CTR3CMOS00503KMA Low Light Imaging/Semiconductor Cooled Camera
Product Introduction
The CTR3CMOS series is designed for low-light and long-exposure scenarios, featuring Sony Exmor and other high-performance CMOS sensors with resolution coverage from 0.39–20 MP and sensor formats from 1/2.9″–4/3″. Built-in thermoelectric cooling (TEC) and closed-loop temperature control reduce sensor operating temperature by approximately 5–10 °C below ambient temperature. Combined with anti-fogging structure, it effectively suppresses dark current and condensation, ensuring imaging stability and consistency during low-temperature, long-duration acquisition.
Data links support USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) and GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), maintaining stable throughput under high-speed/long-distance transmission. Supports 8/12/16-bit data output (model dependent), ROI/windowing and multi-gain modes. Cameras provide free-running, software/hardware triggering and multi-camera synchronization, with industrial-grade I/O for integration with external light sources, motion platforms or production line signals. Maximum exposure can reach approximately 300 s, suitable for chemiluminescence, fluorescence, spectroscopy and other weak signal applications.
Includes ToupView software and provides cross-platform SDK (Windows / Linux / macOS) for secondary development and system integration, meeting diverse requirements for scientific research, industrial inspection and general scientific imaging.
Key Features
- High-sensitivity low-noise CMOS (Sony Exmor and others, model dependent), covering visible/NIR applications
- Thermoelectric TEC cooling: typical ΔT ≈ 5–10 °C (below ambient), significantly reducing dark current
- Closed-loop temperature control and temperature setting/locking, balancing low noise with quantum efficiency (QE) maintenance
- Anti-fogging optical structure, suppressing window/sensor condensation during low-temperature and long-exposure conditions
- Resolution coverage 0.39–20 MP, sensor formats 1/2.9″–4/3″ (model dependent)
- Bit depth output: 8 / 12 / 16-bit (model dependent), enhancing weak signal gradation and dynamic range
- Maximum exposure approximately 300 s (model dependent), suitable for extremely low-light/low illumination imaging
- Data interfaces: USB3.0 (5 Gbit/s) / GigE (1 Gbit/s, model dependent), stable long-distance transmission
- Acquisition modes: free-running, software trigger, external hardware trigger; supports multi-camera synchronization and strobe control
- Image functions: ROI/windowing, digital binning, mirroring, Gamma/LUT, multi-gain modes (model dependent)
- Industrial-grade I/O: optically isolated trigger input/strobe output and programmable GPIO (model dependent)
- Optional optical windows: IR-CUT / dual AR coating (model and application dependent)
- Metal (aluminum alloy) CNC housing with electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation optimization, suitable for long-term stable operation
- Software and ecosystem: includes ToupView; provides Windows / Linux / macOS SDK, compatible with common third-party interfaces
- Typical applications: chemiluminescence/fluorescence microscopy, spectroscopy/low-light detection, materials/semiconductor analysis, etc.
Product Details
| Key Parameters | |
| Model | CTR3CMOS00503KMA |
| Sensor | Sony IMX426LLJ |
| Effective Pixels / Resolution | 0.5MP (800×620) |
| Frame Rate (Full Resolution and Key Resolution Modes) | 20 fps@800×620 |
| Shutter Type | Global Shutter |
| Color Type | Monochrome |
| Imaging Performance | |
| Pixel Size | 9.0 µm × 9.0 µm |
| Sensor Size | 7.2 mm × 5.58 mm |
| Diagonal | 1/1.7" (9.07 mm) |
| Dynamic Range | 72 dB |
| Bit Depth | 8-bit/12-bit |
| Sensitivity | 8100 mV |
| Interface & Mechanical | |
| Data Interface | USB3.0 |
| GPIO | 1x optically isolated input, 1x optically isolated output, 2x non-isolated I/O ports |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Dimensions | 80 mm × 80 mm × 45.5 mm |
| Weight | 396.6 g |
| Power Supply | USB3.0 interface power/DC12V power |
| Environment & Certification | |
| Operating Temperature / Humidity | -10 °C ~ +50 °C / 20%-80% non-condensing |
| Storage Temperature / Humidity | -30 °C ~ +70 °C / TBD |
| OS Support | Windows/Linux/macOS/Android multi-platform SDK (native C/C++, C#/VB.NET, Python, Java, DirectShow, TWAIN, etc.) |
| Certification | CE/FCC |
Product Overview
CTR3CMOS00503KMA is a scientific-grade cooled camera designed for low-light imaging and long exposure applications. It features the high-performance Sony IMX426LLJ image sensor with the following characteristics:
Core Performance Indicators
Cooling Capability
20 °C below ambient temperature
Maximum Exposure Time
Up to 1 hour
Typical Dark Current
0.07 mV @ -20 °C
Resolution
0.5MP (800×620)
Scientific Application Features
Astronomical Observation
Ultra-low noise and long exposure capability suitable for capturing dim targets such as deep-sky objects, comets, and nebulae.
