PICA Documentation

Python Instrument Control and Automation

PICA is a modular, open-source Python suite for automating high-precision transport measurements. It supports a resistance range spanning 24 orders of magnitude (10 nΩ – 10 PΩ), pyroelectric current detection down to 1 fA, and capacitance spectroscopy from 20 Hz – 2 MHz.

---

Quick Start

# Install
pip install .

# Launch GUI
pica-gui

---

Key Features

• Unified GUI — Single launcher for all measurement modules

• Wide resistance range — 10 nΩ to 10 PΩ across four hardware configurations

• Real-time plotting — Live visualization during acquisition

• Process isolation — Backend crashes never affect the GUI

• Open source — MIT licensed, fully auditable SCPI commands

---

Getting Help

• Full User Manual

• GitHub Issues

• Releases

• Preprint

---

Contents

• PICA: Advanced High-Precision Transport Measurement Automation with Python
  • Table of Contents
  • 1. Overview
  • 2. Design Philosophy & Architecture
  • 3. Installation & Setup
  • 4. Safety Precautions
  • 5. Core Utilities
  • 6. Supported Measurement Modules
  • 7. Releases and Versions
  • 8. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
  • 9. Technical Reference
  • 10. Citation & Open Source
  • 11. Future Development
  • 12. Adding a New Instrument
  • 13. Authors & Acknowledgments
  • 14. License
  • 15. Appendix A: Project File Structure