Night Visions devices have undergone sea of changes since they were first developed way back in 1960’s. Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 are abbreviations of “Generation”. Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 refers to various stages innovation in the development of technology or product. Every generation produces a product with enhanced technology.
Here’s an overview of Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 3 night vision equipments.
Evaluation of night vision equipments are done on two major criteria. Light gain measures the degree to which available light (in dark) is amplified by night vision device. Resolution measures the sharpness and clarity of an amplified object.
GEN 1
The very first night vision device or equipment developed in 1960’s were very popular and in great demand among consumers. Consumers had great fun using these Gen1 night vision equipments. They were primarily developed for military use. This generation of night vision devices consisted mainly of simply configured tubes of image intensifiers. This imaging tube had photocathode, a phosphorous screen and were vacuum sealed. Light gain and resolutions were on lower side compared to next generation night vision devices.
GEN 2
After 20 years of invention of GEN 1 night vision equipments, GEN 2 was developed. GEN 2 was made up of different and better tubes. Micro-channel plates were the distinguishing features of this generation of NVD which enhanced the products. MCP or micro channel plate had a honeycomb like look where every cell had a multiple channels for letting the electrons entry. These MCP’s were located midway between photocathode and the phosphor screen which allowed up to 1000 electrons to hit the screen. Thus the MCP was able to enhance the light by almost 1000 times resulting in a brighter image with better resolution. Obviously they were more expensive than GEN 1 NVD and were put to use in professional surveillance and intentional uses.
GEN 3
While GEN 3 night vision equipments were more advanced, they continued use of MCP’s and introduced Gallium Arsenide photocathode or (GaAs) photocathode for improving the equipment’s sensitivity towards light. GaAs allowed more than 1000 photons that are more than what MCP did in GEN 2 night vision devices and hence was able to deliver brighter pictures on the photo screen. GEN3 NVD is latest innovation in NV technology and is the most expensive NVD of all. These equipments produce best images in least available lights. Thus they are best applicable in forests and canyons which are barely lit.
