QHY2020

The QHY2020 is a cooled scientific CMOS camera equipped with the GSENSE2020 back-illuminated CMOS sensor. Let’s explore its features:

1. Sensor and Resolution:

   • The QHY2020 features a square sensor with a size of 13.3mm x 13.3mm and a resolution of 2K x 2K (4 megapixels).
   • This scientific CMOS sensor exhibits ultra-high quantum efficiency (QE) and a wide spectral response spanning from 200nm to 1100nm.
   • Notably, it achieves 94% peak QE at 550nm-600nm and 60% QE at 240nm.
   • Additionally, the QHY2020 demonstrates good QE in the NIR range, with 60% QE at 800nm and 38% QE at 900nm¹².

2. Special EUV/Soft X-ray Version:

   • The QHY2020EUVX is a variant optimized for extreme UV (EUV) and soft X-ray imaging.
   • It boasts a remarkable >90% QE in the 1.2nm to 15nm EUV range, making it suitable for specialized applications in this spectral region¹.

3. Dual Gain Mode:

   • The camera supports dual gain channels:
     • High Gain Channel: Low read noise (1.7e- to 7.5e-).
     • Low Gain Channel: Ultra-low read noise (2.1e- to 27.6e-).
   • With such low read noise, the QHY2020 can capture photons from extremely dim objects, achieving a detection limit close to some EMCCD cameras¹.

4. Frame Rates and HDR Mode:

   • The standard version of the QHY2020 uses a USB 3.0 interface.
   • It can achieve a maximum frame rate of 33 frames per second for single-channel 12-bit images or 21.5 frames per second for dual-channel 12-bit images (HDR mode).
   • The camera also supports selected regions of interest (ROI) for even faster rates, such as 450 FPS at 128 lines or 1460 FPS at 32 lines.
   • Customizable line readout modes are also available¹.

5. Cooling System:

   • The QHY2020 features a dual-stage TEC cooler capable of cooling the sensor to -40°C below ambient temperature (tested at +20°C).
   • It also has a 128MB DDR2 memory buffer for efficient data transfer¹.

6. Optic Window and Adapters:

   • The QHY2020 comes in two versions:
     • QHY2020: Equipped with an AR+AR high-quality multi-layer anti-reflection coating on the optic window.
     • QHY2020EUVX: Customized glass for EUV/X-ray imaging.
   • It supports various adapters, including 2-inch, M54, M48, and Nikon/Canon DSLR lens mounts¹.

In summary, the QHY2020 is a versatile scientific CMOS camera suitable for spectrum analysis, fluorescence imaging, and specialized EUV/X-ray applications. Its high QE, low read noise, and flexible frame rates make it a valuable tool for astrophotography and scientific research¹². You can find more information about this camera on the QHYCCD website.