The Difference Between Gen 2+ Night Vision and Gen 3 Night Vision

Low-light night vision devices are divided into Gen 2+ night vision devices, Gen 3 night vision devices, Gen 4 night vision devices, etc. according to different image tubes. Currently, the mainstream ones are Gen 2+ night vision devices and Gen 3 night vision devices. . So what is the essential difference between these two types of night vision devices? In fact, the main difference is the image tube, also called an image intensifier or image intensifier tube.

First, let’s take a look at the parameters and indicators related to the image tube?

Parameters related to the night vision image tube retain resolution, sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, brightness gain, equivalent background illumination, output brightness, brightness uniformity, working life, working voltage, effective cathode diameter, etc. Among them, resolution is the most common indicator, followed by the three indicators of sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and brightness gain. The other indicators are more focused on indicators for technical engineers rather than for end users, so the rest The indicator is not common and does not appear in the product parameters.

The focus here is on resolution. The resolution index is a parameter standard for judging the quality of night vision goggles of the same level. The premise here is that they are of the same level, that is, Gen 2+ level or Gen 3 night vision goggles. Sometimes the resolution parameters of Gen 3 night vision devices are lower than those of Gen 2+ night vision devices. Therefore, it is not possible to determine which level the night vision device belongs to from the resolution index parameters alone.

Sensitivity is related to the brightness and contrast of the image. The signal-to-noise ratio is related to imaging noise and distortion. FOM value, calculated as clarity*signal-to-noise ratio, is used to evaluate the overall performance of night vision devices.

The material of the tube is the most critical difference

The main difference between Gen 2+ night vision goggles and Gen 3 night vision goggles is the type of cathode tube. Gen 2+ generally uses S25, while Gen 3 uses gallium arsenide (GaAs in English). The two types of image tubes have different sensitivity capabilities.

In practice, this parameter will also be reflected in the data of Gen 2+ night vision goggles and Gen 3 night vision goggles. This parameter alone can determine which level of night vision device the customer requires.

The difference in imaging effects

There are three mainstream types of imaging effect colors, namely green, yellow-green, and black and white. The difference between green and yellow-green is not very obvious. The black and white imaging effect is what is commonly called a white phosphorus tube night vision device. Each imaging color has its pros and cons, but I think green or yellow-green will have better recognition of viewing targets. Recognition is the ability to identify what object the target is.

The ability to generate image clarity in extremely low light environments, the degree of distortion of the image, the ability to identify targets, viewing distance, etc. vary.

When it comes to paying special attention, the appearance of Gen 2+ night vision goggles and Gen 3 night vision goggles may be exactly the same. Below you can compare which of the following is the effect of Gen 2+ night vision goggles and which is the effect of Gen 3 night vision goggles. The two pictures below are of white phosphorus tube night vision devices.

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