SBIG STF-8050 CCD Camera

Features STF-8050M, STF-8050C and STF-8050SC The STF-8050 camera comes in monochrome (STF-8050M) and two color models. The color models are available with either the standard Bayer Color FIlter Pattern (STF-8050C) or the higher sensitivity TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern (STF-8050SC). The KAI-08050 Image Sensor is an 8-megapixel CCD in a 4/3" (22 mm diagonal) optical format. Based on the TRUESENSE 5.5 micron Interline Transfer CCD Platform, the sensor features broad dynamic range, excellent imaging performance, and a flexible readout architecture. The TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern provides a 2x improvement in light sensitivity compared to a standard color Bayer part. KAI-08050 CCD Key Features: Available in Monochrome, Bayer Color Pattern or TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern Progressive scan readout Flexible readout architecture High frame rate High sensitivity Low noise architecture Excellent smear performance Package pin reserved for device identification STF-8050 Highlights Large, High Resolution 8.3 Megapixel CCD with 5.5 micron pixels Fast, Dual Channel Read Out Full Frame, High Res, Low Noise, 16-bit download in 0.5 seconds. Electronic shutter for fast exposure times (0.001 sec to 3600 sec.) STX/STXL style pin-fin heat sink and 70mm fan Exceptional cooling delta greater than -50C with air only Sapphire Chamber Window Very Low Read noise ~ 9e- Very Low Dark Current ~ 0.01e- at -20C Antiblooming Protection Uses STF 8-Position Filter Wheels and OAG Accepts Nikon and Canon EOS lens adapters Description of the TRUESENSE Sparse Color Filter Pattern. The TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern represents a new paradigm for obtaining full-color images from a single image sensor. By adding panchromatic (or "clear") pixels to the standard red, green, and blue pixels traditionally used for color capture, image sensors can realize a significant increase in light sensitivity – between two and four times compared to standard designs – while retaining overall image quality and color fidelity. Image sensors using this design allow end users to capture better pictures and video under low-light conditions. In addition to the new color technology, the STF-8050 has been optimized for fast full frame download and maximum cooling in an STF sized package. A high resolution 8.3 megapixel 16-bit frame will download in about 1/2 second using the dual channel readout mode. Even at this rapid download rate, the read noise remains exceptionally low, about 9e-. The tables below show download times and frame rates for the STF-8050 camera measured using our high speed drivers: STF-8050 Download time in seconds for single frame Full Frame Half Frame Qtr Frame Planet Focus High Res 0.59 0.41 0.27 0.06 4.3 fps Med Res 0.48 0.28 0.16 0.06 Low Res 0.34 0.2 0.13 0.05 Ultra Low 0.16 0.11 0.08 STF-8050 Frames per second saved to disk using high speed drivers Full Frame Half Frame Qtr Frame Planet Focus High Res 2 3.4 5.3 4.3 4.3 Med Res 3.4 5.3 7.5 Low Res 4.5 6.6 8.6 Ultra Low 8.1 9.5 10 The astronomy customer will notice from the specifications that the STF-8050 is very similar to the STF-8300M in size and performance with the exception of the shutter and download rate. The STF-8050 was developed primarily for the OEM market, particularly for microscopy applications where short exposures and high frame rates made possible by an electronic shutter are more desireable than having a mechanical shutter for automatic dark frames. Because of this, the STF-8050 cooling design is very robust and the camera is capable of a cooling delta greater than -50 degrees C. This means that the camera at room temperature can cool enough to reduce the dark current to 1/100th of an electron per pixel per second, or less. The combination of a large 8.3 megapixel CCD, high resolution 5.5 micron pixels, low noise 16-bit images and fast exposure times make the STF-8050 camera ideal for solar and lunar imaging. The image below is a portion of a single frame of the entire solar disk taken with the STF-8050M camera using a Lunt 80mm Solar Scope. Specifications Imaging CCDKAI-08050Imaging/Pixel Array3320 x 2496CCD Size18.3 x 13.7 mmTotal Pixels8.3 MillionPixel Size5.5 x 5.5 micronsFull Well Capacity20,000e-Dark Current e/p/s at 0 C< 0.02e-/pixel/sec @ -15CAntibloomingYesPeak QE46%ShutterElectronicExposure0.001 to 3600 sec.Correlated Double SamplingYesA/D Converter16 bitsA/D Gain0.31e-/ADURead Noise9e-Binning Modes1x1, 2x2, 3x3, 9x9, 1xnPixel Digitization Rate10MHz / 20MHzFull Frame Download0.5 secCooling DeltaGreater than -50C with air onlyTemperature Regulation+/- 0.1 deg. CPower12V, 3.8AComputer InterfaceUSB 2.0Computer CompatibilityWindows, MacDimensions5 x 4 x 3 (+ 1 inch for fan)MountingT-threadWeight2.1 lbs (0.96 kg)Backfocus0.69 inchesFilter Wheel OptionFW5-8300 or FW8-8300Self-Guiding Filter WheelUses ST-i with OAG-8300Filter Size36mmAdaptive Optics Optionn/aRemote Guide HeadUses ST-i with OAG-8300Lens AdapterC-mount, Nikon, Canon EOSOAG OptionOAG-8300