Know About - Night Vision Device

"A night vision device (NVD), also known as a night optical/observation device(NOD), is an optoelectronic device that allows images to be produced in levels of light approaching total darkness." - Wikipedia

When was Night vision technology invented?

It was invented during World War II for American, British and Soviet soldiers and pilots. Since then the technology has only evolved from bulky to extremely compact and lightweight devices. There are different devices like night vision goggles, binoculars, monocular, cameras etc.

How Night Vision Technology works?

It can be broadly divided into the two and both the technology works differently. Let's have look at how it works.

Image Intensifier

• It collects tiny amounts of light which are imperceptible to our eyes and amplifies it to the point where human eyes can easily observe the image.
• Light is made up of photons which are converted into electrical energy and there is change of velocity through a thin disk called micro-channel plate.
• The photons converted into electrons hits a phosphorous screen and are perceived through an eyepiece in shades of green thus creating a vision for the human eye.
• Thermal Imaging

All living things and many objects emit heat in the form of infrared radiation,infrared technology measures fraction of a degree differences of heat given off by objects.

• Hotter objects release more infrared light than cooler objects.
• Infrared devices absorb infrared light and converts into a grid of video signals thus creating a picture the viewer can see.

Application of night vision devices

• The use of these devices is not limited to military only and is useful in many other fields. Let's have a look at few of its applications.
• Law enforcement uses night vision goggles to find criminals operating in the dark of the night
• Illegal border crossings can be monitored by border patrol
• Soldiers operating in low light conditions fighting asymmetric warfare in Urban built up areas are greatly empowered by using these NVD's in extremely low light conditions, which helps them identify friend from foe and enhancing their survivability quotient
• Wildlife observers and nature enthusiasts can use it to maneuver through the forest in the night
• Some drivers also use it for better vision during the night time in special automobiles, though usage and ownership regulations vary from country to country
• Detectives use it to track their assigned people
• Surveillance can be done by using night vision cameras

There exists an interesting world after the dark! Many people are discovering this unique world with the help of night vision technology. You own the night if you have got the appropriate night vision device.

We're done with this post on knowing better about night vision devices. For more information, keep checking our upcoming articles about night vision goggle and other devices.