What types of light sources are harmful to night vision devices?
Night vision devices are designed for use in dark environments, and can endanger or even damage the device if used in daylight or in very bright environments. Remember: If you point the night vision device directly at strong direct light, such as projectors, car headlights, strong torch light, etc., it may damage your night vision device. Having said that, night vision goggles all have protection from this type of damage, most simply by turning off the overload circuit, but some use more sophisticated equipment and spectroscopic devices.
Since the night vision device can detect infrared light, can it detect heat?
A night vision device is an optical amplifier that operates in the "nearly visible" range of light, generally speaking, this range is in the 750-850 nm range. It cannot measure heat because the thermal frequency is much lower than the spectral frequency and requires thermal imaging.
How should I use night vision in dim light or in total darkness?
All night vision devices require existing light to work, and with an infrared generator, it is possible to see bright images in low light and total darkness.
How do night vision goggles work?
Night vision products collect and intensify the existing light by focusing the light on the image intensifier through the eyepiece. Inside the intensifier, a photocathode is "activated" by the light and converts the photon energy into electrons. After the electrostatic field inside the device is accelerated, it hits the phosphor surface screen (like a green TV screen), forming an image visible to the naked eye. Through the acceleration of electrons, the brightness and image clarity are enhanced.
