The QHY367C uses the IMX094 full frame, 35mm format, 36 Megapixel, 14-bit CMOS sensor. This sensor is also used in the Nikon D810A camera. It has 3.2e- read noise at lowest gain, 2.4e- read noise at unity gain (system gain = 1e-/ADU), and high dynamic range of more than 14 stops.

True RAW Image Output

While the QHY367C has the same CMOS sensor as the Nikon D800/810A cameras, unlike these consumer DSLR cameras, the QHY367C offers True RAW Image output. In the DSLR implementation there is a RAW image output, but typically it is not completely RAW. Some evidence of noise reduction and hot pixel removal is still visible on close inspection. However, the QHY367C offers TRUE RAW IMAGE OUTPUT and produces an image comprised of the original signal only, thereby maintaining the maximum flexibility for post-acquisition astronomical image processing programs.

Unique Thermal Noise Reduction Technology

In addition to efficient 2-stage thermoelectric cooling, QHYCCD employs a unique thermal noise control technology to reduce CMOS sensor noise to a very low value without affecting the integrity of the raw image. This proprietary technology can be found to improve noise performance across the whole 165/168/247/367 product line, producing much better noise reduction than any competing camera model.

Zero Amplifier Glow

The QHY367C has zero amplifier glow no matter how long the exposure.

128MB DDRII Image Buffer

QHY367C has 128MB DDRII image buffer to cache the image and avoid the risk of a frame loss. The image data is stored in the DDR immediately after acquisition and then transferred to computer from the memory buffer. This avoids problems of a busy USB port when there are other peripherals using the same port as the camera. One frame of the QHY367C size is approx 72MB (36Mpixel * 16bit) So the 128MB DDR memory is enough to buffer whole frame.

Anti-Dew Technology

QHYCCD has more than 10 years of experience designing cooled cameras. The QHY367C receives the benefit of that decade of design work by featuring full anti-dew technology for both CCD sensor cover glass and the sensor chamber optical window. The QHY367C has an electric heating board for the chamber window to prevent the formation of dew and the sensor itself is kept dry with our silicon gel tube socket design for control of humidity within the sensor chamber.

AR coated CMOS Sensor Surface

The IMX094 sensor used in the QHY367C has the multi-layer AR coated. This coating will help to reduce the halo around the bright stars. Normally speaking the uncoated sensor surface only about T = 92% ratio (Reflective is about 8%) while the AR coated surface can get up to 98% to 99%. (Reflective ratio is only 1% to 2%).

AR+AR Optical Window

In order to avoid halos around bright stars the QHY367C has a AR+AR coated optical window rather than the common IR cut window for Single-Shot Color cameras. This permits full access to the red wavelength of H-alpha and SII without attenuation by the window coating. For RGB color balance, without passing the near IR wavelengths above 700nm, a separate removable 2-inch UV/IR filter with the desirable band pass characteristics is placed in a custom filter holder in front of the camera.

Specifications