4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NIGHT VISION DEVICES

by MKU I. Social Media Analyst We are all familiar with the famous night vision devices. More often than not, we have encountered their existence (first original copies) while watching movies and TV shows. For those who are not familiar with the term, night vision devices are simply the equipment that aids your vision under minimal light or at night. There are many sources which will provide an in-depth understanding of their function and you can check them out on Google anytime. But there's more to night vision than just turning on the system and looking through it. To ease your search process, this article enumerates the four things you need to know about night vision devices before you shell out money and reduce the weight of your wallet.

About Night Vision Device

As discussed earlier, night vision devices extends the degree of your visibility in darkness. But, a confusing part of their functionality difference still latches on to the term. There are of primarily two types: the image intensifier tube devices and the infrared (thermal) devices. It is a common misnomer where they are referred to interchangeably. However, technically only the image intensifier (I2) should be referred as “night vision”. Image Intensifier does just what its name suggests, i.e. it takes the available light and intensifies it, thus providing better visibility. On the other hand, an infrared system measures the difference in heat and produces an electronic image of what is radiating that heat.
 
The evolution of image intensifier

The evolution of image intensifier from generation 0 to generation 2 has witnessed implementation of world class technology. Generation 2 devices offer better visibility in a small packet when compared to its predecessors. They make use of improved micro channel and photo cathode plate. They were later improved and reincarnated as Generation 2+ night vision devices.

Generation 2+ has been modified with better life and now is available as generation 3 and 3+ devices.
 
Application of “night vision devices”

I2 is extensively employed by law enforcement. They offer excellent surveillance and aid sniper over watch. They also help in searching the areas that do not have much light and SWAT operations. Their contemporary thermal systems are majorly used for search.

One major drawback of I2 device is that its result and effectiveness can be highly hampered by streetlights and houselights. They also do not prove of much use during difficult environment condition.

Reovesthiss visual as it does not show our product. Use any visual for NVD from SM timelines of MKU

Quality and testing

Judging the quality of I² device is complex. Its excellence is determined by its optical characteristic and the image intensifier tube. They simultaneously play a very important role in giving the intensified result, especially on the edges of image area. Distortion or a fisheye effect considerably degrades the image quality and can lead to miscalculations, if the tube is of lower grade. The resolution of Image Intensifier is measured in lp/mm, where 64 to 72 lp/mm are most favored standards.

Most sellers of law enforcement night vision equipment have strong test and evaluation (T&E) programs. Your vendor might also give you the flexibility of using the devices on operations.

Availability of cheaper alternatives

There are cheaper alternatives to night vision devices. The image intensifiers were designed to be used on battlefields. Most of us wouldn’t require that level of quality; hence it is always good to browse through the options available. Digital camera sensors such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) come equipped with substantial low-light capabilities. Low-light imaging systems using these sensors sell for very affordable prices, and they are widely used by patrol-officers or even as home security systems.

Equipped with these qualities, placing an order for night devices would become very easy. However, it is recommended that you still talk to an expert or get counseling before buying them.

Editor’s node: View MKU’s range of night vision devices here.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Oct 24th 2017 00:31. Viewed 550 times.

Comments