What is the main difference between the third-generation and second-generation night vision devices?

January 06,2025By:Innova OpticsView:101

I. Imaging performance

Sensitivity: The third-generation low-light-level night vision device uses a highly sensitive gallium arsenide photocathode thin-film tube. Compared with the second generation, the sensitivity has increased by 4-8 times, and it can image in weaker light, and has a stronger ability to detect targets in the dark night.

Resolution: In theory, the third-generation gallium arsenide photocathode should greatly improve the image resolution, but in fact, due to the ion blocking film that reduces the number of electrons passing through, its resolution parameters may not be higher than the second generation in some cases. However, in general, under low-light conditions, the third-generation low-light-level night vision device has better imaging quality and relatively better ability to resolve target details.

Viewing range: The third-generation low-light-level night vision device has a 50%-100% longer viewing range than the second generation in the dark night. For example, the second-generation low-light-level night vision device has an observation distance of 200 meters under certain conditions, while the third-generation can reach about 300 to 400 meters.

2. Service life

The service life of the third-generation low-light night vision device is about 3 times longer than that of the second generation, which means that under the same use conditions and frequency, the third-generation low-light night vision device can work stably for a longer time, reducing the frequency of equipment replacement or maintenance, and reducing the use cost and maintenance workload.

3. Spectral utilization

The third-generation low-light night vision device has significantly improved the utilization rate of the night sky light spectrum, can better utilize the energy of the near-infrared spectrum, and can more effectively capture and enhance light under different lighting conditions at night, so as to obtain clearer and more stable images.

4. Strong light resistance

The second-generation low-light night vision device overcomes the halo phenomenon through the self-saturation effect of the inner wall of the microchannel plate, but it may still be affected to a certain extent in a strong light environment. The third-generation low-light night vision device may have further optimization and improvement in this regard. Some models are equipped with automatic light control technology, which can automatically adjust the magnification to better cope with different brightness conditions and reduce the interference of strong light on imaging and damage to equipment.

5. Energy consumption

Generally speaking, the third-generation low-light night vision device may consume more energy than the second generation due to the use of more advanced technology and materials, but it will also be equipped with a more efficient power management system to ensure that energy consumption is reduced as much as possible and battery life is extended while ensuring performance.

The latest third-generation low-light night vision device: GPNVG-18, PVS-31, PVS-14, PVS-7.

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