Aluma CCD814 Expert Package

Our high performance Aluma^® CCD Series cameras offer capabilities and features not available in any other scientific-grade imaging camera.  This lightweight (2.2 lbs) and compact (4.5" x 4.5" x 4" with handles) camera includes two-stage cooling, USB 2.0 interface, ultra-reliable even-illumination shutter, and fast low-noise readout.

The Aluma CCD series supports a wide range of accessories, including the 8-position FW8S-Aluma filter wheel with micron-level filter positioning, StarChaser SC-2 off-axis guide camera, and AO-8A Adaptive Optics accessory.

The Aluma CCD814 has a high-sensitivity, low-noise 9 megapixel CCD sensor with 3.69 micron pixels.  It is ideal for taking high spatial resolution, long duration exposures with minimal amp glow, dark current, and noise.  It also includes the ability to perform high ratio analog binning, which is important for applications such as spectroscopy.

Aluma CCD is a new generation of research cameras tuned for even better performance. Over two years of collaboration with university researchers helped us bring you an enhanced new Aluma CCD series that represent the best value in a high-performance mid-sized 16-bit CCD detector. We have carefully refined the camera electronics for improved performance, minimum amp glow, and low noise.  Using SONY's best-in-class CCDs, you'll get the precision and ultra-clean images of a CCD with the sensitivity of CMOS technology.

FW8S-Aluma is the 8-position filter wheel for Aluma CCD Series cameras. It includes a 40-12053-00 adapter plate (STL style threads, 2.156" x 24) and a 40-12121-00 2" nosepiece adapter.

Features

The carousel holds eight 36mm filters and inserts are available for 1.25" filters.  The 36 mm filters provide unvignetted imaging for the largest Aluma sensors.

Aluma wheels include a positive centering mechanism that precisely centers each filter in the exact same position every time. This single-pixel accuracy completely eliminates ghost images of dust spots and other artifacts after flat-fielding.

The left-hand image below shows a dust spot on the filters.  A flat-field calibration frame was taken, then the filter wheel was rotated several times before taking a second picture, which was flat-field calibrated, at right.  No evidence of the dust spot is visible.  This high precision results in the highest quality images and excellent photometric accuracy.

The SBIG StarChaser is the world's first all-in-one off-axis guider with built-in camera and integrated AO support.  Comes complete with MaxIm LT software.

New!  All StarChasers now include Enhanced sensors with improved Infrared sensitivity.

Several versions are available to fit our various SBIG camera models.  Please read the Description below to make sure you choose the correct option.

Download Product Data Sheet

Adaptive Optics unit for Aluma CCD and STC cameras.  Requires a StarChaser SC-2 (or an older self-guiding system).

AO-8A is the standard model for use with Aluma CCD, STC, and STF series cameras.

AO-8T supports the discontinued STT cameras.  These are built to order.

AO-8 supports the discontinued ST-7 series cameras.  These are built to order.

This adapter plate screws directly into the front of an AO-8 Adaptive Optics unit.  It works with the current AO-8A model, and older AO-8T and AO-8 versions.  It replaces the front T-thread adapter plate.

This adapter provides a larger front aperture when using a 2" eyepiece interface, allowing more lateral adjustment range for the pick-off mirror in StarChaser SC-2 and older FW8G self-guided filter wheels.