Infrared night vision imaging technology
Infrared night vision technology has experienced the early active infrared night vision imaging technology and the current passive infrared (thermal imaging) technology. The infrared detector was originally a unit detector, and later developed into a multi-element linear array detector in order to improve sensitivity and resolution, and has now developed into a multi-element area array infrared detector. Corresponding systems have made the leap from point detection to thermal imaging of targets.
(1) Active infrared image conversion technology (near infrared region).
This technology uses the principle of photoelectric image conversion to realize night observation. This type of instrument includes two parts: an infrared light source and a night vision goggle containing a variable image tube. The infrared light source illuminates the target, and the night vision goggles convert the invisible infrared image into a visible image. This type of technology began to be studied in the late 1930s, and was developed and applied in World War II. Precision sights with active infrared night vision are widely used in the Pacific theater. Around the 1960s, the technology became mature, and the observation distance could reach 3,000 meters. After that, it was widely equipped, but because of its low sensitivity, large heat emission, high power consumption, large body, heavy weight, limited observation distance and easy exposure The Achilles' heel, therefore, was gradually superseded by later-developed night-vision technology, which is now equipped in small quantities by only a few countries.
(2) Passive infrared night vision technology (middle and far infrared regions)
Infrared thermal imaging camera is one of the most promising infrared detectors, representing the development direction of night vision equipment. It uses an internal photoelectric effect semiconductor device as a detector to convert the radiation image of the scene into a charge image, and after information processing, it is converted into a visible image by the display device. Some typical models include:
1. Win the effective night battle time
Night and rainy weather account for a considerable proportion of the year, and night vision equipment makes the night transparent, greatly extending the effective combat time. Infrared night vision equipment has a high resolution and has the advantage of detecting sea-skimming flying targets. The thermal imaging camera for shipboard tracking can be used not only to provide target data for launching missiles, but also to detect enemy sea-skimming missiles. The photoelectric fire control system, including thermal imaging equipment, facilitates target identification and shortens the reaction time of the weapon system.
2. Established the No. 1 position in night battle
With the large number of night vision equipment equipped in the armed forces, Western developed countries have taken domination of night operations as a winning strategy.
3. Double the effectiveness of weapons
The combination of night vision technology and weapons and equipment will greatly improve the effectiveness of weapons and equipment in obtaining information, carrying out strikes, commanding military forces, maneuvering forces and coordinating operations at night and in rainy weather.
4. Reduce flight accidents
Aviation accidents can be greatly reduced by using navigation pods with forward-looking infrared cameras on aircraft and by having pilots wear goggles with night-vision goggles.
