This document provides an overview of night vision technology. It begins with introducing the basics of how night vision works by detecting infrared light. It then describes the processes of thermal imaging and image enhancement that allow night vision devices to amplify weak light sources and display an image. The document outlines the generations of night vision devices and their improvements in amplification and lifespan. It discusses common night vision applications in military, wildlife observation, security, and more. Finally, it notes the advantages of long-distance vision in darkness and disadvantages like low image quality and high cost.

1. BY
ASHUTOSH KUMAR

2. Content
 Introduction
 Basics
 Thermal Imaging
 Image Enhancement
 Generations
 Night Vision Devices
 Applications
 Advantages
 Disadvantages
 Conclusion

3. Introduction
 The word “Night vision” itself means the ability to see
objects in low light conditions.
 Humans have poor night vision compared to many other
animals.
 With the proper night vision equipment , we can see a
person standing 200 yards (183 m) on a moonless or
cloudy night.

4. Basics
 In order to understand night vision ,it is important to
understand something about light.
 The amount of energy in a light wave is related to its
wavelength.
 Just next to visible light spectrum is the infrared
spectrum.

5.  Infrared can be split into three categories:
1. near-infrared
2. Mid-infrared
3. Thermal-infrared
 Infrared light is emitted by an object because of what is
happening at atomic level.

6. Thermal Imaging
 A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all the
objects in view.
 The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared
detector elements.
 The detector element creates a very detailed temperature
pattern called Thermogram.
 The thermogram created by detector elements is
translated into electrical impulses.
 The impulses are sent to signal processing unit

7.  The signal processing unit sends the information to
display. The combination of all the impulses from all of
the elements create the image.

8. Image Enhancement
 A conventional lens, called the objective lens captures
ambient light and some near-infrared light.
 The gathered light is sent to image intensifier tube.
 The image intensifier tube consists of :
1. Photocathode
2. Micro Channel Plate (MCP)
3. Phosphors coated screen

9. Fig : Image Enhancement

10. Generations
 Generation 0 :
The earliest (1950’s) night vision products were based on
image conversion , rather than intensification
 Generation 1 :
1. Vacuum tube technology
2. Full moon operation
3. Amplification : 1,000
4. Operating life : 2,000 Hours

11. Fig : Generation 1 night vision device

12.  Generation 2 :
1. First Micro Channel Plate operation
2. One-quarter moon operation
3. Amplification : 20,000
4. Operating life : 2,500 Hours
 Generation 3 :
1. Improved Micro Channel Plate & Photocathode
2. Starlight operation
3. Amplification : 40,000
4. Operating life : 10,000 Hours

13. Fig : Generation 2 night vision device

14. Night Vision Devices
 Night vision devices are basically divided into three
categories:
 Scopes : They are monocular normally handheld or
mounted on a weapon.

15.  Goggles : They are binocular and worn on the head.
 Cameras : Used for transmission and recording.

16. Applications
 Military
 Wildlife observation
 Hunting
 Surveillance
 Security
 Hidden object detection

17. Advantages
 Distant vision is possible.
 Detection of objects in absolute darkness.
 Less affected by temperature variations.

18. Disadvantages
 The image has low contrast and poor resolution.
 Do not see the target through transparent obstacles.
 High cost

19. Conclusion
 Today in the 21st century we have come a long way in the
development of night vision technology, from the early
1940s.
 In present scenario the applications of night vision
technology is very essential to combat terrorism which is
a major problem being faced by mankind.

20. Thank you