STF-8050 Mono and Color

Highlights

• Large, High Resolution 8.1 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

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

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:

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.

So in comparing the STF-8050 with our 8300 models, the STF-8050 is faster and can take shorter exposures (0.001 sec.) whereas the STF-8300 or STT-8300 have higher QE, mechanical shutters and are more suitable for long exposures typical of deep space imaging. For these same reasons however the STF-8050 is an excellent choice for solar/lunar/planetary imaging and deep space with a filter wheel using one blocked slot for taking dark frames if desired. To see a comparison of 8300 models and the 8050, click here.

The combination of a large 8.1 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.