Night Vision Generations

4th generation

Gated/Filmless technology represents the biggest technological breakthrough in image intensification of the past 10 years. By removing the ion barrier film and “Gating” the system Gen 4 demonstrates substantial increases in target detection range and resolution, particularly at extremely low light levels.

4th GEN. GATED/FILMLESS IIT ATNs Autogated / Filmless inverting image intensifier tubes improve night operational effectiveness for users of night vision goggles and other night vision devices. The filmless micro channel plate provides a higher signal-tonoise ratio than standard 3rd Gen. IITs, resulting in better image quality under low-light conditions. An Autogated power supply further improves image resolution under high light conditions and a reduced halo effect that minimizes interference from bright light sources. The reduced Halo maximizes the effectiveness of the Night Vision device in dynamic lighting conditions such as those experienced, for example, in night operations in urban areas. With significant improvement in contrast level and in performance under all light conditions, 4th generation night vision device types represent the top of the line performance in the night vision market.

2nd Gen + (2I) IIT ATNs standard 2nd generation tubes are high quality with exceptional brightness and resolution. Each tube has a micro channel plate, multi-alkaline photocathode with built-in power supply.

2nd Gen + (2IA) IIT ATNs 2nd generation + (2IA) tubes are high quality with exceptional brightness and resolution. Each tube has a micro channel plate, multi-alkaline photocathode with built-in power supply. The 2IA tubes are hand picked for additional performance with less cosmetics over the standard 2I IITs.

CGTI IIT The CGTI type of Image Intensifier are engineered for significantly enhanced performance over current 2nd generation IITs. The CGTI IIT is a Multi-Alkali compact 18mm format MCP Image Intensifier. Highlights of the CGTI specifications are the typical SNR of 15-22 and a resolution of 45-54 lp/mm. CGTI IITs are sensitive in a wide spectral band and thus provide good contrast in all scene circumstances

HPTI FOM 1250 IIT HPTI tubes are an upgrade of the CGT Generation tube. They are a Multi-Alkali compact 18mm format MCP Image Intensifier. The HPTI tube increases sensitivity, resolution, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). These improvements produce an exceptional image clarity and brightness. Most HPTI specifications typically are equivalent or exceed standard 3rd generation. Highlights of the HPTI specifications are the typical SNR of 18-24 and resolution of 51-64 lp/mm. These tubes are designed to give optimal performance while being in compliance with the FOM 1250 requirement. State Department export license required.

3rd Gen FOM 1250 (3I) IIT Our 3I FOM 1250 Tubes (3I) are designed to support international sales of 3rd generation equipment to friendly countries. They have a micro channel plate, GaAs photocathode, and a completely self-contained integral highvoltage power supply. These 3rd Generation tubes provide a combined increase in resolution, signal to noise and photosensitivity over tubes with a multi-alkali photocathode. Generation 3 is the standard for the USA military. These tubes are designed to give optimal performance while being in compliance with the FOM 1250 requirement. State Department export license required.

3rd Gen FOM 1600 (3N) IIT Our 3N FOM 1600 Tubes (3N) are designed to support international sales of 3rd generation equipment to NATO countries. They have a micro channel plate, GaAs photocathode, and a completely self-contained integral highvoltage power supply. These 3rd Generation tubes provide a combined increase in resolution, signal to noise and photosensitivity over tubes with a multi-alkali photocathode. Generation 3 is the standard for the USA military. These tubes are designed to give optimal performance while being in compliance with the FOM 1600 requirement. State Department export license required.

CORE (Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine) Traditionally, Gen 1 tubes are made of glass making them quite fragile and easily damaged, and have relatively low resolution, with very evident image edge distortion. While CORE does not contain a micro channel plate (and so by definition lands in the Gen 1 category) that is where the parallels end. Instead of glass, CORE tubes use a specially formulated ceramic compound fused with metal alloys similar to those used in production of Gen 2 and Gen 3 image intensifier tubes. Further advances in CORE have almost removed edge distortion, dramatically increased photo-sensitivity and most importantly, almost doubled resolution up to 60 lp/mm!

3rd Gen. Standard IIT Our standard 3rd generation image intensifier tubes are of the highest quality. They have a micro channel plate, GaAs photocathode, and a completely self-contained integral high-voltage power supply. These 3rd Generation tubes provide a combined increase in resolution, signal to noise and photosensitivity over tubes with a multi-alkali photocathode. Generation 3 is the standard for the USA military.

3A Gen. Premium select IIT Our 3A Gen. Premium select IITs are the highest quality of our generation 3 IITs. These IITs are hand picked to provide the highest quality and specifications available in our 3rd Gen. line. They have a micro channel plate, GaAs photocathode, and a completely self-contained integral high-voltage power supply.

3P Gen. ITT Pinnacle™ ATN Night Vision units with the 3P designation use ITT Pinnacle™ Image Intensifier tubes. The industry leading ITT Pinnacle™ image tubes utilize a gated power supply providing truly outstanding performance in high-light or light-polluted areas, such as urban environments. The Pinnacle™ tube with gated power supply minimizes any “halo” effects. “Halo” is often associated with using night vision devices in an urban area where random street lights are often an issue with early Generation Night Vision devices. Night Vision units with Pinnacle™ tubes have a resolution of 64-72lp/mm and a typical signal to noise ratio of 26. All Night Vision devices utilizing Pinnacle™ Image Intensifier tubes come with ITT data record sheet. Units with Pinnacle™ tubes are not available for export. A signed export compliance and end use statement is required prior to shipping of these units. *Pinnacle is a registered trademark of ITT Night Vision

2nd Gen. IIT ATNs standard 2nd generation tubes are high quality with exceptional brightness and resolution. Each tube has a micro channel plate, multi-alkaline photocathode with built-in power supply.

CGT IIT The CGT type of Image Intensifier tubes are engineered for significantly enhanced performance over current 2nd generation IITs. The CGT IIT is a Multi-Alkali compact 18mm format MCP Image Intensifier. Highlights of the CGT specifications are typical SNR of 16-22 and resolution of 45-54 lp/mm. CGT IITs are sensitive in a wide spectral band and thus provide good contrast in all scene circumstances.

HPT IIT HPT tubes are an upgrade of the CGT Generation tube. They are a Multi-Alkali compact 18mm format MCP Image Intensifier. The HPT tube increases sensitivity, resolution, Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), and the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). These improvements produce an exceptional image clarity and brightness. Most HPT specifications typically are equivalent to standard 3rd generation. Highlights of the HPT specifications are the typical SNR of 22 and resolution of 64 lp/mm.

1st generation

is currently the most popular type of night vision in the world. Utilizing the basic principles described earlier, a 1st generation unit will amplify the existing light several thousand times letting you clearly see in the dark. These units provide a bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is perfect, whether you are boating, observing wildlife, or providing security for your home. You may notice the following when you are looking through a 1st Gen. unit.