Frequently Asked Night Vision Questions
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.
See our
Generation 2 Products |
Generation 3 Products
What is
Generation 3?
Generation 3 is
categorically the highest performance
image intensifier tube technology
available. ITT Image intensifier tubes
are manufactured for the U.S. Department
of Defense under “OMNIBUS” contracts.
The current contract (effective 2007) is
OMNIBUS VII. Generation 3 technology has
been improved over the years. Older Gen
3 tubes do not perform to the same
levels as those produced today.
See our
Generation 3 Products
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.
See our Generation 1 Products
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 effect 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.
Why is night
vision green?
Night Vision is
deliberately green in color as shading
levels in green are the easiest for the
human eye to distinguish. Night Vision
used to also be available in red, but
scientists later determinted that green
was easier to see and use.
Can I export night vision?
No. Not without a proper license from
the US State Department or the
Department of Commerce.
Export of GEN-2 night vision
equipment from the United States without
a valid export permit issued by the U.S.
Department of Commerce is strictly
prohibited and is a federal crime.
Export
of GEN-3 and GEN-4 night vision
equipment from the United States without
a valid export permit issued by the U.S.
Department of State, Office of Defense
Trade Controls is strictly prohibited
and is a federal crime.
It is the Buyer's responsibility to
request and obtain export licenses for
the export of the subject items, and to
ensure that the requirements of all
applicable laws, regulations and
administrative policies are met.
Read Export Information
