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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:
STF-8050 Highlights
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.