INTENSIFIED CAMERAS

FastVision produces intensified versions of their FastCamera40 and FastCamera13. The picture below shows a FastCamera13 with an intensifier in a ruggedized case.

RUGGED CAMERAS

FastVision can supply intensifiers and cases to support most applications requiring intensification and high speed data acquisition. We welcome inquiries from interested parties to determine exactly your needs. FastVision can supply domestic and international sourced intensifiers and strictly complies with all US Government and international import and export regulations. If a rugged case is required FastVision can supply such a case with normal optics as seen below.

INTENSIFIER TECHNOLOGY

Night vision devices gather existing ambient light (ambient light, starlight, moonlight or infra-red light) through the front lens. Light emitted from an object releases photoelectrons at the photocathode . The photoelectrons enter the channels of a micro channel plate (MCP) where they are multiplied producing secondary electrons. Finally the accelerated electrons hit a phosphor screen producing a light emission. This device is diagrammed below

More specifically the intensifier is constructed as follows.

1. A conventional lens, called the objective lens, captures ambient light and some near-infrared light.

2. The gathered light is sent to the image-intensifier tube. The tube outputs a high voltage of about several kilovolts, to the image-tube components.

3. The image-intensifier tube has a photocathode at the front, which is used to convert the photons of light energy into electrons.

4. As the electrons pass through the tube, similar electrons are released from atoms in the tube, multiplying the original number of electrons by a factor of thousands through the use of a MCP in the tube. An MCP is a tiny, glass disc that has millions of microscopic holes (microchannels) in it, made using fiber-optic technology. The MCP is contained in a vacuum and has metal electrodes on either side of the disc.

5. At the end of the image-intensifier tube, the electrons hit a coated with phosphorus coated screen. These electrons maintain their position in relation to the channel they passed through, which provides a perfect image since the electrons stay in the same alignment as the original photons. The energy of the electrons causes the phosphors to reach an excited state and release photons. These phosphors create the green image on the screen that has come to characterize night vision.

INTENSIFIER GENERATIONS

The gradual development of the technology and the increase of speed, amplification and noise reduction has occurred over time resulting in “generation” of intensifiers. The latest devices are extremely efficient and are thus restricted in their availability by the US government.

1st generation

This generation is currently the most popular type of night vision in the world. The 1st generation is built without the MCP and 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.

2nd generation

The main difference between a 1st and a 2nd generation unit is the addition of a MCP. The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode. This extra process allows 2nd generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a brighter and sharper image.

3rd generation

By adding a sensitive chemical, gallium arsenide to the photocathode a brighter and sharper image was achieved over 2nd generation. An ion barrier film was also added to increase tube life. Gen. 3 provides the user with good to excellent low light performance

4th Generation / Gated Filmless tubes

4th generation / Gated Filmless technology represents the biggest technological breakthrough in image intensification in the past decade. By removing the ion barrier film and "Gating" the system Gen 4 demonstrates substantial increases in target detection range and resolution, particularly at extremely low light levels. The use of filmless technology and a gated power supply in 4th generation image intensifiers results in:

• Up to 100% improvement in photo response.
• Superb performance in extremely low light level

.The filmless MCP provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio than Gen 3, resulting in better image quality (less scintillation) under low-light conditions. The gated power supply further improves image resolution under high light conditions, and the reduced halo minimizes interference from bright light sources. These improvements also substantially increase the detection range of the systems.

All US sourced or produced Generation 3 and 4 products sold internationally require an export license from the US Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls, in accordance with International Traffic in Arms (ITAR), Title 22, Code of Federal Regulation. Most Generation 2 products are controlled by the US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration.

INTENSIFIED CAMERAS

An intensified camera consists of: an intensifier, a CCD or CMOS camera and electronic controls. . The diagram below shows the basic components of an intensified camera

The intensifier amplifies the signal to the surface of the tube, the amplification depends on the intensifier but typical amplification for modern day intensifiers is in the 10,000 to 50,000 range. The intensifier is directly bonded to the surface of the CMOS sensor to provide the maximum preservation of the image. The camera behind the sensor is essentially the same as the commercial version except that the case has been ruggedized

Click here to request further information since intensified cameras usually require a detailed analysis of the intended use and environment.

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