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Daystar Quantum Calcium II K Solar Filter - 2Å PE Grade

Daystar Quantum Calcium II K Solar Filter - 2Å PE Grade

by Daystar Filters
SKU DAY-CK2AUNI
CA$25,186.00 - CA$25,186.00
CA$25,186.00
CA$25,186.00 - CA$25,186.00
CA$25,186.00
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  • Targets the Calcium II K-line at 393.3nm
  • 2Å Bandpass for high-contrast chromospheric detail
  • PE (Professional Edition) Grade for research applications
  • Quantum electronic controls provide 0.1Å tuning precision
  • Optimized for CCD photography and scientific analysis
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  • Daystar Quantum Calcium II K Solar Filter - 2Å PE Grade

    The Daystar Quantum Calcium II K Solar Filter isolates the solar chromosphere at the 393.3nm K-line with a 2Å bandpass, making it a dedicated instrument for academic research and advanced CCD imaging. Its Quantum control system allows for precision wing-shifting accurate to 0.1Å, enabling detailed studies of the solar atmosphere's three-dimensional structure.

    A Research Tool for the Sun's Chromosphere: 2Å at the 393.3nm K-Line

    This PE (Professional Edition) grade filter is engineered for university-level research into the composition and dynamics of the Sun. The 2Å bandpass centered on the 393.3nm Calcium K absorption line reveals high-contrast details in the lower to mid-chromosphere, such as supergranulation cells and the magnetic structure around sunspots.

    Unlike broadband white-light filters, a narrow Ca K filter provides a distinct view into a specific atmospheric layer. The PE grade ensures the highest level of uniformity across the filter, which is critical for producing scientific-quality data and flat-fielded images free of artifacts.

    0.1Å Precision Tuning: Mapping Atmospheric Layers with Quantum Controls

    The integrated Quantum electronic tuning system is the filter's core analytical function. By allowing you to shift the filter's central wavelength with an accuracy of 0.1Å, you can precisely measure Doppler effects and map different levels of the chromosphere. This capability is essential for studying velocity fields and the intensity differences between the K1, K2, and K3 components of the Calcium line.

    This level of control transforms the filter from a simple viewing instrument into a scientific tool. You can investigate the subordinate peaks within the Ca II K line, effectively looking through different depths of the solar atmosphere to build a three-dimensional understanding of chromospheric structures.

    K-Line vs. H-Line: Why the 393.3nm Wavelength is Optimized for CCDs

    Calcium has two strong spectral lines: the K-line at 393.3nm and the H-line at 396.9nm. This filter targets the K-line, which has historically been the standard for academic research because it is well-isolated from other spectral lines. However, at 393.3nm, the light is deep into the violet part of the spectrum, very close to where human vision ends around 400nm.

    This presents a critical trade-off: the Daystar Calcium K filter is exceptionally well-suited for monochrome CCD or CMOS cameras, which are highly sensitive at this wavelength. For direct visual observation, the image will appear very dim and low-contrast. The H-line is visually brighter, but for the highest clarity in scientific imaging, the K-line remains the preferred target.

  • What is the Daystar Quantum Calcium II K filter primarily used for?

    This is a specialized, research-grade solar filter designed for academic studies and advanced CCD imaging of the Sun's chromosphere. Its primary application is isolating the Calcium K-line at 393.3nm to study features like supergranulation, plage, and the magnetic networks around sunspots.

    Why is the Calcium K-line at 393.3nm difficult to see visually with this filter?

    The human eye's sensitivity drops off sharply below 400nm. The 393.3nm wavelength of the Calcium K-line is so deep in the violet spectrum that it appears very dim and lacks contrast to our eyes. Modern imaging sensors, however, have excellent sensitivity at this wavelength, making this an ideal filter for photography but challenging for visual use.

    What does the 0.1Å wing-shifting of the Quantum controls allow me to study?

    The 0.1Å precision tuning allows you to study Doppler-shifted phenomena on the Sun. By shifting the filter's bandpass off the central K-line, you can visualize solar material moving towards you (blue-shifted) or away from you (red-shifted). This is critical for:

    • Velocity Field Mapping: Studying the motion of plasma in active regions.
    • 3D Chromosphere Analysis: Observing different depths of the solar atmosphere by targeting the K1, K2, and K3 peaks of the Ca II line profile.

    Can I use the Daystar Quantum Calcium II K filter for general solar viewing?

    No, this filter is not recommended for general or casual solar viewing. It is a highly specialized scientific instrument. For general visual observation of sunspots, you should use a white-light filter. For prominences and surface detail, a Hydrogen-alpha filter is the standard choice.

    How does the 2Å bandpass of this filter help when imaging supergranulation cells on the Sun?

    A 2Å bandpass is wide enough to show significant contrast in the chromospheric network, where supergranulation cells are most prominent. This bandwidth provides a bright image while still being narrow enough to isolate the key Calcium K features, making the boundaries of these large-scale convection cells stand out clearly in images.

    If I am trying to study Doppler shifts in a solar flare with this Calcium K filter, how would I use the Quantum controls?

    To study a solar flare, you would first tune the filter to the central 393.3nm wavelength to image the event. Then, using the 0.1Å precision of the Quantum controls, you would tune slightly towards blue (e.g., -0.5Å) to capture material being ejected towards you, and then slightly towards red (e.g., +0.5Å) to capture material falling back. Comparing these images reveals the flare's velocity structure and dynamics.

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