| What
is the main difference between Generation 2 and Generation 3 night
vision? |
 |
The primary
difference between the two generations is the photocathode. Generation
2 uses a multi alkali photocathode while Generation 3 uses gallium
Arsenide. Gallium Arsenide provides a significant increase in photoresponse
and tube life. Other differences in performance will be image tube
resolution, tube gain and signal to noise ratio. Therefore Generation
3 offers greater clarity but is generally more expensive than Generation
2. Generation 2 night vision works well in most situations while
Generation 3 will achieve high performance in all conditions. |
| What
is Generation 3 Ultra? |
|
Generation
3 Ultra is the highest performing image tube in its class. Image
intensifier tubes are manufactured for the U.S. Department of Defense
under contracts that are designated as OMNIBUS. The current OMNI
V contract requires 64 line pair resolution ultra tubes. Most night
vision users will find that an OMNI III 45 line pair image tube
will more than meet their needs. Because the OMNI V contract is
relatively new, Ultra tubes will command a higher price than other
Generation 3 tubes. |
| Can
Generation 1 be useful? |
|
Yes, Generation
1 can be useful in most nighttime situations. Newer Generation 1
devices do offer increased performance from there older predecessors.
Generation 1 units typically use an S-20 photocathode and electrostatic
inversion to achieve gain. They can offer substantial resolution
toward the center of the image tube, while the edges may be blurred.
Generation 1 devices are usually inexpensive and can be a good start
for the night vision enthusiast. |
| What
can I expect an image tube to look like? |
|
All image
tubes, regardless of the generation, will provide a green illuminated
picture of the scene that you are viewing. No night vision tube
is exactly the same. Because of the manufacturing processes, all
night vision image tubes will have different cosmetics such as small
spots or specs, photocathode coloring, or a chicken wire effect
from the microchannel plate. Most cosmetics are only noticed during
viewing in high light situations such as viewing with the daylight
filter on in a lit room. Most cosmetic blemishes are not noticeable
during normal nighttime operation but may still be seen to some
degree in certain situations. These cosmetics in no way affect the
performance of the image tube and do not decrease the ability to
perform nighttime tasks. Resolution and gain will also affect the
appearance of any night vision system. Most commercial and military
systems have been thoroughly tested to ensure reliability once in
use. |
| Can
I export night vision? |
|
Not without
a proper license from the US State Department or the Department
of Commerce. Please contact Night Vision System Network with any
questions regarding the export of night vision. |
| How do I care for my night vision device? |
|
We have a
good article on caring for night vision devices, which can be very
useful to those who are in charge of storage, cleaning, caring for
and to those actually using the equipment. We strongly recommend
you take the time to read our "Caring
for Night Vision Devices" article for more information
on this subject. |
night vision - thermal - infrared - lasers