sMAX04BM Scientific Camera

Product Introduction

The sMAX04BM integrates the GSENSE2020BSI back-illuminated sCMOS sensor, delivering 95% quantum efficiency at 560 nm together with a ~40 °C cooling delta. It targets low-light use cases such as fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing, and semiconductor inspection, supporting 12 µs–300 s exposure time and 72.5 fps full-resolution capture via USB 3.0.

Key Features

  • GSENSE2020BSI back-illuminated sCMOS sensor
  • Quantum efficiency: 95% @ 560 nm
  • Spectral response: 200–1100 nm
  • Cooling delta about 40 °C below ambient
  • 2048×2048 resolution with hardware 2×2 binning
  • 72.5 fps at full resolution
  • Read noise as low as 0.97 e⁻ (HDR 11HL)
  • Multi-bit output: 8/11/12/16-bit
  • HDR dynamic range up to 91.83 dB
  • Exposure time range: 12 µs–300 s
  • 512 MB (4 Gb) built-in buffer
  • C-mount optics with USB 3.0 high-speed link
  • Windows/Linux SDK provided; compatible with ToupView

Product Details

Specifications
Model sMAX04BM
Sensor GSENSE2020BSI (sCMOS)
Shutter Type Rolling shutter / global reset
Color Type Monochrome
Resolution 4.2 MP (2048×2048)
Sensor Size 13.31 mm × 13.31 mm
Sensor Diagonal 4/3" (18.82 mm)
Pixel Size 6.5 µm × 6.5 µm
Performance Parameters
Frame Rate 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024
Bit Depth 8-bit / 11-bit / 12-bit / 16-bit
Dynamic Range 61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL)
Sensitivity 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm
Interface Parameters
GPIO 1 opto-isolated input, 1 opto-isolated output, 2 non-isolated I/O ports
Lens Mount C-mount
Data Interface USB 3.0
Power Supply 12 V DC
Physical Parameters
Dimensions 80 mm × 80 mm × 101.5 mm
Weight 860 g
Environmental Parameters
Operating Temperature -30 °C to +60 °C
Operating Humidity 20%–80% (non-condensing)
Storage Temperature -40 °C to +85 °C
Storage Humidity 20%–95% (non-condensing)
Other Parameters
Operating System Windows/Linux
Certification TBD

Product Overview

sMAX04BM is a scientific-grade cooled camera featuring a GSENSE2020BSI (sCMOS) back-illuminated sCMOS image sensor with the following characteristics:

  • High-resolution imaging: 4.2 MP (2048×2048) resolution, 6.5 µm × 6.5 µm pixel size, sensor format 13.31 mm × 13.31 mm
  • Shutter design: Features Rolling shutter / global reset design, supports monochrome imaging, suitable for fluorescence imaging, spectral analysis, gene sequencing and other scientific applications
  • High-speed data transmission: Supports USB 3.0 high-speed data interface, maximum frame rate up to 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024 , data output formats include 8-bit / 11-bit / 12-bit / 16-bit
  • Excellent dynamic range: Dynamic range up to 61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL) , sensitivity of 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm
  • Cooling system: Built-in cooling system can reduce temperature to TBD below ambient, effectively reducing dark current
  • Rich interfaces: Supports GPIO interface, lens mount is standard C-mount interface
  • Compact design: Overall dimensions 80 mm × 80 mm × 101.5 mm , weight approximately 860 g , power supply 12 V DC
  • Full platform support: Supports Windows/Linux systems, includes ToupView software and cross-platform SDK, supports C/C++, C#, Python and other mainstream development languages

Core Performance Metrics

Frame Rate

Up to 72.5 fps @ 2048×2048; 72.5 fps @ 1024×1024

Resolution

4.2 MP (2048×2048)

Dynamic Range

61.38 dB (11-bit); 59.73 dB (HCG, 12-bit) / 67.17 dB (LCG, 12-bit); HDR 91.83 dB (11HL) / 86.02 dB (12HL)

Scientific Imaging Features

Back-illuminated Sensor

Features back-illuminated sCMOS sensor with higher quantum efficiency, particularly suitable for weak light imaging applications

