| Although originally designed for use by the military, night | | | | resolution. |
| vision optics are finding practical applications for | | | | Night vision monoculars and binoculars differ from their |
| hunters, campers, boaters, farmers, and many others | | | | daylight counterparts in that they are used to see in |
| desiring to explore the unseen world after dark. For | | | | the dark rather than at long distances. Depending on |
| those just discovering this technology, a description of | | | | the size of the object and the amount of ambient light, |
| basic terms and performance parameters would be | | | | Generation I units provide maximum image detection at |
| beneficial. | | | | 75-750 yards, Generation II at 100-100 yards, |
| Other than choosing between a night vision monocular, | | | | Generation III at 150-1250 yards, and Generation IV at |
| binocular, or goggle, the biggest decision relates to | | | | 200-1400 yards. However, 10-100 feet is typically the |
| desired image quality, and this is a direct function of the | | | | maximum range for detecting image detail for average |
| method of image intensification employed. In the world | | | | sized objects such as viewing wildlife. |
| of night vision optics, these differences are most | | | | All night vision optics require some light to work. |
| commonly classified as "generations." | | | | However, many units include an infra-red illuminator to |
| - Generation I optics use a photocathode tube and | | | | allow their use even in total darkness. Depending on |
| provide good performance at a reasonable cost. | | | | the strength of that illuminator, detection may extend to |
| - Generation II units add a micro-channel plate (MCP) to | | | | 100 yards, allow the viewing range may be decreased |
| decrease image distortion and increase light | | | | by 50%. |
| amplification. | | | | Technology does come at a price. For each |
| - Generation III adds Gallium Arsenide to the intensifier | | | | generational advance, the cost increases by two or |
| tube, producing an even brighter and sharper image. | | | | threefold. That's why Generation I night vision optics |
| - Generation IV optics employ the latest technological | | | | are still the most popular, allowing users to explore a |
| advance, Gated Filmless tubes, to provide excellent | | | | previously undiscovered world. |
| low light level performance and triple the high light level | | | | |