Spectral Analysis
High dynamic range and linear response for precise spectral information recording, suitable for Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy applications.
Bioluminescence Imaging
Extremely high sensitivity for capturing weak signals from bioluminescence and chemiluminescence, supporting in vivo imaging research.
Long-Term Monitoring
Stable cooling system and anti-condensation design support long-term unattended scientific observation.
Recommendation
The CTR3CMOS00503KMA cooled camera, with its exceptional low-light detection capability, ultra-long exposure time, and scientific-grade image quality, is the ideal choice for astronomical observation, spectral analysis, bioluminescence imaging, and other low-light applications. Deep cooling technology effectively suppresses noise, while anti-condensation design ensures long-term stable operation, providing reliable imaging solutions for scientific research.
CTR3CMOS00503KMA Product Manual
PDF format with detailed technical specifications and dimensional drawings
SDK Development Kit
Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms
3D Model Files
STEP format for mechanical design integration
Product Overview
Professional Features of CTR3CMOS Series Thermoelectric Cooled Cameras
The CTR3CMOS series represents ToupTek's advanced high-performance scientific-grade thermoelectric cooled cameras, featuring Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors combined with two-stage thermoelectric cooling (TEC) technology and low-noise readout architecture. Specifically designed for long-exposure imaging, ultra-low dark current applications, and high-sensitivity scientific imaging, this series offers high quantum efficiency (QE), wide dynamic range, and 16-bit high bit-depth output, making it ideal for astronomical observation, spectroscopy, and low-light experimental applications.
Core Features
Two-Stage TEC Cooling
40℃ temperature reduction, ultra-low dark current
Back-Illuminated CMOS
Sony sensor with high quantum efficiency
16-bit High Bit Depth
Scientific-grade data precision
Anti-Condensation Design
All-weather stable operation
Performance Parameter Highlights
Cooling Capacity
-40℃
Below ambient temperatureDark Current
<0.002
e⁻/pixel/sec@-20℃Dynamic Range
75 dB
High contrast imagingResolution
2-26 MP
Multiple specificationsIn-Depth Product Introduction
Scientific-Grade Two-Stage TEC Cooling System
Employing two-stage thermoelectric cooling technology, the sensor temperature can be reduced to approximately 40℃ below ambient temperature, effectively suppressing dark current generation. At a working temperature of -20℃, the dark current is less than 0.002e⁻/pixel/sec. This ultra-low dark current characteristic enables the camera to perform hours-long exposure without generating significant thermal noise. The precision temperature control system combined with anti-condensation design ensures long-term stable operation under various environmental conditions, particularly suitable for unattended scientific observation missions.
High-Performance Back-Illuminated Sensor Architecture
Equipped with Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensors featuring extremely high quantum efficiency and ultra-low readout noise. Combined with high and low gain modes and optimized electronic architecture, the readout noise is as low as 1e⁻, delivering high-quality images even under low-light or long-exposure conditions. Pixel sizes ranging from 2.4µm to 4.63µm perfectly balance high resolution with high sensitivity requirements, providing an ideal hardware foundation for weak signal detection.
Professional-Grade Imaging Quality Assurance
Supporting 8-bit/12-bit/16-bit output, the 16-bit high bit-depth mode provides extremely high data precision for scientific analysis. The dynamic range can reach 75dB with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 50dB, meeting high-contrast scientific imaging requirements. Flexible exposure control ranges from 50µs minimum to several hours, capable of capturing both rapid phenomena and deep space long-term observations. USB3.0 interface with built-in large-capacity cache ensures stable output of high-resolution images.
High-Reliability Industrial-Grade Design
Featuring CNC metal housing with integrated high-efficiency heat dissipation system, ensuring temperature stability during long-term operation. Anti-condensation window design effectively prevents condensation issues on optical windows during low-temperature operation. The all-metal body provides excellent electromagnetic shielding performance, reducing external interference effects on image quality. Operating temperature range of -10~50℃ supports long-term stable operation, meeting all-weather scientific observation requirements.
Comprehensive Software Ecosystem Support
Providing full-platform SDK support for Windows, Linux, and macOS, compatible with mainstream development languages including C/C++ and Python, facilitating rapid integration into existing scientific systems. Standardized interface design and comprehensive development documentation enable easy embedding into various scientific equipment such as astronomical observation systems, spectrometers, and microscopes. USB3.0 single-cable power design simplifies system deployment while supporting external 12V auxiliary power for more stable cooling performance.
Applications
CTR3CMOS Series Applications in Scientific Research and Astronomical Observation
CTR3CMOS Series Core Advantages
Deep Cooling
-40℃ cooling
Ultra-Low Dark Current
0.002e⁻/s
16-bit Output
High data precision
Ultra-Low Noise
1e⁻ readout noise
Back-Illuminated
High QE design
Anti-Condensation
All-weather operation
Wide Dynamic Range
75dB range
Scientific Grade
Professional imaging