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:   

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