What are the key purchase considerations for infrared night vision devices?
1. Determine which generation the imaging tube is. Because the night vision device packaging and instructions generally do not indicate which generation of image intensifier tube it is. Of course, if you want to buy a 2nd or 3rd generation night vision device, it is best to buy a night vision device that is clearly marked with which generation of image intensifier tube it is, to avoid infringement of your rights and interests. The night vision devices currently on the market, such as Russia's RHO, indicate which generation of image intensifier tubes are used on the product packaging and machine.
2. Look at the lens diameter and magnification of the lens. Without considering the size, of course, bigger is better. For the same image intensifier tube, in principle, the larger the diameter, the farther the observation distance, and the clearer the image.
3. Whether it has image enhancement technology: Generally, night vision devices with this technology will have better and clearer images under the same conditions.
4. The performance of the infrared emitter: The quality of this performance also directly affects the imaging quality.
5. How about the lens: The resolution of the lens is very important. The higher the resolution, the clearer the image displayed.
As for the nominal observation distance of the night vision device, the identification distance. Since there are no formal standards, different opinions vary. In fact, it has no reference significance. Generally speaking: the distance of the first generation is 100-250 meters, the distance of the second generation is 200-350 meters, and the distance of the third generation is 300-500 meters, and objects can be seen clearly. The specifics are determined by the quality of the lens, image processing technology, infrared emitter, and resolution.
The development history of infrared night vision devices
Although people discovered infrared rays very early, the development of infrared remote sensing technology was slow due to limitations of infrared components. In 1940, Germany developed lead sulfide and several infrared transmission materials, which made the birth of infrared remote sensing instruments possible. After that, Germany first developed several infrared detection instruments such as active infrared night vision devices, but they were not actually used in World War II.
At almost the same time, the United States was also developing infrared night vision devices. Although the test was successful later than Germany, it was the first to put it into practical application. In the summer of 1945, the U.S. military landed on Okinawa and attacked the island. The Japanese troops hiding in caves and tunnels took advantage of the complex terrain to sneak out at night to attack the U.S. troops. So the U.S. military urgently transported a batch of newly manufactured infrared night vision devices to Okinawa and set up guns equipped with infrared night vision devices near the cave. When the Japanese troops climbed out of the cave in the dark, they were immediately knocked down by a burst of accurate gunfire. The Japanese soldiers in the cave did not know the reason, so they continued to rush out and lost their lives in confusion. When infrared night vision devices first entered the battlefield, they played an important role in clearing out the stubborn Japanese troops on Okinawa.
