SNSPD Camera

Iris X: free-space coupled SNSPD array

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Main applications
  • Bioimaging and microscopy
  • Space QKD
  • Deep space optical communication
  • Laser satellite communication

Designed for integration with optical ground station as well as biological microscopes

Iris X delivers precision, reliability, quantum efficiency and time resolution for bioimaging applications, space QKD, laser satellite communication and deep space optical communication.

Iris X

Single Quantum Iris X is the first commercial SNSPD camera on the market. Its large detection area, free-space optical coupling, high efficiency, low noise and excellent timing jitter make it a powerful tool to enable demanding applications that were not possible before. It comprises of a cryostat with an optical window and can host an SNSPD array up to 100 pixels.

Eos Vision

On-going Projects and Highlights

  • low noise environment for photon detection
  • ample space allocated for auxiliary components
  • the capability to host an SNSPD array of up to 48 pixels
Iris X Deployed in NASA’s Psyche Mission

On 7 July 2025, ESA marked a historic milestone by establishing its first optical communication link with a spacecraft in deep space. The link was made with NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment aboard its Psyche mission.

Pia21499 artist's concept of psyche spacecraft with five panel array (1)

Single Quantum provided a key instrument to Europe’s first deep-space optical communication link, receiving laser signals returning from NASA’s Psyche spacecraft at a distance of 265 million kilometers.

Installed at the Aristarchos Telescope in Helmos Observatory, Single Quantum’s Iris X delivered the extreme sensitivity needed to detect these faint signals, marking a major step for quantum-enhanced space communication.

This is a collaboration with Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH, Quantum Space Systems GmbH, General Atomics Synopta GmbH, National Observatory of Athens and European Space Agency – ESA.

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Mouse brain imaging
Iris X for Deep Brain Imaging

Using an SNSPD array opens up possibilities for advanced imaging techniques such as 2-photon microscopy or Image scanning microscopy. By shifting both the excitation and emission to the NIR, the imaging dept can be greatly extended. In collaboration with EMBL, we demonstrated two-photon excitation at 1700 nm and collect at 1100 nm, enabling mage to a depth of up to 1.15 mm! 

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Collaborations

Advancing space communication, bioimaging and microscopy

At Single Quantum, we view collaborations as essential to groundbreaking innovations. Through partnerships with research institutions, industry leaders and space agencies, we combine cutting-edge technologies to tackle the unique challenges in bio-medical imaging and space exploration.

Questions about how to use Iris X for your applications? Contact us!

Questions about how to use SNSPDs for space applications?

To tailor the optimal solution for you, our engineers will assist you, starting from understanding your needs and define the system specifications together with you.

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