Description
Are you planning to buy a camera for astrophotography? We offer the FLI cameras with top performance for all your astrophotography needs.
Kepler KL6060 Front-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 is highly sensitive with minimal noise thanks to its large imaging area even at high frame rates. As a comparison, it offers four times the area of a 2kx2k back illuminated CCD camera of the comparable price. 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 FI 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 FI G1 camera utilizes the 37-megapixel resolution front-illuminated GSENSE6060 Grade 1 sensor from GPixel. The front-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 Defective Pixel |
500 |
1000 |
1500 |
|
Defective 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 front-illuminated camera is 8.533 microseconds per row (19 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.
Optional QSFP Fiber Interface
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 & 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.
Sensor Type | Front Illuminated CMOS |
Sensor | GPixel GSense6060 FI |
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 | 135000 electrons |
Typical Readout Noise | 4.2 e- |
Dynamic Range | 89.8 dB |
Frame Rate | 19 fps (QSFP) |
Cooling Method | Air and Liquid * |
Max. Cooling (Air) | 45°C below ambient |
Temperature Stability | 0.1°C |
Dark Current (typical) | 0.07 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 are 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 |
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