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Introduction
Night vision technology has shaped history.
Pre 1940’s: Flares and spot lights were used for operations at night.
Due to the nature of these early night vision devices (NVD), they gave away tactical positions.
Military scientists began to think of ways to improve night vision to gain a strategic advantage.
Early Development
The first night vision devices (NVD) were created during WWII.
Functioned by placing an infrared filter over a searchlight.
Fighters would use special binoculars to see using the light from the searchlights.
Many problems came from this night vision method.
The screen was purposefully colored green due to the scientific fact that the human eye can differentiate more shades of green that any other color.
Early Development Cont.
There were many disadvantages to using the searchlights and flares.
The actual searchlight was massive and had to be mounted on a truck or tank.
Both the Allies and Nazi’s had this technology, so they each could see the others light.
Early Development Cont.
The images created were streaky and distorted.
The acceleration of electrons cut the life of the image intensification tube, which was the most important and expensive part of the NVD, very short.
Military scientists began planning a revised design.
Generation 1
Post WWII NVD technology focused on the ability to see without creating additional light.
During this time period the first “Generation” of NVD began using intensified natural lighting.
Generation 1 Cont.
Military scientists created a two-stage cascade image tube.
This tube intensified the natural lighting and created a superior image for the viewer.
The power of Generation 1 NVD was put to the test in the Vietnam War.
Generation 1 Cont.
Star Tron Scopes intensification tubes were as heavy as the rifles they were mounted on.
They were not sensitive enough to give clear images in anything less than full moonlight.
The NVD emitted a whiney noise.
They would shut down if they were exposed to a sudden burst of bright light.
Generation 2
There were two major developments in NVD technology after their test in Vietnam.
The first was a new micro-channel plate (MPC) that was light weight, and more effective at focusing light into clear images.
The second major development was the invention of thermal imagining.
Generation 2 Cont.
Thermal imaging allowed for NV even through low natural lighted conditions.
It also allowed for NV through smoky, dusty, and foggy conditions.
These thermal imagers were expensive, so in 1973 scientists created a common module that made it less expensive, and more ideal for military use.
Generation 2 Cont.
The generation 2 NVD were first put to the test by US forces in the early 1990’s during Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait.
The dark nights and harsh dusty conditions were perfect for implementing the new technology.
Current Generations
The currently generations of NVS are generations 3 and 4.
Generation 3 is much like generation 2 except for it has a substantially longer life, as well as more defined images.
Generation 4 has less noise than generation 3, however it has shorter life.
Current Generations Cont.
Here is a chart comparing the life in hours of the intensification tube for generations 1-3
General Public Use
Development of NVD up until the 1980’s was completely focused around military purposes.
In the 80’s, companies in the US and Europe took NVT and found ways to improve everyday civilian life.
General Public Use Cont.
There are many practical everyday uses for NVD, some of which are:
Law Enforcement
Hunting
Surveillance
General Public Use Cont.
Security
Navigation
Hidden-Object detection
Entertainment