Laser Components formed a strategic partnership with PicoQuant GmbH to produce photon counting modules with the highest quantum efficiency and record-breaking dark count rates, said the company. The new Count photon counting modules achieve an unrivaled quantum efficiency of over 70 percent in the red region. Another advantage of these photon counters over modules currently available on the market is their significantly higher quantum efficiency in the blue spectral range. The Count series is based on a silicon Geiger-mode APD developed specifically for this series. It is one of the lowest-noise APDs on the market. Together with electronics that has been optimized down to the smallest detail, this APD represents the heart of the Count module. Starting October 2010, standard modules are available with dark count rates ranging from 20 to 250 counts. Modules with These modules either come with an easy-to-use FC connection for optical fibers that have a core diameter of up to 105 µm or as a free-beam module. Thanks to its compact housing and plug-and-play compatibility, the company says replacing existing photon counters with the Count module is easy. For more information, visit: www.lasercomponents.com