General Information¶
Introduction¶
The Single Quantum multi-channel SNSPD system combines high detection efficiency with high time resolution, low dark count rate, and high count rate. The detection principle is based on the transition of a nanowire from the superconductive to the resistive state upon the absorption of a single photon. The detectors are pigtailed with an optical fiber and operated in a closed-cycle cryostat at below 3 Kelvin. The design enables continuous operation of the system for months and requires no liquid helium consumption. This makes it a turn-key solution for optical measurements.
Intended use¶
The Single Quantum Eos system consists of a cryostat, a helium gas compressor, and an interfacing driver (see Main components). The Single Quantum Eos is designed to detect single photons from an optical fiber or from free-space depending on configuration. The detectors are mounted inside the cryostat. The detectors are intended to be controlled with the supplied Single Quantum driver. The system should be used and housed indoors. The equipment is intended for use only by trained personnel.
Warranty¶
Please refer to the dedicated section for detailed information on the warranty terms and conditions for Single Quantum products.
CAUTION Do not open the cryostat. Opening the cryostat voids the warranty and may damage the system.
CAUTION Do not open the driver. Opening the driver voids the warranty and may damage the system.
CAUTION Do not connect any other equipment than described in this manual to the cryostat and driver input channels. This voids the warranty and may damage the system.
Conformity¶
The Single Quantum Eos carries the CE mark as a proof of compliance to the following EU directives and standards:
Low voltage directive 2014/35/EU
EMC directive 2014/30/EU
RoHS directive 2011/65/EU The full declaration of conformity can be found in Appendix B of this manual. UL has evaluated the Single Quantum Eos system to UL 61010-1 standard consisting of Atlas driver, Eos Cryostat and external power supply only. The refrigeration system was not evaluated to UL 61010-1 requirements.
Safety¶
The Single Quantum Eos is designed to operate safely when the installation, operation, and maintenance instructions are followed correctly and according to this manual. Consult Single Quantum with any questions you may have concerning the installation, operation, or maintenance of the Single Quantum Eos (see Maintenance). While no personal protective equipment is required while using the Single Quantum Eos, the use of certified laser safety glasses is advised when working with lasers.
WARNING Risk of low temperature. If the cryostat is not evacuated to its operating pressure, its cools down to a very low temperature. Do not touch the outside of the cryostat or use cryogenic gloves, especially if ice is present.
WARNING Ethernet connection must be only connected to the external circuit providing two means of protection from hazardous live circuits.
CAUTION Disconnect all components from the electrical power source before making component interconnections. Check all connections before turning on the system.
CAUTION Turn off the compressor power before connecting it to a power outlet. Read the OEM manual of the compressor for more information.
CAUTION Only connect the electrical output of the cryostats to the electrical inputs of the driver. Do not connect any other equipment to the electrical input of the electronics driver. Use a torque wrench to tighten the coaxial SMA connectors.
CAUTION Follow the specified procedures (refer to Installation instructions) when assembling and disassembling the self-sealing gas couplings on the flexible gas lines. Use caution to avoid puncturing the gas lines.
WARNING Incorrect connection of the compressor can lead to fire hazard or malfunction of the equipment. Connect the compressor with the correct outlet power and the correct voltage setting. Please refer to the OEM manual.
Safety precautions¶
The Single Quantum Eos system is equipped with several safety precautions that are intended to prevent hazardous situations.
CAUTION Do not tamper with any of the integrated safety precautions. The system contains the following safety precautions:
Overpressure valve on the cryostat: A vacuum leak can cause the incoming air to freeze while the cryostat is cold. When the cryostat warms up, these frozen gases will evaporate, causing the pressure to increase. The overpressure valve prevents an over pressure ( > 1.1 bar) inside the cryostat.
Driver fuse:
The Atlas driver is equipped with a fuse. In addition, the driver can detect an internal short-circuit and will subsequently shut off. Only DC rated fuses can be
used. Fuse rating for 8-channel driver: 250 V, 3.15 A. Fuse rating for 4-channel driver: 250 V, 2.5 A. - The Retina driver is equipped with electronic fuses for the PoE and power supply. These are each rated at 2 A, and will reset following a short once the respective power supply is unplugged and reattached. Additionally, the Retina will shut off in the event of a supply voltage below 36 V or above 55 V.
Compressor temperature sensor: The helium compressor contains a temperature sensor. In case of overheating the compressor will shut down.
Automatic warm-up: In case of a power outage, the compressor will shut down. In the event that the compressor has shut down, please follow the following procedure:
Close the vacuum valve at the rear of the cryostat if it is open, and turn off the vacuum pump if connected.
Turn off the compressor.
Let the system warm up to room temperature.
Follow the procedure in Cryostat to cool the system again.
Qualification of personnel¶
Any personnel that interacts with the Single Quantum Eos is required to read and follow this manual carefully. Special account must be taken of the safety instructions in Operation. Single Quantum will provide training to new users. Contact the service team to arrange a one hour training session using the contact details listed in Contact.
Environmental conditions¶
CAUTION The system is intended for exclusive use indoors. Below are the environmental requirements for the system.
Altitude: <2000m.
Relative humidity: 25-85% .
Overvoltage: IEC category II.
Voltage fluctuations: ±5%.
Pollution: pollution degree 2.
CAUTION Installing the system in an unsuitable environment may lead to malfunction or reduction in the system’s lifespan. Compressor Full environmental conditions necessary for your compressor can be found in the OEM manual.
The floor should be level, even and stable.
The unit should not be exposed to water or dust.
The area in which the compressor is installed should be suitably ventilated or air conditioned.
Ventilation ports on the compressor should not be blocked.
The lock on the compressor caster wheels should be engaged. CAUTION Installing the compressor in an unsuitable environment may lead to malfunction or necessitate an increase in maintenance frequency.
Operation¶
WARNING Sudden venting of high-pressure gas can cause serious injury. Refer to the compressor’s OEM manual for specific precautions.
WARNING Use a dry high vacuum pump to evacuate the cryostat to the recommended pressure before cooling down. Failure to do so can cause ice to form on the outside.
CAUTION Never open the vacuum valve when the system is in operation. Doing so can cause irreversible damage to the detectors.
CAUTION Do not place any heavy objects on the cryostat and avoid severe impacts.
CAUTION Use electrostatic discharge precautions while handling and making connections to the driver.
CAUTION Do not block or obstruct the cooling fan ventilation openings on the driver and side panels of the helium compressor.
Transportation materials¶
Do not dispose of the original packaging of the system components as it is required for the safe transportation of the system. Do not remove the shock and tilt watches from the packaging materials unless they were activated. Do not dispose of the dust caps with which the system is shipped.
Contact¶
Single Quantum provides dedicated customer service. We assist customers from start to finish: inquiry, order, delivery, and after-sale support.
Please contact our sales team for inquiries about upgrades or new systems. Email: sales@singlequantum.com Telephone: +31 (0) 850 400 999
Please contact our logistics team for inquiries related to the shipment of your system. Email: logistics@singlequantum.com Telephone :+31 (0) 850 400 996
Please contact our technical service team to arrange maintenance of your system, or for support across the system’s lifetime. Email: support@singlequantum.com Telephone: +31 (0) 850 400 997
For all other inquiries, please reach out to our administration team. Email: info@singlequantum.com Telephone: +31 (0) 850 400 900