NV & Thermal Imaging how does it works

How does Thermal Imaging work?

Thermal Imaging amplifies infrared heat radiating off objects and assigns the varying range of heat different shades of color through its onboard processor. This allows you to easily compare / contrast varying objects, animals and other heat signatures. Due to the variances in heat, you can have shades varying in color, as well as shades in a greyscale hue. The main aspects to focus on with Thermal is the Resolution and the Hertz of the unit. Resolution deals with how many pixels are shown in each area within the picture. Since Thermal uses internalized processors and cores, it is very comparable to other electronics that offer you high resolution images. The higher the Resolution on a Thermal device the better the clarity and quality of the picture. Hertz refers to how quickly an image/picture refreshes per second. The higher the number of Hertz the smoother an image appears as you scan a horizon or field.

Thermal has a very practical element to using in the field, particularly, there is no hiding from thermal. You can track where animals have been and see through brush to where they are hiding. Locating blood paths, or even downed animals with thermal is exceedingly easy, given that the animals heat signatures can be visible for up to several hours through a thermal device. Thermal offers significant advantages in the Law Enforcement and Protection markets as well. Particularly in viewing hidden objects or persons, but also in determining amount of heat that is radiating from tires, engines or even people. Several Thermal options come with on-board recording, allowing you to take image and video, as well as GPS and WiFi enabled. Thermals can come in a monocular, goggle or weapons mountable device.

How does Night Vision work?

Night Vision amplifies ambient light that may not be visible to the naked eye, and allows you to see in darkness. Night vision is broken down into multiple generations, each offering a higher level of performance (ranging from Gen1 – Gen3, as well as Digital Night Vision). Night Vision technology uses various types of image intensifier tubes that convert weak light from the visible and near-infrared spectrum to visible light detectable by a human eye. Allowing people to see in semi dark or full darkness with the help of IR illumination or ambient light. Night Vision amplifies this ambient light by passing through electron charged intensifier tubes. All night vision devices are very sensitive to light, and are possible to damage by exposing to sunlight, headlights from cars, or from too much direct light

Night Vision Generations

The key difference between the night vision generations is the intensifier technology. Gen1 was first developed in the Vietnam area, and is recognized as the now entry level into night vision devices. Gen1 devices use an intensifier tube that amplifies ambient light by accelerating electrons and striking a green phosphorus surface (just like a television). Gen1 used under optimal conditions give you 75-100 yds visibility. Gen2 devices have added a micro-channel plate that multiplies the number of electrons before they make contact on the phosphorus screen (thus increasing clarity, quality and brightness). Gen2 devices can come in white or green phosphorus variants. The white phosphorus typically run more, as they provide enhanced clarity, as well as lower eye fatigue. Gen2 devices under optical conditions can expect visibility in 150-200 yds. Gen3 is currently what the US Military uses and have added a Gallium Arsenide photocathode which creates significantly more photoelectrons than Gen2 devices and is more efficient at amplifying existing light or IR illumination. Gen3 devices are significantly brighter and better in optical clarity than other generations and under optimal conditions allow visibility out to 350-400 yds. Lastly, Digital Night Vision was released in the early 2000’s, as it plays on same principal as your NV modes on digital cameras. Digital NV uses CCD (charged coupling devices) to process light prior to sending to an LCD (liquid crystal display) image. Utilizing this technology, Digital NV is not damaged by large amount of natural light and are able to be used in both night and day. As with most technology Digital NV has offered a significant bang for your buck, as it is typically cost comparative to Gen1 devices, but offers resolution and clarity of a Gen2 device.

Levels of Night Vision IIT

AGM Global Vision offers Gen 2+ image intensifier tubes (IIT) in five levels: NL1, NL2, NL3, NW1 and NW2. All Gen 2+ night vision tubes are equipped with microchannel plate and multi-alkaline photocathode. The main difference between the levels is resolution and cosmetics.

Gen 2+ IIT

NL1 - Gen 2+ “Level 1”  green phosphor tube (P43). NL1 is the highest performing and the cleanest Gen 2 IIT offered out of the 3 levels. There are practically no visible spots in Zone 1.

NL2 - Gen 2+ “Level 2”  green phosphor tube (P43). NL2 is the second-best quality Gen 2 IIT offered, very limited number of spots in Zone 1.

NL3 - Gen 2+ “Level 3” green phosphor tube (P43). NL3 offers good quality at competitive pricing.

NW1 - Gen 2+ “Level 1”  white phosphor tube (P45). NW1 is the highest performing and the cleanest Gen 2 IIT offered out of the 3 levels. There are practically no visible spots in Zone 1.

NW2– Gen 2+ “Level 2” white phosphor tube (P45). NW2 is the second-best quality Gen 2 IIT offered, very limited number of spots in Zone 1.

NW3 – Gen 2+ “Level 3” white phosphor tube (P45). NW3 offers good quality at competitive pricing.

Advanced Performance Gen 2+ IIT: Highest performing and the cleanest Gen 2+ IIT offered. Made in EU.

AP – Gen 2+ Advanced Performance Auto-Gated Photonis FOM 1800-2300 green phosphor tube (P43).

APW – Gen 2+ Advanced Performance Auto-Gated Photonis FOM 1800-2300 white phosphor tube (P45).

Gen 3 IIT: All Gen 3 IIT offered by AGM are Made in USA.

AGM Global Vision offers Gen 3 autogated image intensifier tubes (IIT) in four levels: 3NL1, 3NL2, 3NL3, and 3NW. All Gen 3+ night vision tubes use photocathode made with gallium arsenide. The main difference between the levels is resolution and cosmetics. 

3AL1 - Gen 3 “Level 1” Auto-Gated FOM 1400-1800 green phosphor tube (P43). 3AL1 is the highest performing and the cleanest Gen 3 IIT offered out of the 3 levels. There are practically no visible spots in Zone 1.

3AL2 - Gen 3 “Level 2” Auto-Gated FOM 1300+ green phosphor tube (P43). 3AL2 is the second-best quality Gen 3 IIT offered, very limited number of spots in Zone 1.

3AL3 - Gen 3 “Level 3” Auto-Gated green phosphor tube (P43). 3AL3 offers good quality at competitive pricing.

3AW1 – Gen 3 “Level 1” Auto-Gated FOM 1400-1800 white phosphor tube (P45). 3AW1 is the highest performing and the cleanest Gen 3 IIT offered out of the 3 levels. There are practically no visible spots in Zone 1.

3AW2 – Gen 3 “Level 2” Auto-Gated FOM 1300+ white phosphor tube (P45). 3AW2 is the second-best quality Gen 3 IIT offered, very limited number of spots in Zone 1.

3AW3 - Gen 3 “Level 3” Auto-Gated white phosphor tube (P45). 3AW3 offers good quality at competitive pricing.

Advanced Performance Gen 3 IIT: Highest performing and the cleanest Gen 3 IIT made by L3 and Elbit.

3AP – Gen 3 Advanced Performance L3 or Elbit FOM 2200+ Auto-Gated green phosphor tube (P43).

3APW – Gen 3 Advanced Performance L3 or Elbit FOM 2000+ Auto-Gated white phosphor tube (P45).