Software Startup ......................................................... 24
6.5. Setting the PMT2100 Offset ......................................... 26
6.6. GUI (Graphical User Interface) ..................................... 27
Display Area ..............................................................................27
Menu..........................................................................................28
6.7. Updating the Firmware................................................ 29
Chapter 7 Maintaining the PMT2100 Series ..................................31
7.1. Storing the PMT2100 Series ......................................... 31
7.2. Troubleshooting .......................................................... 31
Chapter 8 Electrical Schematic ......................................................32
Chapter 9 Performance Plots..........................................................33
Chapter 10 Specifications.................................................................34
10.1. General Specifications ................................................. 34

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes
10.2. PMT Specifications....................................................... 35
10.3. Amplifier Specifications ............................................... 36
Chapter 11 Mechanical Drawing.......................................................37
Chapter 12 Commands......................................................................41
Chapter 13 Certifications and Compliance......................................43
Chapter 14 Warranty..........................................................................44
Chapter 15 Regulatory.......................................................................45
Chapter 16 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.......................................46

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your
device.
Symbol
Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 TTN094969-D02
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this user guide
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly. Please read the following
warnings and cautions carefully before operating the device.
WARNING
DO NOT use the device for anything other than its intended use. If the device is
used in a manner not specified by Thorlabs, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
CAUTION
DO NOT operate in a wet, damp, or explosive environment.

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 3: Description
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 3
Chapter 3 Description
Our PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) have an integrated
transimpedence amplifier, designed for the detection of signals from
DC to 80 MHz. They have built-in low pass filters (250 kHz, 2.5 MHz and 80 MHz).
The USB cable powers and controls the PMT2100 PMTs. A buffered output drives
a 50 Ωimpedance up to ±1.5 V. The housing includes C-Mount threading
(1.00"-32) for convenient mounting of external optics, emission filters, and irises.
The PMT2100 series consist of PMT2100 (C-Mount threading, only available with
Thorlabs Imaging Systems), PMT2101 (SM1-threaded aperture with imperial
mounting threads), PMT2101/M (SM1-threaded aperture with metric mounting
threads), and PMT2102 (C-Mount threading, standalone unit).
3.1. Overview
Figure 1 PMT2100 Series PMT Front View
Cap
(C-Mount or SM1)
Photocathode
Internal Thread
( C-Mount or SM1 Threading)

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 3: Description
Page 4 TTN094969-D02
Figure 2 PMT2100 Series PMT Rear View
USB Port
Serial Number
SMA Cable
Output
USB Male A to
Mini ROHS

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 4: Getting Started
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 5
Chapter 4 Getting Started
This section is provided for those interested in getting the Photomultiplier Tube
module up and running quickly.
4.1. Ordering Codes
Ordering Codes
Description
PMT2100
Non-Cooled GaAsP PMTs with Built-in Amplifier, C-
Mount (Only Available with Thorlabs Imaging Systems)
PMT2101
Non-Cooled GaAsP PMTs with Built-in Amplifier,
SM1-Threaded Aperture with Imperial Mounting Threads
PMT2101/M
Non-Cooled GaAsP PMTs with Built-in Amplifier,
SM1-Threaded Aperture with Metric Mounting Threads
PMT2102
Non-Cooled GaAsP PMTs with Built-in Amplifier,
C-Mount
4.2. Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the PMT2100 series PMT and its
accessories. The table lists the standard accessories shipped with the device.
Name
Quantity
PMT2100
PMT2101
PMT2101/M
PMT2102
Photomultiplier Tube
1
1
1
1
USB Male A to USB
Mini 2.0
1
1
1
1
SMA to SMB Cable
120"
1
1
1
1
C-Mount Cap
1
-
-
1
SM1 Cap
-
1
1
-
PMT2100 Control
Software CD
1
1
1
1
Inspect the device and its accessories for any missing parts or damage. If there is
any problem, please contact our nearest office (see Chapter 16 Thorlabs
Worldwide Contacts for details).

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 4: Getting Started
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4.3. Setting Up PMT2100 Series PMT
Minimum Computer Requirements
Computer Requirements
Operating System
Windows 7 or 10 (64-Bit)
Driver
Keysight IO Libraries Suite (Version 17.2.20818.0)
Other Software
Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012), Microsoft
.NET 4.5.2
Preparation
1. Mount the PMT on your optical table or application. Keep the PMT cap on
until you are ready to start the experiment.
2. Connect the USB port to the computer.
3. Connect a 50 ΩSMA to SMB cable from the OUT port of the PMT to a
data acquisition equipment. If you use your own cable and the cable
length is longer than 120", we recommend you to terminate the opposite
end of the cable at 50 Ωfor maximum performance.
CAUTION
DO NOT expose the photomultiplier tube to strong light sources
(especially UV). They can temporarily increase the noise in the output
signal. It can additionally trip the PMT and potentially cause permanent
damage to the unit.
4. Install the required software/driver on your computer as described in
Chapter 6: Software.
5. Start the PMT2100 Control software (refer to Section 6.4: Software
Startup) and adjust the PMT offset (refer to Section 6.5 Setting the
PMT2100 Offset).
6. Switch on the light source.
7. Use the PMT2100 Control software (refer to Chapter 6: Software) to
control the output gain of the PMT.
Note: The warm-up time required before applying control voltage is 30–60
minutes.

