# PICA Documentation

**Python Instrument Control and Automation**

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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.

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## Quick Start

```bash
# Install
pip install .

# Launch GUI
pica-gui
```

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## 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

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## Getting Help

- [Full User Manual](User_Manual.md)
- [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/issues)
- [Releases](https://github.com/prathameshnium/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/releases)
- [Preprint](https://prathameshnium.github.io/PICA-Python-Instrument-Control-and-Automation/publications/)

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```{toctree}
:maxdepth: 2
:caption: Contents

User_Manual
```