Quantum Scientific Imaging QSI 540cs Cooled Interline Single Shot Color CCD Camera with 4.2MP KAI-04022 Image Sensor, Microlens Technology, Mechanical Shutter, RGB Bayer Filter

The QSI 540cs model camera employs a Kodak KAI-04022 4.2 megapixel interline transfer CCD image sensor with microlens technology. The integral RGB Bayer color filter mask allows Single-Shot color imaging. The KAI-04022M sensor has a photoactive array of 2048W x 2048H pixels. It has excellent quantum efficiency between 350nm and 1000nm with significant enhancement at the blue end of the spectrum. Low dark current and high pixel charge capacity result in a dynamic range exceeding 74db. The sensor employs a vertical overflow drain that provides both antiblooming protection and a fast electronic shutter.

Micro lenses cover the surface of the CCD to focus the light into each pixel to increase optical response. Single-Shot color imaging is made possible by overlaying the pixels on the CCD with an alternating red, green and blue color filter matrix at the time of manufacture. This is also how the vast majority of color video and still cameras create color images. The raw image from the camera requires further processing to extract the color and luminance information and create a final image. Most CCD image acquisition software, including MaxIm LE and MaxIm DL, has special processing for just this purpose.

Small enough to practically hide behind a CD-ROM, the medium format QSI 500 Series family sets new standards for full-featured, high performance scientific CCD cameras. The striking appearance, refined design and superior fit and finish of these innovative cameras by QSI only hint at the advanced technical performance lurking inside. Some have described it as a work of art.

A defining feature of the QSI 500 Series CCD Cameras is the flexible design that permits three progressively configured body styles with a minimal impact on overall size. A camera's body size depends on the internal features installed. The Slim body is the thinnest version and can be used with CCDs incorporating an electronic shutter. The Medium body provides additional space for an internal mechanical shutter and the Full body allows the installation of both the shutter and a five position filter wheel with interchangeable filters.