SBIG Aluma CCD77-00 Mono

A Research-Grade Camera for Demanding Applications

The Aluma CCD77-00 is engineered for applications where photometric accuracy and maximum sensitivity are critical. Designed for observatories and advanced researchers using long focal length instruments, it provides the core capabilities needed for scientific measurement and capturing faint signals with high fidelity. Its architecture prioritizes stability, low noise, and repeatable results over high frame rates, making it a dedicated tool for scientific data acquisition.

Teledyne e2v CCD77-00: 93% Peak QE and 24µm Pixels

At the heart of the Aluma CCD77-00 is a back-illuminated Teledyne e2v CCD77-00 sensor, a full-frame monochrome chip renowned for its sensitivity. The back-illuminated design allows it to reach a peak Quantum Efficiency (QE) of 93%, capturing the vast majority of photons that strike its surface. The sensor's 512 x 512 array consists of exceptionally large 24 µm pixels, which provide an enormous surface area for photon collection.

This pixel scale is a deliberate engineering choice for long-focal-length systems. Diffraction Limited designs it for longer focal length instruments, typically with apertures greater than 40 cm, where these large pixels sample the sky appropriately without requiring aggressive binning, preserving the camera's native resolution while maximizing signal-to-noise ratio on faint targets.

16-Bit Digitization and 300,000 e- Full Well

To complement its sensitive sensor, the Aluma CCD77-00 features a massive full well capacity of 300,000 electrons. This exceptionally deep well helps keep brighter stars in the field from saturating, which matters for accurate photometry of star clusters or when imaging faint nebulosity around brilliant objects. The signal is then digitized by a 16-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

The combination of deep wells and 16-bit resolution gives high dynamic range. This helps you record both the faint outer structures of a galaxy and its brighter core in the same exposure.

SmartCooling System: A Regulated 50°C Delta

Effective thermal management is critical for low-noise CCD imaging. The Aluma CCD77-00 employs a powerful two-stage thermoelectric cooler with a typical temperature delta of 50°C below ambient. This aggressive cooling dramatically reduces thermal noise, which is crucial for the long exposures required in scientific imaging and astrophotography.

This system is managed by SBIG's SmartCooling technology, which uses twin variable-speed fans to optimize performance. The firmware constantly monitors sensor and heat sink temperatures, ramping the fans up for rapid cooldown and slowing them to reduce noise and power consumption when less cooling power is needed. This ensures consistent, low-noise results from one exposure to the next.

Even-Illumination Shutter in a 1000g Body

The Aluma CCD77-00 is built into a compact and robust chassis weighing just 1000 g, with a body length of 101.6 mm. It incorporates a mechanical even-illumination shutter, a design chosen for its reliability and photometric precision. Unlike iris-style shutters that can create uneven field illumination, this twin-vane design ensures light is blocked uniformly across the sensor, producing flat fields and dark frames free of shutter-induced artifacts.

The shutter makes dark and bias frames convenient, which is ideal for robotic automation. The camera body features a standard M42x0.75 T2 female thread for secure connection to filter wheels and other accessories.

USB 2.0 Control, Power, and Accessories

Data transfer and camera control are handled via a reliable USB 2.0 interface. While not as fast as newer standards, USB 2.0 is robust and allows for longer cable runs, a common requirement in observatory setups. The camera is powered by a 12 VDC input, with a universal 110V/220V power supply included.

The Aluma platform is designed for system integration. It supports accessories like the SBIG StarChaser for off-axis guiding and is compatible with multiple filter wheel options, including 8-position and 16-position models. Full control is provided through the included MaxIm LT software or third-party applications via ASCOM and native drivers.

Aluma CCD77-00 vs. Aluma CCD47-10: Sensitivity and Scale

Within the Aluma series, the CCD77-00 is a specialist focused on maximum light-gathering per pixel. It is best understood in comparison to its sibling, the Aluma CCD47-10.

• Pixel Size & Sensitivity: The CCD77-00's primary advantage is its 24 µm pixels. These are substantially larger than the 13µm pixels of the CCD47-10, giving each pixel a much greater surface area to collect photons. This makes the CCD77-00 exceptionally sensitive and well-suited to sampling the image from very long focal length telescopes.
• Resolution: The trade-off for large pixels is resolution. The CCD77-00 has a 512 x 512 array, while the CCD47-10 offers a higher-resolution 1024 x 1024 array. For imagers with shorter focal lengths or those who need to resolve finer details, the CCD47-10 may be a better fit.
• Full Well Capacity: The CCD77-00 boasts an enormous 300,000 e- full well, three times that of the CCD47-10's 100,000 e- capacity. This gives the CCD77-00 superior dynamic range for applications like photometry where avoiding saturation of bright stars matters.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the application. The Aluma CCD77-00 suits maximum per-pixel signal and dynamic range on long focal length instruments, while the CCD47-10 offers higher resolution for a wider range of optical systems.