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 5: Operation
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 7
Chapter 5 Operation
The light to voltage conversion can be estimated by multiplying the wavelength-
dependent responsivity of the photomultiplier tube bythe transimpedance gain and
input optical power:
Output (V) = Transimpedance Gain (V/A) x Sensitivity (A/W) x Gain x
Input Optical Power (W)
The sensitivity can be estimated from Figure 3 and the calibration data. The gain
can be estimated from Figure 4.
The PMT performance degrades over time.
Figure 3 Typical Spectral Photocathode Radiant Sensitivity
Figure 4 Typical Voltage Gain Curve

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 5: Operation
Page 8 TTN094969-D02
Figure 5 Temperature Coefficient
The maximum output of a PMT2100 Series PMT is ±1.5 V for 50 Ωloads. To avoid
saturation, the output signal should not exceed the maximum output voltage. If
necessary, use external neutral density filters (e.g., Item # NDC-50C-4M-A) to
reduce the input light level.
CAUTION
DO NOT allow high light levels (enough to cause a trip) to enter the PMT while it
is on. High light levels can permanently damage the photocathode.The
maximum current signal should not exceed the value of 50 µA average.
There is an internal counter that records the number of trips. To query this counter,
refer to Chapter 12: Commands for the commands.

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 9
Chapter 6 Software
The gain, output offset and bandwith can all be control with the PMT2100 software.
6.1. PMT2100 Software Development Kit (SDK) Installation
1. Insert the PMT2100 Software CD into the computer, and open 70-0037 –
PMT2100 SDK folder.
2. Double click the Installer (.exe) application to open the PMT2100 Setup
window.
3. Click Next to continue.
Figure 6 Setup Window
4. In the Choose Components window, select SDK if you want the software
development kit files installed, then click Next.
Figure 7 Choose Components Window

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
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5. In the Choose Install Location window, select the destination folder you
like the files installed, then click Install.
Figure 8 Choose Install Location Window
6. The PMT2100 setup will begin installation.
Figure 9 Installing Window

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 11
7. During installation, the Device Driver Intallation Wizard will appear. Click
Next to begin installing the software drivers that some computer devices
need in order to work.
Figure 10 Device Driver Installation Wizard Window
8. Once drivers are installed, click Finish to complete drivers installation.
Figure 11 Completing the Device Driver Installation Wizard Window

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
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9. The installer will automatically search your computer for Microsoft Visual
C++ Redistributable (x64) –11.0.61030. It will download and install it if
it’s not found on your computer.
Figure 12 Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable Window
10. Once done installing the necessary software, select Reboot now and click
Finish in the Completing Thorlabs PMT2100 Setup window to close the
Setup window and restart your computer.
Figure 13 Completing the Thorlabs PMT2100 Setup Window
11. PMT2100 setup is now complete and a new Windows shortcut is added to
your desktop.
Figure 14 PMT2100 4.0 Shortcut Icon

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 13
6.2. Keysight IO Libraries Suite
Note: Install Version 17.2.20818.0 provided in the PMT2100 Control Software CD.
DO NOT update the Keysight IO Libraries Suite to the latest version available on
www.keysight.com.
1. Insert the PMT2100 Software CD into the computer, and open Keysight
IO Libraries folder.
2. Double click the IOLibSuite_17_2_20818_0 application to open the User
Account Control window. Click Yes on the User Account Control window.
The InstallShield Wizard window appears. Click Next.
Figure 15 InstallShield Wizard Window
3. On the InstallShield Wizard window, select Agree and click Next.
Figure 16 InstallShield Wizard - License Agreement

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
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Note: If installation fails due to error 0x800F081F (a .NET Framework 3.5
incompatability), abort Keysight installation and proceed to Section 6.3: NI-
VISA Runtime 18.5; otherwise, continue.
Figure 17 Windows Error Code: 0x800F081F
4. Select Typical for the setup type, and click Next.
Figure 18 InstallShield Wizard - Setup

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
Rev D, June 6, 2019 Page 15
5. Click Install to copy the files.
Figure 19 Installshield Wizard –Copying Files
6. Click Finish to exit the InstallShield Wizard window.
The Keysight IO Libraries Suite setup is complete.

PMT2100 Series Photomultiplier Tubes Chapter 6: Software
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Keysight VISA Settings Configuration
Follow the below procedure, if you have installed NI (National Instruments)
Software on your computer. If you do not configure the Keysight VISA Settings,
the PMT may not respond.
Note: If you do not haveNI software installed on your computer, DO NOT configure
the Keysight VISA Settings.
Use a USB cable to connect the PMT to the computer.
7. Right click on the Keysight IO Libraries Suite icon, and click Connection
Expert.
Figure 20 Keysight IO Libraries Suite
8. In the Keysight Connection Expert window, click Settings>VISA Conflict
Manager>General VISA Settings. Select the parameters as shown in
Figure 21 and click Accept.