QHY550P M /P
QHY550P M /P
The QHY550P ColdMOS Monochrome Polarized Camera is a specialized imaging device designed for capturing polarized light in the field of astronomy and scientific research. The QHY550M ColdMOS Monochrome Camera is a specialized imaging device designed for astronomy and scientific research. Let’s delve into its features:
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Sensor and Polarization:
- The QHY550P features a 2/3-inch Sony 5 MP IMX250 Global Shutter CMOS sensor.
- It is the monochrome version with a unique twist: an on-pixel four-direction polarize image capability.
- With this feature, the camera can capture polarized images using just one exposure, eliminating the need to change polarize filters frequently.
- When recording video, the QHY550P achieves a remarkable 68 frames per second (fps) for polarized video1.
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Applications:
- Many celestial objects emit polarized light, including nebulae. By using the QHY550P, you can explore these objects from a fresh perspective.
- In solar imaging, phenomena like the corona and sunspots benefit from polarization.
- The polarization sensor is created during semiconductor fabrication, ensuring excellent uniformity, mass production, and durability. An anti-reflection layer covers the sensor to prevent flare and ghosting1.
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Technical Specifications:
- Pixel Array & Resolution: 2464 x 2056 (5.07 MP)
- Pixel Size: 3.45 microns
- Fullwell: 11,000 electrons
- AD Sample Depth: 12-bit
- Readout Noise: 2.0 to 2.5 electrons
- Dark Current: 0.005 electrons/pixel/sec @ -10°C
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Frame Rates:
- 67 fps at 5 MP with 8-bit output
- 34 fps with 12-bit output
- Higher frame rates achievable using the Region of Interest (ROI) function1
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Cooling System:
- Detecting subtle differences in polarized light requires precise temperature control.
- The QHY550P incorporates a 2-stage TEC cooling system, allowing the sensor to cool to -35°C below ambient.
- This significantly reduces dark current and enhances dark signal detection performance1.
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Anti-Dew Technology:
- The camera features full anti-dew technology for both the CCD sensor cover glass and the sensor chamber optical window.
- An electric heating board prevents dew formation on the chamber window.
- A silicon gel tube socket maintains dry conditions in the sensor chamber1.
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Optical Window:
- The AR+AR coated optical window ensures no halos around bright stars.
- It provides full access to the red wavelength of H-alpha and SII.
- For RGB color balance, a separate removable 2-inch UV/IR filter is included1.
Unlike the rolling shutter technology used in most CMOS cameras, a global shutter guarantees that the exposure time for the whole image area is uniform, beginning and ending at exactly the same time. This type of shutter is ideal for high precision applications. For high-speed moving object and the atmospheric agitation, the global shutter can generate undistorted imaging and realizes high picture quality.
Model | QHY550M (Monochrome Version) QHY550C (Color Version) QHY550P (Four Direction Monochrome Polarize Version) |
COMS Sensor | SONY IMX250 Pregius Global Shutter CMOS Sensor |
Pixel Size | 3.45um*3.45um |
Effective Pixel Area | 2464 × 2056 |
Effective Pixels | 5.0 mega pixel |
Effective Image Area | 8.50mm * 7.09mm |
Fullwell | 11000e |
AD Sample Depth | 12BIT (output as 16bit or 8bit format) |
Sensor Size | Typical 2/3inch |
Full Frame Rate and ROI Frame Rate | 2458*2056 68FPS@8BIT 2458*2056 34FPS@12BITROI 1080lines (eg.2458*1080,1920*1080)126FPS@8BIT ROI 480lines (eg.2458*480, 640*480) 270FPS@8BIT ROI 100lines (eg.2458*100,100*100) 940FPS@8BIT*Note QHYCCD has optimized the cmos drive frequency and limit the max frame rate. The CMOS sensor may not work under the maximum frequency to ensure the better noise performance. If you need the customized higher frame rate version, please contact QHYCCD. |
Readout Noise | 2.0e-2.5e |
Dark Current | 0.005e/pixel/sec @ -10C |
Exposure Time Range | 20us-600sec |
Anti-Glow Control | Yes. Big reduction of the amp-glow of the IMX250 sensor |
Shutter Type | Electric Global Shutter |
Computer Interface | USB3.0 |
Built-in Image Buffer | 128MByte DDR2 memory |
Non-volatile memory / On camera storage | Build-in total 512Kbytes Flash Memory. 100Kbytes user-accessible space for stellar ROI frames for analysis of exoplanet investigation, occultations, atmospheric seeing measurement, focus, optic analysis etc. Support 100*100 image x 10rames 50*50 image x40frames. 25*25 image x160frames 10*10 image * 1000 frames (total frame numbers is based on 8bit image) |
Cooling System | Dual Stage TEC cooler about -35C below ambient
(Test temperature +20°) |
Anti-Dew Heater | Yes |
Telescope Interface | M42/0.75 or optional C-mount |
Optic Window Type | AR+AR High Quality Multi-Layer Anti-Reflection Coating (for QHY550M and QHY550P) IR cut Coating (for QHY550C) |
Back Focal Length | 18mm (±0.3) |
Weigth | 460g |