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Pi Imaging, a ZEISS company based at the EPFL Innovation Park in Lausanne, is advancing the future of optical detection with its portfolio of SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) detectors and imaging systems. With over two decades of expertise in SPAD sensor design and strong academic roots at TU Delft and EPFL, the company has established itself as a leader in photon-level detection, offering solutions that combine high sensitivity, precise timing, and low noise performance.

At the forefront of its innovations is the SPAD 23, a specialized point detector built around a 23-pixel hexagonal array. This compact yet powerful instrument is designed to capture precise photon arrival times, making it an ideal choice for confocal scanning microscopes and for advanced life science applications such as super-resolution microscopy. Researchers working at the molecular and cellular level benefit from its ability to provide accurate photon detection while maintaining a compact footprint.

For widefield imaging applications, Pi Imaging offers the SPAD 512, a full camera solution featuring a 512 x 512 pixel SPAD array. This system integrates fine gating electronics and dual FPGA read-out capabilities to achieve high throughput performance. Its design is especially well suited to temporal imaging methods such as Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), where precision timing and sensitivity are essential to uncovering new insights in biomedical and scientific research.

Another key addition to the product line is the SPAD Lambda, a 320 x 1 linear pixel array optimized for spectroscopy and time-resolved measurements. With its combination of low dark noise, individual photon timestamping, and microlens enhancements, the detector addresses the growing demand for accurate spectral analysis and photon-level timing in both industrial and academic environments.

Beyond its standard product lineup, Pi Imaging emphasizes flexibility through custom development. The company works closely with clients to deliver bespoke semiconductor sensors and system-level solutions tailored to specific research or industrial requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that scientists, engineers, and OEMs can integrate SPAD technology into specialized applications, from cutting-edge quantum experiments to advanced industrial inspection systems.

Serving a wide range of markets, Pi Imaging is focused on life sciences, industrial imaging, and quantum research. In biological research, its detectors support high-resolution techniques such as confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and FLIM. In industrial settings, the systems deliver high-speed, low-light imaging capabilities where traditional technologies often fail. And in the emerging quantum technology sector, Pi Imaging’s solutions are enabling pioneering experiments that rely on precision at the single-photon level.

By combining academic expertise with the resources of ZEISS, Pi Imaging is well positioned to expand its reach globally. With its mission to pioneer optical imaging through SPAD technology, the company is setting new standards for sensitivity, timing accuracy, and adaptability in photon detection.