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Categories: Night Vision

Night vision technology has revolutionized multiple industries, enhancing capabilities and ensuring safety in low-light conditions. Primarily rooted in the military, night vision aids in training, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Beyond defence, it plays a pivotal role in rescue operations, security activities, driving, aviation, scientific research, tourism, hunting, fishing, construction, and even entertainment. Enabling visibility in darkness, it saves lives, protects property, aids research, and enhances recreational experiences. Explore the diverse applications of night vision technology across sectors, illuminating the unseen world after dark.

Night Vision Technologies in Military industry

The whole history of NV technology is inextricably linked with the military sphere. Therefore, it is not surprising that night vision is most widely used here. Thanks to its capabilities, they conduct training and combat operations in the dark, engage in reconnaissance and assess the situation on the battlefield. In addition, NV is an indispensable addition to military equipment, helping soldiers to manage it and perform various actions.

Night Vision Technologies in Rescue operations

People often need help in unfamiliar areas and get into trouble. In this situation, their only chance for survival will be the operational work of rescuers. To find people needing help quickly, search and rescue operations are carried out 24 hours daily. In the dark, such work will be impossible without NV. It will help to find a person, thereby saving his life.

Night Vision Technology in Security activities

Darkness is a good disguise. This feature is used not only for good purposes but also for criminal ones. The capabilities of NV technology are used to protect property from fraudsters or prevent unauthorized persons from entering the territory of an infrastructure facility. It will allow you to detect in advance the presence of unauthorized persons in the protected area and take the necessary measures to detain them.

Night Vision Technology in Driving

Most accidents occur at night. To remedy the situation, many drivers use NV devices. They make even poorly lit roads visible and reduce the likelihood of collisions, side ramps falls off cliffs, and other troubles. NV also helps manage vehicles used for industrial purposes (for example, combines, tractors, loaders, etc.).

Night Vision Technology in Aviation

It is much more dangerous to fly at night than during the day, so airplane and helicopter pilots can’t do without night vision. Devices using this technology extensively simplify the take-off and landing procedure, making it safer. In addition, NV makes it possible to find landmarks in the dark and choose the right direction of movement.

Night Vision Technology in Science

The nocturnal lifestyle of many animals complicates the process of studying them. However, in such cases, NV technologies come to the aid of scientists. They help find species of interest in the dark, determine their sex, estimate size, and do many other things. Also, thanks to the possibilities of night vision, it will be possible to simply observe the animals from dusk to dawn and enjoy their beauty.

Night Vision Technology in Tourism

Long hikes are one of the most popular tourist destinations. They provide round-the-clock being in close contact with wildlife, which is dangerous to humans. In this regard, lovers of tourism need to use night vision. It will help you find the right direction of movement, navigate the terrain, inspect the territory for the presence of dangerous predators on it, equip the camp after sunset, and much more.

Night Vision Technology in Hunting and Fishing

There are many varieties of these two popular entertainments. One of them is night fishing and hunting. Both classes can only be done with the use of NV. It will help fishermen find a suitable place to cast their line and constantly watch the tackle. For hunters, night vision will make it easier to see animals and increase the chances of making an accurate shot.

Night Vision Technology in Construction

The process of building various buildings requires precise adherence to deadlines. This may be due to dozens of factors, ranging from expected worsening weather conditions to a desire to avoid penalties. To invest on time, builders work around the clock. During the night shift, many workers have to use NV. It will make it possible to carry out any work and increase the safety of builders.

Night Vision Technology in Entertainment

Paintball, airsoft, and other similar entertainments are held during the day and at night. In the second case, the game participants will need some NVDs. They will help detect opponents in the dark and make it possible to shoot at them from any distance accurately. You will need NV technology and referees to monitor game rules compliance.

Originating from military use, night vision technology aids in training, combat, and reconnaissance. Beyond defence, it facilitates rescue operations, enhances security measures, improves driving safety, aids aviation, supports scientific research, elevates tourism experiences, aids hunting and fishing, assists in construction work, and even augments recreational activities. This groundbreaking technology enables vision in darkness, ensuring safety, optimizing operations, and broadening possibilities in sectors ranging from defense to entertainment, illuminating unseen realms after dusk.

