Night vision devices (NVDs) are electro-optical equipment that enhances ambient light to produce visible images in darkness or low-light conditions. Their core technology relies on image intensifier tubes (I² tubes) to amplify available light (e.g., moonlight) or infrared light, converting imperceptible photons into clear visuals.Generally, this type of equipment should not be used in brightly lit conditions.
The PVS-14 is a type of night vision monocular which has become a global standard for both professional and civilian low-light operations. Using advanced image intensifier tube technology, it amplifies available light up to 50,000x, enabling clear vision in near-total darkness. This rugged yet lightweight (0.4kg) device offers triple-mount flexibility - handheld, helmet-mounted via standard NVG mounts, or weapon-mounted with appropriate rails (where legally permitted). With 40° FOV and automatic brightness control, it's ideal for wildlife observation, night rescue, security patrols, and outdoor adventures. MH Tech's ISO-certified manufacturing ensures each unit meets strict optical performance standards while maintaining IP66/67 water resistance for reliable field use across various environments.
The image intensifier tube is the most critical component in night vision devices, as it directly determines the equipment's performance quality.Image intensifier tube technology has evolved over the past 50 years through a series of “generations.”To date, there have been four generations of image intensifier devices produced: Gen 0 through Gen 3.Currently, the most commonly used night vision devices are Gen2, Gen2+, and Gen3. Among these, Gen3 offers the clearest imaging performance, while Gen2+ provides excellent cost-effectiveness. At RSNV Tech, we customize products according to each customer's specific requirements.
Additionally, several key parameters significantly impact performance:
1.FOM : A comprehensive performance metric calculated by multiplying resolution with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Generally, higher FOM values indicate clearer imaging.
2.Phosphor Selection: Standard options include P43 (green phosphor, reduces eye strain) and P45 (white phosphor, provides natural grayscale imaging).
3.Auto-gating: A critical tube protection system that regulates light intake, extending tube lifespan while enabling brief daytime use.
4.Manual Gain Option: Allows brightness adjustment through voltage regulation for optimal viewing conditions.
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.
The wired tube and the touch-type tube differ only in appearance; their specific performance mainly relates to FOM. Both the dual-wire tube and the touch-type tube have both positive and negative poles, while the three-wire tube and the three-touch tube represent an additional manual gain.
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