What is the difference between night vision generations

A Night Vision Device can be either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation unit. Get the facts on all the different types of night vision generations and what they mean below. Utilizing the basic principles described earlier, a 1st generation unit will amplify the existing light several thousand times letting you clearly see in the dark. These units provide a bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is perfect, whether you are boating, observing wildlife, or providing security for your home.

You may notice the following when you are looking through a 1st Gen. This is because the cost of a 2nd Gen. The main difference between a 1st and a 2nd generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel plate, commonly referred to as a MCP. The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode. The MCP consists of millions of short parallel glass tubes. When the electrons pass through these short tubes, thousands more electrons are released.

This extra process allows 2nd generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a brighter and sharper image.

Each tube has a micro channel plate, multi-alkaline photocathode with built-in power supply. These units are often all that is needed for campers and boaters. General nature observation at night might also be comfortable with better models although the image distortions and low light-gathering ability make anything other than general behavior observation difficult.

The best performance is achieved in Generation 1 devices by using fully-coated all-glass optical elements. Units which incorporate plastic composite optics are not recommended. The introduction of the microchannel plate significantly improved the light amplification ability of the devices. Multiplying the number of electrons provided a much brighter image. Forcing the electrons into a linear path as they flow through the microchannels ensures more orderly output and much less distortion in the resulting image.

This also allowed there to be less charge in the intensifier tube, since acceleration was not the principle source of light amplification, resulting in increased battery and tube life. The significant increase in capability of Generation 2 devices comes at a big jump in cost though. Although this is a significant jump in price, the image quality, brightness and extended life over Generation 1 products make these a much more sensible investment for serious night vision users.

In Generation 2 designs, the main improvements came with the addition of the microchannel plate, but the photocathode had only minimal improvement. Generation 3 devices were substantially improved by changing to a new photocathode material - gallium arsenide. An ion barrier film was added to increase image-intensifier tube life. This, along with more improvements in the microchannel plate, gave Generation 3 night vision devices much greater light amplification abilities, better resolution and clearer images with less noise.

Once again these newer devices come at another significant jump in cost. Although they still benefit from the addition of an IR illuminator, the increased sensitivity of these devices allows them to be operated entirely passively outdoors.

Generation 3 night vision, because of the higher cost, is normally reserved for only the most demanding naturalists, researchers, police, Homeland Security, etc. The "filmless" terminology refers to the removal of the ion barrier film that was added to the Generation 3 image-intensifiers. This technology makes it possible to operate night vision devices during daylight if necessary.

It also improves the image resolution and minimizes halo from bright light sources. If, for instance, you have a distant house light in view the typical halo around the light is minimized and the overall image resolution is improved.

Once again this all translates into an even sharper view over Generation 3 night vision, even greater ability to see in very dark conditions and another jump in price.

Night vision devices usually come as monoculars, binoculars or goggles rifle scopes also for military and hunting applications. The night vision technology, defined above, remains constant and these basic types are only different configurations. Each configuration is a bit different and has its own strengths and weaknesses. Below we define each of these and give some basic information on their best applications and uses.

Monoculars night vision. In front is a conventional objective lens, which captures ambient light and some near-infrared light. Generation 2 makes improvements to the Generation 1 tubes inside the device by adding a microchannel plate to help increase light gain and resolution.

It is a significant improvement to the Gen 2 image performance but it also has roughly the same light sensitivity as the generation one night-vision devices have. To speak honestly, the second generation of night vision goggles has embodied a huge technological leap forward.

And, actually, the difference between the third and second gens is much less than between the second and the very first systems. More recently night vision technology came on the scene, unlike the generation models digital models are not harmed by light exposure because there are no intensifier tubes. Digital devices can also be used during the daytime, however quality is similar to the Gen1 device, and adding infrared illuminators helps make them more effective. The digital interfaces of each device can also make recording day and nighttime scenes possible.

Many NV devices also can zoom and change reticles. Then there was thermal technology that uses heat to create an image rather than the ambient or artificial light like digital thermal can be used both day and night and also has the ability to record your outings and incorporate a zoom feature.

Thermal devices have a detection range past yards and detect heat signatures from recent movement. Thermal devices are very effective in locating live targets quickly even through the brush. Gen 3 Naturally, the generation 3 devices became the next step up in the night vision technology.

Generation 3 is a great deal. Conventionally, representatives of the third level of development of night-level devices are divided into several classes. But, this division is very arbitrary because of the amazing capabilities of all classes.

They all provide the highest picture quality and are insensitive to interference, such as car lights, glare, house lights, etc. The third generation uses the same image transmission technologies as the second. But, due to a tube photocade to the screen, the quality becomes even better. The third type of night vision systems have the brightest, sharpest, and increased tube life of up to 10, hours. Those reasons make these devices very reliable and that is why Gen 3 devices are currently being used by the United States military.

So, the 3 Gen devices are great and will provide excellent performance at a budget.