Night vision is the ability to operate safely in night or in any environment under low light conditions. Whereas, infrared imaging products, such as thermal (LWIR) or Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) sensors, are optimized for day-through-night lighting conditions and support surveillance & security applications, industry & research projects, and mobile use.  

First of all, photons (light) are converted into electrons by the photocathode. Then, they are accelerated through an electrical field and hit the microchannel plate walls to generate secondary electrons that in turn will generate more electrons into what is called an « electron avalanche ». Then, multiplied secondary electrons are accelerated through an electrical field, hit the phosphor screen layer and are converted back into light. Finally, the image is projected through the eye-piece of the night vision device.
 

An IIT is a module that intensifies, or amplifies, low light level images into levels that can be seen by the human eye. The IIT collects the existing ambient light from natural sources, such as starlight or moonlight, or from artificial sources such as street lights or infrared illuminators. The light passes through several internal components to be multiplied several thousand times, producing a much brighter image that can be seen by the soldier through the night vision device.
 

Night vision enables to operate safely in night and low light conditions. Owning the best night vision equipment alone will not provide the best images. That's why it is important to opt for a high-quality image intensifier tube (IIT) to have the best possible performance.

Over the years, night vision has become a key opto-electric technology in modern warfare as more and more operations take place by night. Photonis offers a wide range of intensifier tubes, enabling users to find the one that will work for their specific mission or operational requirement.