ZWO ASI990MM Pro USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera
ZWO ASI990MM Pro USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera
For those needing to explore the limits of what dedicated astronomy cameras are capable of, ZWO brings you the ASI990MM Pro USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera. Featuring the incredible Sony IMX990 sensor, this camera allows you to image deeper into the infrared spectrum than most other consumer cameras to capture data from the skies above even when clouds are present. Paired with ZWO's extensive software compatibility and reliable hardware reputation, technical and advanced users in search of an incredibly capable instrument need look no further.
Compared to more typical consumer class sensors, the chip at the heart of this incredibly capable camera sits in Sony's exotic SWIR sensor line-up. This IMX990 monochrome model brings you 1.3 MP in resolution, with 5μm pixels on a 1/2" type sized chip. These larger pixels have an impressive full-well capacity of 127 Ke, with 80% peak QE around 1200nm; with sensitivity extending down to 1800nm. This is far beyond what typical dedicated astronomy cameras can detect, and this exceptional deep IR sensitivity is what ZWO says gives this camera the ability to see stars through thin clouds, fog, and even daytime conditions. This gives the ZWO ASI990MM Pro USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera an impressive leg up in challenging environments, as well as in delicate experiments and data collection where SWIR information is required.
Standout Infrared Option
With IR sensitivity exceeding well beyond what typical cameras can manage supported by ZWO's superlative camera design and technology, the ZWO ASI990MM Pro USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera is standout option for advanced users, institutions, and industries.
SWIR Sensor
Giving this camera its impressive IR
sensitivity is the Sony IMX990 sensor. This incredible chip gives you
sensitivity across the visible light spectrum like a typical astronomy
camera, as well a large section of the infrared spectrum; reaching down to
about 1800 nm. This allows the camera to view details of targets that are
invisible to other offerings, as well as 'see through' some common barriers
such as thin cloud cover, light fog, and even daylight to reveal starlight.
This performance is provided by 5 μm pixels, arranged in a 1280 x 1024
(1.3 MP) array on the 6.4 mm x 5.12 mm chip. QE performance is great, with
80% peak QE reached at 1200 nm, and impressive full-well depth of 127 Ke. A
native bit depth of 12-bit provides solid contrast, and read noise is
manageable at 21-150 e-.
Superb Supporting Technology
The ZWO ASI990MM Pro
USB3.0 Cooled Mono SWIR Camera enjoys key features of ZWO's Pro line, with
two-stage thermo-electric cooling, amp-glow suppression, and a built-in
image buffer. These help keep your data clear and protect it from hiccups in
transit for results you can rely on. With a two-stage thermoelectric cooler,
this camera will keep its Sony IMX990 sensor around -30° to -35°
below ambient temperature to reduce thermal induced image noise. ZWO has
also integrated their Zero Amp Glow technology, to keep your frames from
presenting with the bright shine some chip designs can inherently impart
with circuitry hot-spots. Finally, a 256 MB DDR3 image buffer helps keep
image transfer smooth even when communication between your detector and
computer may be less than ideal.
Power & Ports
This camera features a straightforward
set of connections for simply integrating into your system. To power the
camera and its supporting technology, it comes equipped with an industry
standard 5.5x2.1 mm center positive 12V input port. To ensure optimal
operation, a power supply capable of 3A is required. For
transmitting your data from the ZWO ASI990MM Pro to your computer, a USB 3.0
B port gives you a fast and reliable connection. For simplifying cable
management, the camera also comes with two powered USB 2.0 A ports which can
connect external devices to your computer over the same USB 3.0 interface it
uses.
Spacing Concerns Covered
The ASI990MM Pro features a
native backfocus of 6.5 mm, with an M42 male connection. This short distance
can allow for more flexibility when custom spacing is required. For more
common optical configurations, the camera also includes an 11 mm M42 female
to female spacer (pre-installed) which sets it at the more typical 17.5 mm
of native backfocus, along with a 16.5 mm M48-M42 and 21 mm M42-M42 spacer
set that combined can create the industry standard 55 mm of camera
backfocus. Four spacing shims are included for sensitive space tuning, with
a 0.5 mm, 0.1 mm, and two 0.2 mm shims that can be installed between spacers
to precisely add a cumulative 1 mm of additional backfocus. For stepping up
M42 optics connections to the included spacers, an M42-M48 step up ring is
also included.