Night Vision Differences
Night vision devices are divided into first, second and third generations according to the grade of the intensifier tube.
The third generation is the most sophisticated night vision technology in the current civilian level. Its surface is coated with a very sensitive gallium arsenide photocathode coating, which can convert light into electricity more efficiently under extremely weak light. The third generation provides clear, sharp night vision images. There are high performance image intensifier tubes with a minimum of 51lp/mm, which is 3 units above the minimum standard of 45lp/mm. Lines per millimeter (lp/mm) is the unit of measure that higher resolution image intensifiers produce sharper images.
The access plate developed by the second generation can generate tens of thousands of electrons. This produces a clear image in nighttime situations, with no distortion compared to Generation 1 and Generation Zero.
The first generation had problems with distortion and short life of booster tubes. It uses materials that convert photoelectrons more efficiently than Generation Zero. These devices are capable of operating at lower light levels than Generation Zero, known as "starlight". Imported night vision goggles usually use first-generation image intensifiers, even if they are advertised as second-generation.
As for the zero generation, it relies on increasing light energy to enhance external light. The light-converted electrons are concentrated by electrical components, and these electrons are accelerated through a conical device (anode), so they have greater energy when they hit the fluorescent screen, thereby creating images. Unfortunately, speeding up the electrons in such a way results in reduced image quality and a shortened lifespan for the kinescope.
All products sold to the international market of the third generation need to obtain an export license from the US State Department, which is a defense trade control product, in accordance with the US Federal International Transportation of Arms (ITAR), Article 22. Most of both products are regulated by the U.S. Department of Commerce for export, catalog number 6A002.
