Description
Are you planning to buy a camera for astrophotography? We offer the FLI cameras with top performance for all your astrophotography needs.
KL6060 Back-illuminated Camera: 6Kx6K with 10-micron pixels
The KL6060 is a low-noise cooled scientific CMOS camera from Finger Lakes Instrumentation (FLI), which provides high-speed imaging with an exceptional field of view. This camera matches the sensitivity and imaging area of the back-illuminated CCD230-84 CCD. Still, it operates with significantly less noise, even at high frame rates. This affordable camera is not only ideal for dedicated amateurs or research institutes who want to capture every possible photon but also a game-changing solution for Space Debris Detection and Space Situational Awareness applications. Generally, Kepler series cameras are ideal for orbital debris detection, occultations, solar astronomy, exo-planet research, photometry, near earth object (NEO), super resolution microscopy, wavefront sensing, speckle imaging, forensic science, photocell inspection.
GPixel GSENSE6060 G1 Sensor
You can order Kepler KL6060 cameras with either a front-illuminated sensor (FI) or a high-QE back-illuminated (BI) GPixel GSENSE6060 sensors. The Kepler KL6060 sCMOS BI G1 camera utilizes the 37-megapixel resolution back-illuminated GSENSE6060 Grade 1 sensor from GPixel. The back-illuminated sensor is provided with different properties as represented by degrees 0, 1, and 2 in the following table:
| Properties | Grade 0 | Grade 1 | Grade 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Defect Pixel |
800 |
1200 |
2000 |
|
Defect Columns/Rows |
2 |
6 |
10 |
|
2 Adjacent Columns/Rows |
0. |
Allowed |
Allowed |
|
3 Adjacent Columns/Rows |
0. |
0. |
Allowed |
High Frame Rates
The readout of this back-illuminated is 14.288 microseconds per row (11 fps for full array). However, faster imaging speeds are still achievable if a smaller region is selected. For instance, by choosing a sub-array of 1,000 rows, the frame rate increases six times.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
The KL6060 captures bright and faint objects within a single image by performing two reads of the same exposure—one in high gain and the other in low gain. This offers an impressive 90 dB dynamic range. FLI’s proprietary algorithms ensure that the resulting 16-bit HDR image is highly linear, facilitating accurate quantitative analysis. With FLI’s Pilot software, you can retain the original 12-bit images for future review, ensuring your raw data stays intact.
QSFP Fiber Interface (optional)
The Kepler cameras use USB 3.0 interface. Utilizing the optional QSFP fiber interface, the Kepler KL6060 camera can capture up to 19 frames per second. This camera supports long-distance, interference-free operation with top data rates on the Kepler platform. Its PCIE interface allows on-the-fly corrections and custom algorithm integration for enhanced performance.
Reliable, Long-Life Performance
The Kepler KL6060 is engineered for use in the most remote environments. As a result, regular chamber maintenance or desiccant cartridge replacement is not required. With a unique chamber design and decades of manufacturing expertise, the camera is built for longevity, no matter the conditions.
Support and Service
The Kepler Cameras come with unrivaled service and support.
Firmware: The cameras are field-programmable with the capacity to easily upgrade firmware and re-program from anywhere in the world.
Hardware: The shutters, power boards, and fans can be easily replaced, therefore no need for expensive, time-consuming transport back and forth from the factory.
Sustainability: The Kepler cameras are built for long-lasting sustainability. FLI’s Kepler cameras are installed in observatories worldwide — many in remote mountaintop locations — from Antarctica to Fairbanks and Finland, in several universities and laboratory facilities.
Technical Data
Sensor Type | Back Illuminated CMOS |
Sensor | GPixel GSense6060 BI |
Shutter Type | Rolling |
Active Pixels | 6144 x 6144 |
Pixel Size (microns) | 10 x 10 µm |
Imaging Area (Diagonal) | 61.4 X 61.4 mm (86.8 mm) |
Full Well Capacity | 95000 electrons |
Typical Readout Noise | 3.0 e- |
Dynamic Range | 90.3 dB |
Frame Rate | 11 fps (QSFP) |
Cooling Method | Air and Liquid * |
Max. Cooling (Air) | 45°C below ambient |
Temperature Stability | 0.1°C |
Dark Current (typical) | 0.1 eps at -20C |
Interface | USB 3.0 (Optional QSFP **) |
Data Bit Depth | 16 bit *** |
Optical shutter | 90mm |
Optional Mounts | Medium Format Recommended (6×7) |
Subarray Readout | Standard |
External Trigger In/Out | Standard |
SDK / Software | Kepler SDK / FLI Pilot |
Weight | 8.1 lbs (3.6 kg) |
* Liquid circulation connectors sold separately.
** QSFP is short for Quad Small Form factor Pluggable: high speed fiber optic interface
*** 16 bit data merged from two 12 bit conversions
Additional information
| Shutter | None, KL 90mm Shutter |
|---|---|
| Anti-Dew Technology (ADT) | None, With ADT |
| Liquid Cooling | None, KL LC Connector Kit |
Specification
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