Low Noise Current Preamplifier

PCS-series

The PCS series of amplifiers is the epitome of specialized, handcrafted amplification technology. These amplifiers are designed to cover the regimes where the PCG series may fall short, with flexible circuit topologies that can be tailored to meet even the most extraordinary customer requests. With three categories - low noise (LN), precise (P), and fast (F) - the PCS series is capable of balancing performance and capability to achieve customer satisfaction in any application.

What sets the PCS series apart is the fact that each amplifier is crafted individually, ensuring that every device is optimized to meet the specific needs of the user. This level of customization ensures that every PCS amplifier will exceed the expectations of the customer and perform with unparalleled low noise, precision, and speed.

While we cannot guarantee that we will solve every problem, we are proud to serve many of the world's top research institutes with our amplification technology. The PCS series has been specifically designed to deliver superior performance, even in the most challenging research environments.

If you have a unique need, the PCS series is ready to meet the challenge. Our team of experts will work tirelessly to design an amplifier that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With the PCS series, you can trust that you are investing in a product that is handcrafted, designed with precision, and built to last.

PCS-LN(Low noise)

Low noise is essential for a high-performance current preamplifier.
Unless it is an ultimate noiseless current preamplifier, the best way to demonstrate noise performance is to compare it with a widely used time-proven market-leading one. The figure below shows shielded open input-referred total current noise density acquired from our PCS-LN (red) and the market reference (blue) at the same sensitivity of 1 nA/V (1 GΩ feedback resistor). To match the signal bandwidth ~5 kHz of the market reference at the sensitivity, PCS-LN's bandwidth is also reduced to ~5 kHz from its ~40 kHz full bandwidth by using a 1 pole low pass filter. The input voltage noise, which makes a significant noise contribution at the high-frequency range by coupling with the input capacitance, is typically tuned to be below 2 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz. It can be below 1 nV/√Hz if necessary. Since the input capacitance due to cold cables and thermal anchoring capacitors cannot be avoided by locating the preamplifier close to the signal source, the input voltage noise density may need to be as low as possible.

PCS-P(Precise)

Applying a voltage across isolated quantum states as shown in the above figure may be tricky. Though a precise 20bit (1ppm) DAC is available in the market, the input offset voltage of the current preamplifier could spoil the precision over time due to its drift. Observing the quantum states at 100 mK at which the level spacing of the states might be in the range of 10 μV, the offset drift should be less than that.

PCS-P features a low input offset voltage and its drift over time as shown below regardless of your laboratory temperature.

PCS-F(Fast)

PCS-F(with a 1GΩ feedback resistor) can make ~100kHz bandwidth.

The figure demonstrates its frequency response. From the rise time(10%-90%)of the output wave, the -3dB signal bandwidth has '0.35 / rise time' relation for the Gaussian response oscilloscope.

Adding an extra 1nF capacitance between the input and the ground of the PCS-F, it can still make ~100 kHz bandwidth.

Pluto Instruments can deal with higher sensitivities(up to 10GΩ) for high speed and heavy input capacitance burden.