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Categories: Night Vision

Night vision devices offer unique advantages in the absence of light. Understanding the intricacies of these devices is paramount, and key performance parameters, such as the Figure of Merit (FOM), Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), resolution, sensitivity, and spectral response, illuminate the path to enhanced night vision.

Figure of Merit

FOM is an abstract measure of image tube performance, derived from the number of line pairs per millimeter (resolution) multiplied by the tube’s signal-to-noise ratio. Tubes with a very high signal to noise value and high resolution (lp/mm) will result in the highest FOM value and thus, higher the performance of the image intensifier tubes and devices.

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)

The SNR determines the capability of night vision devices during the low light condition as it defines the Image Intensifier output brightness divided by the root mean square of the variations in output brightness and is usually measured at a light level of 108 μlx. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the key parameter to predict the performance of an II tube. Hence higher SNR means objects can be seen with better contrast and enhances the ability of the tube, under low illumination conditions. The systematic arrangement of SNR is shown below.

Image Intensifier Tube’s SNR determines the ability to amplify low light signals during dark conditions. Hence, the higher is the figure of SNR, the less noise/more signal you get in low-light environments. 

Night Vision Devices Resolution

Resolution of Night Vision Devices signifies details the human eye is able to pick in the image when seen through the device. It is more accurately known as limiting resolution, tube resolution is measured in line pairs per millimeter or lp/mm. The higher value of resolution means that the device can generate recognizable images of smaller targets separated by smaller distances Thus, resulting in better quality images.

Night Vision Devices Sensitivity 

Photocathode sensitivity is a measure of how well the image intensifier tube converts light into an electronic signal so it can be amplified. The measuring units of photocathode sensitivity are micro- amps/lumen (µA/lm) or microamperes per lumen.

Photocathode sensitivity is a measure of how well the image intensifier tube converts light into an electronic signal so it can be amplified. The measuring units of photocathode sensitivity are micro-amps/lumen (µA/lm) or microamperes per lumen. This criterion specifies the number of electrons released by the Photocathode (PC). PC response is always measured in isolation with no amplification stage or ion barrier (film). Therefore, tube data sheets (which always carry this “raw” figure) do not reflect the fact that over 50% of those electrons are lost in the ion barrier. While for most latest 3rd generation image intensifiers the photo response is in the 1800 µA/lm (2000 µA/lm, the actual number is more like 900 µA/lm.

Night Vision Devices Spectral response

The diagram below shows the spectral response curves for different types of photocathods.

NIGHT VISION DEVICES LIMITATIONS

  • The equipment requires some night light (moonlight, starlight, etc.) to operate. The level of performance depends upon the level of light.
  • Night light is reduced by passing through the clouds, while operating under trees, under the shadows of buildings etc.
  • Under starlight conditions low contrast environments (such as snow-covered territory, sandy deserts, large bodies of water or grassy hills) degrade visibility thereby disguising or masking changes in terrain.
  • Under too low-light conditions the goggles will lose some of the resolution that it has under full moon.
  • The equipment is less effective for looking into shadows and other darkened areas.
  • The equipment is less effective through rain, fog, sleet, snow, or smoke.
  • The equipment will not “see” through dense smoke.

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Categories: Night Vision

A Night vision device is an optoelectronic device that allows visible images to be produced under a low light illumination condition.

The image produced is typically monochrome (e.g., shades of green, as green was the easiest colour to look at for prolonged periods in the dark), or black and white. Night vision devices may be passive, relying solely on ambient light, or may be active, using an IR (infrared) illuminator to better visualize the environment.

The term usually refers to a complete unit, including an image intensifier tube, a protective and generally water-resistant housing, and some type of mounting system. Many NVDs also include optical components such as a sacrificial window, demist shields, telescopic lenses, or mirrors.

HISTORY OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES 

Night vision devices were developed for military application and first used in the World War II. They came into wide use during the Vietnam War. The technology has evolved greatly since their introduction, leading to several “generations” of night vision equipment with performance increasing and price decreasing. Consequently, they are available for a wide range of applications, e.g., for gunners, drivers, and aviators.

OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES

Operating principles are standard for all Night Vision Devises:

  1. The objective lens captures the light (most often emitted by various celestial bodies) that falls on multiple objects and is reflected from them. The quality of the future image directly depends on the number of collected light rays.
  2. The collected beams are focused in the next stage and enter the image intensifier tube (IIT), the primary design element of any NVDs responsible for light amplification. The image intensifier tube may refer to one of the existing generations (I-III). Depending on this, it will have its design features and unique capabilities.
  3. In the converter, photons of light are converted into a stream of electrons, which will be used to carry out further actions. Initially, it is relatively weak.
  4. To enhance the flow, electrons are subjected to a particular effect, which increases the speed of their movement. This automatically leads to a multiple increase in the number of particles.
  5. The luminescent anode is the next obstacle to the flow of electrons (already amplified). It is affected by an electric charge of low power, which leads to knocking out photons from the total mass of particles. The latter become strengthened many times over and are suitable for further manipulations.
  6. From the amplified photons, a stream is formed that is much more powerful than the original one. It is fed into the eyepiece, transforming into an image visible to people. It becomes brighter, more contrast, more apparent, and more detailed, which the user needs.
GENERATIONS OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES

Generation 1 (GEN I)

First generation passive devices, introduced during the Vietnam War and patented by the US Army, rely on ambient light instead of an infrared light source. Using an S-20 photocathode, their image intensifiers produce a light amplification of around 1,000× but are quite bulky and require moonlight to function properly.

Generation 2 (GEN II)

Second generation devices feature an improved image-intensifier tube utilizing micro-channel plate (MCP) with an S-25 photocathode, resulting in a much brighter image, especially around the edges of the lens. This leads to increased illumination in low ambient light environments, such as moonless nights. Light amplification is around 20,000×. Also improved were image resolution and reliability.

Generation 3 (GEN III)

Third generation night vision systems maintain the MCP from Gen II, but now use a photocathode made with gallium arsenide, which further improves image resolution. In addition, the MCP is coated with an ion barrier film for increased tube life. However, the ion barrier causes fewer electrons to pass through, diminishing the improvement expected from the Gallium arsenide photocathode. Because of the ion barrier, the “halo” effect around bright spots or light sources is larger, too. The light amplification is also improved to around 30,000–50,000×. Power consumption is higher than GEN II tubes.

The technology has been further improved later. First addition is an automatic gated power supply system that regulates the photocathode voltage, allowing the NVD to instantaneously adapt to changing light conditions. The second change is a removed or greatly thinned ion barrier, which decreases the number of electrons that are usually rejected by the Standard GEN III MCP, hence resulting in less image noise and the ability to operate with a luminous sensitivity at 2,850 K of only 700, compared to operating with a luminous sensitivity of at least 1,800 for GEN III image intensifiers. The disadvantage to a thin or removed ion barrier is the overall decrease in tube life from a theoretical 20,000 hrs mean time to failure (MTTF) for Gen III type, to 15,000 hrs MTTF for the improved GEN III type. However, this is largely negated by the low number of image intensifier tubes that reach 15,000 hrs of operation before replacement.

AUTO-GATING FUNCTION OF NIGHT VISION DEVICES

The Auto-Gating Function (ATG function) was designed to improve the BSP feature to be faster and to keep the best resolution and contrast at all times. It is particularly suitable for Aviator’s Night Vision goggles, operations in urban areas or for special operations. ATG is a unique feature that operates constantly, electronically reducing the “duty cycle” of the photocathode voltage by very rapidly switching the voltage on and off. This maintains the optimum performance of the image intensifier tube, continuously revealing mission critical details, safeguarding the image intensifier tube from additional damage and protecting the user from temporary blindness.

The benefits of ATG can easily be seen not only during day-night-day transitions, but also under dynamic lighting conditions when rapidly changing from low light to high light conditions (above 1 lx), such as sudden illumination of dark room. A typical advantage of ATG is best felt when using a weapon sight which experiences a flame burst during shooting. ATG would reduce the temporary blindness that a standard BSP tube would introduce, allowing them to continuously maintain “eyes on target”.

ATG provides added safety for pilots when flying at low altitudes, and especially during takeoffs and landings. Pilots operating with night vision goggles are constantly subjected to dynamic light conditions when artificial light sources, such as from cities, interfere with their navigation by producing large halos that obstruct their field of view.

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