Night Vision Glossary for Tube Generations

Night Vision Glossary for Tube Generations

GEN 0

World war II technology requiring an active infrared illuminating device which bathed the target in infrared light, the image was picked up by a detector which operates at this wavelength.

Night Vison Glossary for Tube Generations

GEN 1

The first passive system which operated from the natural light provided by the moon and stars, this system was developed around the early 60s, it offered excellent gain and good resolution. This was achieved by coupling Gen. 1 tubes in series to give a cascade effect, unfortunately this made the system big and heavy.

Night Vision Glossary for Tube Generations

GEN II

Late 60s development of the microchannel plate (MCP) amplifier provided the needed breakthrough for high gain and small size. Tri-alkali S-20 or improved multi-alkali S-25 photocathodes were used as photon detectors.
Second generation tubes and devices are much smaller and lighter than Gen. 1 devices and offer similar gain but with greater resolution than cascade devices and an even image throughout the field of view.

Night Vision Glossary for Tube Generations

GEN 2+ & SUPER GEN

Offered high internal voltages within the tube for greater light gain, also a glass face plate offered greater resolution. Further improvements were made to the multi-alkali photocathode and the lifetime of the tube was greatly enhanced.

Night Vision Glossary for Tube Generations

GEN III

A late 70s development which utilised gallium arsenide photocathodes with a much greater band sensitivity that stretched into the infrared spectrum of light, a region that is particularly prevalent on overcast nights. Consequently generation three devices outperform Gen. II devices on dark overcast nights when there is little ambient light available.