Category Archives: I2 Night Vision

Image Intensification Night Vison
Generation 2 – The difference between a 1st and a 2nd generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel plate, commonly referred to as a MCP. The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode. The MCP consists of millions of short parallel glass tubes. When the electrons pass through these short tubes, thousands more electrons are released. This extra process allows 2nd generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a brighter and sharper image.
Generation 3 – By adding a sensitive chemical, gallium arsenide to the photocathode a brighter and sharper image has been achieved over 2nd generation units. An ion barrier film was also added to increase tube life. 3rd Gen. provides the user with good to excellent low light performance.
White Phosphor(WPT) vs Green Phosphor – Image intensifier tubes that produce a green image use a P43 green phosphor screen output. This green-yellow image is what most people recognize in regard to Gen 2 and Gen 3 night vision Systems. Instead of green P43 phosphor screen output, White Phosphor tubes use a P45 phosphor screen, which yields a blue-white color resulting in a black and white image.

Get your hands on the latest night vision gear for free with AR15.com

Check out another great article from SHWAT.com about a recent night vision demo.

 

AR15.com invited interested people to get some hands on experience with much of the latest and greatest in NV and thermal. This event took place on the border of Dallas and Rockwall, Texas on May 23rd. That’s as good as place as any, and since Dallas/Fort Worth has AR15.com readers who are in the night vision industry, it was no surprise that a few showed up.

Looking through the ATN ThOR 640 5X
Looking through the ATN ThOR 640 5X

I arrived at the official kickoff about 7:30 that evening as the sun was working its way down the horizon. With only short notice, 20 – 30 people made it out to see the gear, meet new friends and have a blast.

Where else can you find this much gear to demo...FOR FREE!?
Where else can you find this much gear to demo…FOR FREE!?

On hand were reps from some of the manufacturers and retailers, and Ed Avila, the founder of AR15.com. Ed is a newly minted Texan, leaving New York for the gun and business friendly Texas environment. If you had a question, chances are someone there had a good answer. By the way, welcome to Texas AR15.com!