Sales Engineer: Grace Gao
Email: grace@bri-elec.com
WhatsApp: 0086-199 2997 5286
With the rapid development of science and technology, image intensifier tubes technology has become an indispensable part of our lives. Whether it is medical diagnosis, aerospace, security monitoring, or the entertainment industry, image intensifier tubes are indispensable. The evolution of image intensifier tubes is like a wonderful technological revolution, constantly refreshing our perception of visual experience. In the past 50 years, image intensifier tubes technology has undergone a series of "generational" evolutions. In order to distinguish night vision products and determine which product is best for your application, you should understand the generations. Each generation (Gen) is defined by specific technological advances. To date, four generations of image intensifier devices have been produced: Gen 0 to Gen 3.
Gen 0— In 1929, Hungarian physicist Kálmán Tihanyi invented the infrared-sensitive (night vision) electronic television camera for anti-aircraft defense in Britain.
The first military night vision devices were introduced by the German army as early as 1939. The first devices were being developed by AEG starting in 1935. In mid-1943, first tests with infrared night-vision devices and telescopic rangefinders mounted on Panther started. Two different arrangements / solutions were created and used on Panther tanks. Solution A - Sperber FG 1250 (Sparrow Hawk), with range up to 600m, was made up of one 30 cm infrared searchlight and image converter operated by the commander. This was matched by an earlier experimental Russian version dubbed the PAU-2 and was field tested in 1942. From late 1944 to March 1945, some Panzerkampfwagen V Panther Ausf G (and other variants) mounted with FG 1250, were successfully tested. By the end of World War II, the German Reich had equipped approximately 50 (or 63) Panther tanks, which saw combat on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. The "Vampir" man-portable system for infantrymen was being used with Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifles. Parallel development of night vision systems occurred in the USA. The M1 and M3 infrared night sighting devices, also known as the "sniperscope" or "snooperscope", were introduced by the US Army in World War II, and also used in the Korean War, to assist snipers. They were active devices, using a large infrared light source to illuminate targets. Their image intensifier tubes function using an anode and an S-1 photocathode, made primarily of silver, caesium, and oxygen and an electrostatic inversion with electron acceleration were used to achieve gain.
After the WW2, the first practical commercial night vision device offered on the market was developed by Dr. Vladimir K. Zworykin working for the Radio Corporation of America, it was intended for civilian use. Zworykin's idea came from a former radio guided-missile. At that time infra-red was commonly called black light, a term later restricted to ultraviolet. It was not a success due to its size and cost. (Wikipedia)
Gen 1—The “starlight scopes” of the 1960s (Vietnam era) had three image intensifier tubes connected in a series. These systems were heavy and bulky. The Gen 1 image was clear at the center but distorted around the edges. First generation passive devices, introduced during the Vietnam War, were an adaptation of earlier active GEN 0 technology, and 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. (Wikipedia, various)
Gen 2—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.
Later advancements in GEN II technology brought the tactical characteristics of "GEN II+" devices (equipped with better optics, SUPERGEN tubes, improved resolution and better signal-to-noise ratios) into the range of GEN III devices, which has complicated comparisons. (Wikipedia)
Gen 3— 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.
From the simplicity of the past to the advanced technology today, the evolution of image intensifier tubes is a microcosm of the continuous progress of science and technology. It not only brings convenience to our lives, but also injects a strong impetus into the development of various industries. In the future, with the continuous integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology, I believe that image intensifier tubes will continue to evolve and develop, bringing us a more shocking visual experience. Let us wait and see!
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Sales Engineer: Grace Gao
Email: grace@bri-elec.com
WhatsApp: 0086-199 2997 5286
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