Cooling Noise Reduction

Built-in cooling system effectively reduces dark current and noise, improving image quality and signal-to-noise ratio

High Sensitivity

Sensitivity reaches 1.1×10⁸ e⁻/((W/m²)·s) @ 550 nm , meeting high-precision requirements for scientific imaging

Flexible Control

Supports ROI, binning, trigger control and other functions, adapting to different research requirements

The sMAX04BM camera, with its excellent scientific imaging performance, stable cooling system, and rich interface configuration, is an ideal choice for research institutions, medical facilities, and high-end industrial applications, capable of meeting various precision imaging and analysis requirements.

sMAX04BM Product Manual

PDF format, includes detailed technical parameters and dimensional structure


SDK Development Kit

Supports Windows, Linux, macOS and other multi-platforms


3D Model Files

STEP format, for mechanical design integration

Package Contents #

Package list for model sMAX04BM (USB3 Cooled)

USB3 Cooled
  1. Camera body (USB3.0)
  2. Power adapter: AC 100~240 V 50/60 Hz → DC 12 V 3 A
  3. I/O cable: 7-pin cable or extension cable
  4. USB3.0 cable
  5. Lens (optional) C-mount
Fits: sMAX04BM / sMAX04BM-U100
sMAX USB3 cooled packing list
sMAX USB3 cooled packing list

Product Dimensions #

Dimensions for model sMAX04BM (USB3 interface (cooled))

USB3 interface (cooled) outline dimensions
USB3 interface (cooled)
Cooled Outline drawing
Fits: sMAX04BM / sMAX04BM-U100

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about scientific CMOS cameras

A scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera combines the strengths of CCD and CMOS technology, delivering ultra-low noise, high frame rate, wide dynamic range, and high quantum efficiency—ideal for scientific research and precision measurement.

  • Ultra-low read noise: sCMOS read noise approaches 1 e⁻, far outperforming traditional CCDs.
  • High frame rate: Parallel readout architecture supports 100 fps or higher.
  • Wide dynamic range: Captures bright and dark regions simultaneously with ratios up to tens of thousands to one.
  • Large field of view and high resolution: Suits high-resolution, wide-field imaging.

Most sCMOS sensors adopt a rolling shutter for high-speed line-by-line readout. Some support pseudo-global shutter via synchronized illumination for tear-free imaging.

They are used widely in biological microscopy, fluorescence imaging, fast object inspection, astronomy, X-ray imaging, cold atom research, and other precision-science scenarios.

EMCCD cameras excel in ultra-low light or long-exposure conditions.

sCMOS delivers greater value for high-resolution, high-speed imaging with low noise.

In-Depth Product Overview

sCMOS Sensor Architecture

Each pixel has its own amplifier and column ADC for parallel readout, enabling high-speed, high-SNR imaging. Dual gain channels and dual ADC designs further expand dynamic range and sensitivity.

Low Noise + Wide Dynamic Range

Typical sCMOS noise is < 2 e⁻ (30 fps) with dynamic range up to 50,000:1—far exceeding traditional CCDs.

Fast Readout & Versatility

Parallel readout supports >100 fps for capturing fast events such as cell motion, fluorescence lifetime studies, and plasma dynamics.

Low-Light Performance

Back-illuminated sCMOS sensors achieve >95% QE from UV to NIR, with low fixed-pattern noise and cooling down to −30 °C for astronomy and other needs.

Application Scenarios & System Value

Ideal for fluorescence microscopy, astronomy, cold atom research, X-ray imaging, materials inspection, and industrial microscopy—delivering high sensitivity, precision, and adaptability.

Key Application Areas

Representative sCMOS applications

sCMOS Technology Advantages Summary

  • Ultra-low read noise (<2 e⁻)
  • High frame rate (>100 fps)
  • Wide dynamic range (50,000:1)
  • High quantum efficiency (>95%)
  • Large FOV, high resolution
  • Cooling capability (−30 °C)
  • Parallel readout architecture
  • Adaptable to diverse research needs