How Night Vision Products Work
Night vision products all work the same. They allow people to see in dark conditions. There is always some degree of light, even if human eyes are unable to detect it. Night vision turns this light into something visible.
The front objective lens is responsible for seeing light from all bandwidths. The lens focuses the stream of light that is invisible into the night vision tube. All night vision tubes contain electrically charged screens that produce visible light when invisible light streams collide.
Night vision works somewhat the same as the phosphorescent screens in old-fashioned tube television sets. When an energy particle hits the screen, it glows. The meeting of these particles creates the green image seen with night vision. No matter how dark it is, there is always light. Night vision allows you to see this light that is invisible to the naked eye.
Gen 1+, Gen 2+, and Gen 3
Early systems of night vision used active infrared technology to make it possible to see in the dark. These systems were known as Generation Zero or Gen0. These original systems were rudimentary, but they led the way for future generations of night vision. Gen 1 was developed during the era of the Vietnam War. It was the first passive infrared system and were much smaller and reliable than Gen0 systems. Gen2+ scopes were developed in the 1980s. These systems utilized micro-channel plates that boosted the light detecting sensitivity. They doubled the light amplification of previous systems and offered 50% better viewing clarity.
Finally, Gen3 scopes were developed. They feature micro channel plates, but also utilize Gallinium Arsenide (GaAs) photo cathode. Gen2 provides the greatest amount of depth of feature, as well as fully automated image tube protection, intuitive operating controls, on-screen indicators, and rapid flash recovery capabilities.
What to Expect from Gen1+, Gen2+, and Gen3
The two features viewed as most important in night vision is resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The resolution is similar to the resolution on a television or computer screen. It is measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) and higher ratios are considered optimal. Gen3 offers a higher resolution than Gen2+ and Gen2+ higher than Gen1+. With each increase, the resolution produces a better image.
Signal-to-Noise ratio provides a measure of the light signal that reaches the eye of the user. It is divided by the perceived noise that is actually viewed. So-called noisy tubs create a snowy vision, while noise-less tubes images are crystal clear. The best image tubes are high resolution and feature a high signal-to-noise ratio.
Is Night Vision Legal and Safe?
There are a variety of night vision products that are legal to use. These include hand scopes, goggles, and binoculars. Night vision weapons are usually restricted in most jurisdictions, but there are exceptions. Anyone with a desire to own and operate night vision weapons should check with their local authorities.
Night vision products are completely safe to use. Night vision does not damage your vision and most are built with a safety device that shuts off if you look into bright light. Night vision is not radioactive and it will not burn your eyes. There is no reason to worry about damaging your eyesight by using night vision.
What is the Right Way to Focus Night Vision?
Familiarizing yourself with your night vision product will take some time. You will need to adjust the front objective lens and the eyepiece ocular(s). These adjustments can be stiff on brand new units, but over time they are easier to operate. Focusing night vision occurs in two stages. Begin by aiming the product at an object and focus on the front of the objective lens. Next, focus the eyepiece ocular(s). The second stage allows you to focus your eye on the green images you will see.
Are Scopes, Binoculars, or Goggles Better Than One Another?
This is a matter of preference, depending on your priorities. Night Vision Monoculars are usually cheaper than the other options because they only feature a single night vision tube. Night Vision Binoculars are more expensive, but tend to be easier to use. This is especially true for those who are new to night vision. Night Vision Goggles are usually the most expensive option, but they are great for those who want a hands-free option. Sometimes, goggles offer a traditional binocular option when you remove the optics from the headset. All three generations, Gen1+, Gen2+, and Gen3, offer excellent night vision options.
