Advanced sCMOS Cameras

Capture every detail with cameras built for laboratories and astronomical observatories. Our high-sensitivity cameras combine ultra-fast readout, low noise, and exceptional flexibility to handle a wide range of applications.

Don’t Miss A Single Detail — Our Cameras Capture Everything That Matters

Whether observing fleeting phenomena or long-exposure processes, our cameras deliver high-resolution images and real-time analysis — without losing a single detail. 

Traditionally, CCD sensors were used for these tasks, offering good image quality but coming with limitations: slow readout, charge smearing, and high energy consumption. Modern sCMOS sensors overcome these drawbacks while adding new benefits. 

That’s why our cameras rely on high-sensitivity sCMOS arrays. They provide quantum efficiency on par with CCDs (over 90% for BSI arrays) and a wide dynamic range, capturing both very weak and very strong signals without compromising image quality. Active cooling keeps noise low, power consumption is reduced, and readout speeds are extremely fast. Regions of Interest (ROI) can be defined to further accelerate data acquisition. 

 

The cameras themselves enable fast, on-device preliminary data processing using FPGA-based systems — configurable integrated circuits built for real-time computation. This includes algorithms such as frame stacking, per-frame arithmetic operations, digital filters, and more. 

We use sensors like GPixel’s GSense series, ideal for scientific research and demanding industrial applications. 

 

In short: sCMOS technology delivers CCD-level performance without the old limitations, and our cameras are highly customizable to meet specific customer needs. Want to see how they can work for you? Get in touch! 

 

Background

Why choose sCMOS cameras?

  • High-resolution imaging: 2048 × 2048 with 6.5 µm pixels (GSense 2020) and 6144 × 6144 with 10 µm pixels (GSense 6060)
  • Autonomous operation — no external computer required for control
  • Extremely low noise levels — thanks to low dark current with efficient cooling and low readout noise from the sCMOS sensor
  • Full control over imaging modes — bit-depth selection, gain adjustment, HDR mode
  • FPGA-based onboard preprocessing — enabling data analysis and reduction at the acquisition stage

Use cases

  • Space monitoring
  • Laboratory imaging of atomic-scale phenomena
  • Medical imaging and microscopy
  • Production quality monitoring
  • Early warning systems

Industries

  • Science: astronomy, medicine, biology
  • Defense
  • Industry 4.0: automotive, biotechnology, quality control, machine vision

FAQ

The camera is equipped with a wide range of interfaces, enabling seamless integration with external systems and peripheral devices, making it a highly flexible solution. The rear panel includes: 

• 1 GbE (RJ45) and 10 GbE (SFP+) – Ethernet ports for high-speed data transfer and network integration 

• USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 – for connection to computers, external devices (e.g., GNSS modules), or powering accessories 

• GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) – digital input/output lines enabling control of external devices, trigger signal reception, and synchronization signal generation. They support integration with automation systems, transmission of camera status information to external modules, implementation of custom control logic, and handling of timing and safety signals in measurement and laboratory environments 

• PPS (Pulse Per Second) – time synchronization input supported by selected GNSS modules 

These interfaces allow the camera to operate autonomously, be remotely controlled, and integrate into complex measurement and control systems. 

Yes. The camera allows users to define a Region of Interest (ROI). Through the user interface, a selected sensor area can be specified for readout. 

This enables: 

• Faster image acquisition and significantly higher frame rates compared to full-frame mode 

• Reduced data volume for processing 

• Focus on specific areas of interest within the field of view 

The camera is operated via an intuitive web-based user interface accessible through a standard web browser, allowing configuration and monitoring from any computer within the network. 

In addition, the camera supports a REST API, enabling task automation, integration with existing control systems, and remote operation via external software. 

The camera performs reliably during very long exposures. No stability issues were observed during testing. 

The current implementation supports exposure times exceeding 100,000 seconds. This limitation is purely software-based and does not result from hardware constraints. 

Partially. For example, frame stacking (combining multiple frames of the same scene to improve image quality) is available. 

Implementation of additional FPGA-based algorithms requires collaboration with our engineering team. 

The camera features an integrated cooling system. 

• Standard configuration: air cooling 

• Optional configuration: liquid cooling adaptation 

The camera is supplied with a dedicated power unit providing 12 VDC and 24 VDC, required for both camera operation and cooling. 

The timestamp is recorded at the start of image acquisition and stored in the image header. 

The camera supports three synchronization sources: 

• NTP 

• PTP 

• GNSS 

Yes. Integration is achieved via a dedicated mechanical adapter tailored to the specific optical and mechanical configuration. 

The process includes: 

1. The customer provides system parameters (e.g., mounting hole spacing and back focus). 

2. A compatible adapter is designed. 

3. The adapter is manufactured. 

4. The camera is delivered with the adapter installed and ready for use. 

Yes. The camera can be controlled via REST API, enabling users to develop custom scripts in environments such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW. 

Performance depends on the sensor version, operating mode, and configuration. Application-specific adjustments may be required. 

In general, the sensors are capable of detecting tens of photons rather than single photons, within their most sensitive spectral range. 

The following support services are provided: 

• Remote access support 

• Firmware upgrades 

• Standard warranty coverage 

Yes. The rear panel boards are easily modifiable, allowing connector customization. 

Image processing is performed in the FPGA, enabling flexible implementation of custom preprocessing algorithms. 

The cameras are designed for a minimum operational lifetime of 10 years. 

By default, images are transmitted in binary, unencrypted form. 

If encryption is required, the system can be adapted accordingly, although this may reduce data throughput. 

The primary benefit is a significant reduction in transmitted data volume and bandwidth requirements. 

For example, a single image from a 6060 sensor exceeds 70 MB, which at maximum frame rate results in data streams above 1.5 GB/s. 

When monitoring specific events (e.g., threshold detection), the camera can operate in continuous high-speed mode while transmitting only relevant fragments containing the event of interest. 

This approach reduces bandwidth usage, storage requirements, and processing time. 

The current production lead time is approximately 6 months. 

Customization options include: 

• External interface configuration 

• Gain configuration 

• Cooling adaptation 

• Implementation of processing algorithms 

• Other application-specific modifications 

Yes. Cameras connect via standard Ethernet networks, enabling straightforward multi-camera system deployment. 

Synchronization can be achieved via: 

• External trigger 

• GNSS 

• NTP 

• PTP 

The achievable frame rate depends primarily on two factors: the sensor’s performance characteristics and the internal buffer capacity (i.e., the available onboard memory). 

Within defined limits, the frame rate can be configured and optimized to meet specific customer requirements. 

Higher frame rates can also be achieved by reducing the active sensor area — and consequently the number of recorded pixels — using the Region of Interest (ROI) function. 

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