From generation to generation, humanity pursues the goal of becoming more perfect. That is why we now have airplanes, autopilot machines, automated factories, and so on. Of course, the desire to see at night as during the day did not go aside. It is worth noting that achieving this goal was not easy because the creation of night vision devices required serious scientific preparation and a significant technical and economic base.
How did it all start?
One of the essential prerequisites for the creation of night vision devices was the appearance in the 19th century of infrared (thermal) radiation. And a device capable of "seeing" objects not in the optical (visible) but the infrared (thermal) range of the spectrum appeared in 1934. That is, we can safely say that 1934 is the beginning of the era of night vision devices. The evolution of NVD can be divided into several stages associated with the appearance of certain generations. In each new generation, the image quality and the range of vision improved, the weight and size decreased, and the operating time increased. The main factor by which generations of night vision devices (NVDs) are distinguished is their main element - an image intensifier tube, which is needed to convert an infrared image invisible to the human eye into a visible one and enhance it in brightness. The first success in developing night vision devices was recorded in the 30s of the twentieth century. During the Second World War, the problem of observation in the absence of illumination became relevant again.
At that time, massive funds were spent on developing this industry, allocated by governments and leading companies in developed countries. Of course, the efforts in this direction have led to progress in scientific research, medicine, communication technology, and other fields. Adapted for individual use, analogs of military equipment are increasingly being used for the needs of law enforcement agencies, security services, rescue, navigation tasks, lovers of night hunting, etc. As a result, the development of scientific and technical products based on knowledge of the waves of the optical range, not only of the visible region of the spectrum but also of infrared (IR) radiation, has now become available to consumer goods. In 1939, the first-night vision devices were already being introduced in the German army. These simple devices captured and transmitted images of infrared radiation. However, it is worth noting that the Germans managed to create a night vision sight by 1943, which they successfully installed on tanks. The device and the sight worked by capturing infrared light sources. If there were none on the ground, the area was illuminated by infrared radiation; the rays were reflected from objects and captured by the night vision device. The effective range of vision of such devices and sights was not great, about 600 meters, but in any case, this gave an advantage. The next generation of night vision devices used the weak light amplification effect. At night on the ground, one way or another, there are sources of light, this is primarily the moon and secondarily the stars. You can also consider as a light source the broken and reflected light rays from any artificial light sources by the atmosphere. The principle of light amplification is thousands of times used by modern night glasses. A small, weak light source enters the first camera and is amplified several times. The already converted image is amplified a second time, and so on, depending on the design - light amplification occurs in several stages; in the end, on a particular screen, you can get a pretty good image, which allows you to distinguish objects that are around. The development of technology and microelectronics has made it possible to create compact and light devices. Currently, a night vision device that can be mounted on the head is commonly called night vision goggles. In turn, glasses can be stereo or mono. If, in the end, you can get a three-dimensional picture, then such glasses are called stereo; they are fixed in such a way that you can look with both eyes; mono glasses – are for only one eye—night sky, stars, and moon, into visible light.
As a rule, night vision devices are classified according to the type of image intensifier installed:
0 generation - such prototypes of night vision devices were used in the German army and installed on anti-tank guns;
1st generation - these are devices that were used during the hostilities in Vietnam. These devices work with scattered light, amplifying it 1000 times. Later, thanks to the development of fiber optics, the device was improved;
2nd generation - in the 80s of the 20th century, scientists in the USA created a device with an amplifier that had a microchannel plate. A little bit later, devices with a higher photocathode frequency were developed, and due to this, the quality of the picture on the entire screen improved;
3rd generation - this image intensifier tube has fundamental differences in the photocathode, which is made from gallium arsenide. It is 3rd generation night vision devices that are an evolutionary step in the development of this industry.
New developments and commercialism
At the end of 2021, the global market for night vision devices was estimated at 8.25 billion US dollars, and according to analysts' forecasts, by 2026, it could reach 13.71 billion US dollars. The increasing quality of devices among nature lovers and life explorers may drive demand. In addition, the low cost and technical feasibility of providing military personnel with sights capable of producing color images are expected to drive market growth. Law enforcement agencies use night glasses to conduct activities and confirm the combat readiness of personnel. Technological innovations, such as improvements in the parts used in surveillance devices, are driving the development of the night vision market. Strict government regulations regarding the intensity of the use of products in a competitive market are a severe problem for key players. Prices for the production of night vision products limited the possibilities of assembly, and thus these devices were created on the market exclusively for the military. Some of the factors holding back the market are high manufacturing costs, such as night vision optics, and expensive third-generation technologies. The high price of night vision devices, including night vision devices, limits their use. Therefore, the devices are used only for military purposes. Some manufacturers are being forced to cut costs due to related political issues. This may reduce the market implementation of night vision devices such as goggles and scopes.
Night vision is a technology that hunters especially appreciate. And no wonder - the ability to observe in difficult lighting conditions is necessary when hunting in a dense forest after dark. It also helps with reconnaissance of the area and the search for traces. The industry of night vision devices does not stand still, and the companies producing such devices continue to delight with new products. Therefore, you need to keep your finger on the pulse, and in searching for your ideal night vision device, carefully study the characteristics and reviews.