SBIG Aluma AC4040 with class 1 sensor

High Quantum Efficiency

The Aluma AC4040 standard Front-Side Illuminated (FSI) model has a peak Quantum Efficiency (QE) of 74%, and features a much broader peak that is almost flat through the visible spectrum – from 450 nm through to over 900 nm. This means the overall sensitivity of the Aluma AC4040 is much higher than its CCD predecessor. For the most demanding applications, the Aluma AC4040BSI features a windowless Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor, which has an incredible peak QE of 95%. In addition the BSI sensor features significant UV sensitivity beyond 250 nm, and excellent near IR sensitivity.

StackPro™

The Aluma AC4040 scientific CMOS camera features StackPro™, a revolutionary feature that performs image stacking inside the camera. CMOS sensors often have more limited well depth and bit depth than their CCD predecessors. At the same time, the modern CMOS sensors have much lower read noise than the equivalent CCD. This low read noise can be used to advantage, by stacking many shorter exposures to achieve the same final result. This does however result in a lot of extra disk usage and post-processing. StackPro™ performs the stacking automatically, inside the camera. It automatically subdivides your exposure into up to 16 individual subexposures, and stacks them inside the camera prior to download. This eliminates the excessive amounts of data cluttering up your hard drive. Stacking can also be used as an alternative to HDR mode.

Ten Position Filter Wheel, Self-Guiding and Adaptive Optics Options Available

The Aluma AC4040 is compatible with optional AFW for 10x50mm squared filters. The available SBIG StarChaser SC-3 is an excellent low-cost option for integrated autoguiding in front of the filters, and it supports SBIG AO-X Adaptive Optics accessory. The AO-X uses a tip-tilt window to quickly and precisely adjust the image position in response to autoguider feedback. With Adaptive Optics there is no backlash, stiction, or lag, and the movements are precise and accurate. This allows the AO-X to not only remove the effects of periodic error, drift, and wind gusts, but also reduce the effects of atmospheric seeing. When used with an Aluma AC camera, the AO-X requires the StarChaser SC-3. If you want to use the StarChaser and the AO-X please select also the "StarChaser to AO-X/AO-8T adapter cable". 

Optical thickness of imaging train configurations without considering the front adapter plate on telescope side:
option 1) AC4040 camera without front mounting plate: optical backfocus is 0.855” (21.7mm)
option 2) If I want to add the AFW-10-50SQ: optical backfocus will be 0.855” (camera) + 0.55” (AFW) = 1.405” (35.7mm)
option 3) If I want to add the SC-3E-SHORT: optical backfocus will be 0.855” (camera) + 0.55” (AFW) + 0.87” (SC-3E-SHORT) = 2.275” (57.8mm)
option 4) If I want to add the AO-X: optical backfocus will be 0.855” (camera) + 0.55” (AFW) + 0.87” (SC-3E-SHORT) + 0.1049" (AO-X) = 3.324” (84.4mm)