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The 'MX916' is a brand-new introduction to the Starlight Xpress 'X' range of cameras and is designed to offer an exceptionally high sensitivity across the entire visible spectrum and into the near UV. The latest in 'microlens' technology from Sony has almost eliminated the 'dead area' from this CCD and has increased the quantum efficiency to more than 60% over much of the visible spectrum. This compares very favourably with the low values (< 40%) offered by many commonly used full-frame CCDs in astronomical cameras. In addition, the exceptionally low dark signal of less than 0.1 electrons per pixel per second, gives a very flat background on even long exposure images.

This large format CCD (8.7 x 6.5mm) is well suited to longer focal length optical assemblies, and the large (23.2 x 22.4 uM) near-square pixels in binned mode are ideal for very deep-sky supernova and asteroid searches.

The MX916 is constructed in a robust black anodised aluminium barrel, 63mm in diameter and 95mm long and is supplied complete with both 2 inch and 1.25 inch drawtube adaptors. The 2 inch adaptor may also be used as a M42 'Pentax' thread lens mount and extension tube. In common with other Starlight Xpress cameras, the MX916 is driven from the parallel port of a PC computer and comes complete with Windows-based control and processing software.

 

The MX916 camera specification:

  • CCD type: Sony ICX083AL SuperHAD CCD with ultra low dark current and vertical anti-blooming.
  • CCD pixel data: Pixel size: 11.6 x 11.2uM, image format 752 x 580 pixels (High Res. mode), or 23.2 x 22.4uM, image format: 376 x 290 pixels (High sensitivity mode, pixels binned 2 x 2). Software controlled.
  • CCD size: Imaging area: 8.7mm (horizontal) x 6.5mm (vertical).
  • Spectral response: Peak response at 520nM (Green), 50% at 400nM (Violet) and 670nM (Near infra-red). (Note the very good blue light performance, excellent for tri-colour and photometric work.)
  • Quantum efficiency: Approx. 65% peak at 520nM.
  • Readout noise: Less than15 electrons RMS.
  • Full-well capacity: Greater than 300,000 e- (binned mode).
  • Anti-blooming: Overload margin greater than 800x
  • Dark current: Dark frame saturation time greater than 100 hours. Less than 0.1 electrons/ second at +10C ambient.
  • Data format: Full 16 bits.
  • Computer interface: 8 bit unidirectional parallel port with bi-directional status lines (Standard Centronics interface). 25 pin 'D' style plug for LPT1, 2 or 3, via a 5 metre x 6mm diameter cable.
  • Image download time: Typically 6 seconds with a 200MHz PC and 'Fast Interface' module.
  • Power requirements: 115VAC / 240VAC @ 12VA, or 12VDC @ 900 milliamps max.
  • Cooling system: Regulated constant-current cooling supply built-in. Single-stage thermoelectric cooler to give a CCD temperature of approximately -30C below ambient.
  • Size: 63 x 95mm black anodised aluminium barrel with M42 thread at CCD window end and 15 way 'D' style input plug at rear.
  • Weight: 250g.

 

If you would like further information on the Starlight range of CCD cameras, please click here.
 

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