Main CCD Camera: SBIG Research 1001E

     This is the new research line of large format, dual head triple sensor, self-guiding CCD cameras from SBIG. The Research-1001XE utilizes the megapixel KAF-1001E "Blue-Plus" Enhanced CCD from Kodak. The CCD array is nearly 1” square with 1024 x 1024 pixels at 24 microns square and has the highest quantum efficiency of any KAF enhanced detector.

Figure 1: The camera CCD chips and electronics (SBIG)

Figure 2: The physical appearance of the camera (SBIG)

     This high QE is not only in the blue but particularly in the red and near infrared. In addition to high QE, the low dark current characteristic of Kodak sensors and large pixel size means that the sensitivity and field of view of this detector compares very well to similar sized backlit sensors in cameras costing more than twice as much. The imaging area of this CCD array (24.5 mm x 24.5 mm) is nearly as large as a 35mm film frame.

CCD                       :        KAF-1001E
Total Pixels            :        1.0 million
Array                      :        1024 x 1024 pixels
Pixel Size                :        24 microns
Antiblooming          :        No
Class                      :        1,2,3
Peak QE                 :        72%
Image Area            :        24.6 mm x 24.6 mm
Focal Length at 1 arcsecond  per pixel  :        195 inches
FOV at 1 arcsecond per pixel                 :        0.3 x 0.3 degrees