FEMTO's LUCI-M is a universal data acquisition and control system. It connects via USB and offers two or four - depending on the model - freely assignable analog-to-digital converters (ADC) for acquiring and digitising measured values. To celebrate the release of LUCI-M, we are offering a special early-bird discount. For details please read on below. 

Three digital-to-analogue converters (DAC) are also available, for controlling external devices or as a source for bias and offset voltages. A total of 24 additional digital I/Os are used to read status or alarm messages and to switch further peripherals. Naturally, the LUCI-M is tailored to FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors, forming a versatile measurement and control unit when used with them. 

LUCI-M at-a-glance:

• For acquiring and digitizing measured values at 2.5 MS/s on 4 parallel channels and remote control of external devices and peripherals.
• Can be used independently as a universal DAQ system or together with FEMTO amplifiers and photoreceivers.

Brief description

• Compact, universal USB system for data acquisition and control.
• Freely assignable ADCs digitise measured values, DACs control external devices or serve as bias voltage sources.
• Digital I/Os read status and alarm signals and switch external peripherals.
• Ideal for FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors.
• Easy to use for universal measurement and control tasks.

Features:

• 2 or 4 parallel channels (depending on model), 16 bit ADC with 2.5 MS/s
• 3-channel, 12 bit DAC
• A total of 19 digital outputs
• A total of 5 digital inputs
• SCPI-compatible command set
• Driver for Microsoft Windows®
• Direct access on macOS® and Linux® (no driver required)
• Python backends, source code examples, and GUIs are available as optional downloads

Special Launch Offer:
To celebrate the release of the LUCI-M, Lastek are offering a 25% discount on all orders received before 1 April 2026. Please contact Dr Shakil Rehman at Lastek for further details. 

What is LUCI-M?: Remote control of FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors
The LUCI-M system is suitable for remote control of all FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors with a 25-pin D-Sub socket. Depending on the amplifier or photodetector used, all important functions such as gain, AC/DC switching, or filter settings can be controlled remotely. In addition, status information such as “overload” or “unlocked” can be queried.

The LUCI-M is plugged directly into the D-Sub 25 socket and screwed in place. In this way, the LUCI-M and amplifier or photoreceptor form a compact unit and combine to form a single device.

Figure: LUCI-M in combination with DLPCA-200 as an application example

Data acquisition, ADCs, and DACs
The LUCI-M has ADCs. This allows the output signal to be recorded directly. No external data acquisition system (DAQ system) is required. The DACs also enable bias and offset voltages to be applied. In both cases, the D-Sub connection is used and no cables are required between the amplifier or photodetector and the LUCI-M. The setup remains compact and tidy.

External inputs and outputs are also available. These can be used, for example, to simultaneously record additional measured values from other sources, again without the need for an additional external DAQ system.

The ADCs and DACs can be used independently of FEMTO products, making the LUCI-M system an alternative to established USB DAQ systems. If no FEMTO amplifier or photodetector is connected, the D-Sub interface can be used freely with breakout or cable clamp adapters, resulting in a wide range of connection and usage options.

Galvanic isolation
The analogue signals at the inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated from the computer. This keeps the computer's “EMC noise” away from the amplifier or photodetector and at the same time prevents potential problems and ground loops.

Computers and software
Thanks to its SCPI-compatible command set and USB interface, the LUCI-M is not tied to any specific computer hardware, software, or programming language. It is platform-independent.

There are Python scripts available that demonstrate communication with the LUCI-M. They provide a quick start and can be used as copy & paste templates for your own projects. There are also several sample apps with graphical user interface (GUI) that give you an idea of what is possible with the LUCI-M. The examples cover the remote control of FEMTO products and the usage as a data acquisition system.

The Python scripts and sample apps are available for download as an option free of charge.

Figure: Optional Python GUIs

For which FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors is the LUCI-M system suitable?
The LUCI-M is suitable for remote control of all FEMTO amplifiers and photodetectors with a D-Sub 25-pin socket. DHPVA, DUPVA and LIA-MV-200 require adapter or D-Sub 25-pin extension cables, as the LUCI-M cannot be connected directly to the socket.

Data acquisition is possible with all amplifiers and photodetectors, either directly via the pins of the D-Sub socket or externally via the BNC inputs of the LUCI-M. Due to the analog bandwidth of 1.1 MHz and the sample rate of 2.5 MS/s, data acquisition is limited to approximately 1 MHz even with amplifiers and photodetectors with higher bandwidths.

DLPCA-200, DDPCA-300, OE-200, and LIA-MV-150 take full advantage of the LUCI-M's connection, control, and data acquisition capabilities.

Download datasheet here.