Technological progress knows no bounds, and this is especially noticeable in military technology. Today's soldier, or as he is called in military terminology, "grunt," has access to the latest optical devices that make his work more efficient and safer. Among such devices, a special place is occupied by night binoculars and thermal binoculars, which allow seeing and recognizing objects under challenging conditions of low visibility and even in the dark.
Night binoculars and thermal binoculars are two different types of optical devices used to improve the effectiveness of military operations at night or in low-visibility conditions where conventional eyepieces are difficult or impossible to cope with the tasks at hand.
Night binoculars are optical devices that can amplify the weak light emitted even in the darkest conditions. They allow soldiers to see objects at great distances even without the help of additional lighting. The working principle of night binoculars is to use a photoelectric device that transforms weak light into a visual image. The resulting image is transmitted to the binoculars, where the soldier observes it.
Thermal binoculars, for their part, work on a different principle. They do not amplify the light but get an image based on the temperature difference of the objects. Everybody emits infrared radiation, which is invisible to the eye. Thermal binoculars detect and convert this radiation into a clear thermal image, where specific colored thermal spots represent different objects.
Each type deserves respect because they may both be needed depending on the desired result. And what is the difference between them, and how to choose correctly? We will tell you later.
The Structure of a Binocular
Binoculars are an optical device that allows you to observe distant objects from both eyes simultaneously. It is indispensable for travel, natural history, wildlife observation, and military operations. In this article, we will consider the structure of binoculars, the principle of their operation and use.
The main elements of binoculars include two objective lenses, intermediate lenses, eyepiece lenses, housing, and adjustment mechanisms. Front objective lenses collect light from distant objects and concentrate it into a single point, creating a magnified, inverted, and reversible (inverted) image. Intermediate lenses serve to flip the picture in the vertical direction. Spectacle lenses provide an image to our eyes and ensure comfortable observation.
Binoculars have two optical systems, one for each eye. Each optical system consists of an objective lens, an intermediate lens, and an eyepiece lens. Objective lenses absorb light from an object and focus it on an intermediate lens. A medium lens separates the collected light and magnifies the image. The image then passes through the eyepiece lenses, which provide the final magnified image we see in the binoculars' eyepieces.
To reduce the size and weight of binoculars, prisms are used. The most common types of prisms are Porro prisms and Roof prisms. Porro prisms are a classic prism that perfectly preserves the image quality but requires more space in the binoculars' body. Roof prisms provide a compact design of binoculars but can affect the quality of the image, as they need precise calibration.
The binoculars have adjustment mechanisms for focusing to achieve a sharp and clear image. There are usually two types of focus: central and individual. Major focusing allows you to change the focus of both eyepieces using one control simultaneously. Unique focusing will enable you to adjust the focus for each eye separately. It is helpful for people with different visual adornments.
One of the critical parameters of binoculars is its magnification and lens diameter. Magnification determines how much larger the object will appear in the binoculars than the eyepiece's declaration. For example, binoculars with 8x magnification will allow you to observe a thing as if it were eight times closer to you. The diameter of the objective determines the amount of light that can enter the binoculars. The larger the diameter of the lens, the more light enters the device, which allows you to observe conditions with insufficient lighting.
How Do Binoculars Work?
Binoculars are an optical device that consists of two tubes, each with a system of lenses and prisms. It allows us to see objects from both eyes simultaneously, providing convenience and comfort during observation. Binoculars are very diverse - from compact travel models to powerful professional devices. The optical composition of binoculars helps create a magnified and clear image of objects at a great distance.
To ensure optimal viewing comfort, the binoculars have different focusing systems, such as central and individual.
The principle of operation of binoculars is based on optical laws. Light falls on the objectives and is collected and focused on the intermediate lenses. Intermediate lenses separate the collected light and provide a magnified and inverted image. The image then passes through prisms that align and adequately orient the image for comfortable viewing.
Binoculars are widely used in various fields. In peacetime, it is used for travel, nature observation, tourism, and stargazing. It has also found its place in sports, allowing fans to enjoy sporting events over long distances. In military operations, binoculars are essential for observation and reconnaissance, allowing soldiers to obtain information about distant objects and enemy movement.
Using binoculars requires compliance with specific safety rules, especially when observing in public places. Here are some tips:
- Never look at the sun through binoculars, as this can seriously damage your vision.
- Avoid using binoculars in areas with limited visibility or poor lighting, as this may cause danger to you and others around you.
- Store the binoculars in a cover or case to protect them from bumps and scratches.
- Remove the binocular glasses to the eyes with a smooth movement to avoid possible lens damage.
- Hold the binoculars by the strap or handle when moving in a prone position to prevent them from accidentally falling.
In general, binoculars are an essential and valuable optical device that allows you to obtain excellent images of distant objects and provides comfortable observation. Knowing about its structure and how it works helps you understand how it functions and how to optimize it for the best results. Due to the correct use and observance of safety rules, binoculars can become an indispensable assistant in traveling, studying nature, observing wildlife, and many other areas of activity.
How Do NV And Thermal Binoculars Work?
Optical technology is developing extremely fast, and in today's world, we can see with extreme precision, even at night or in conditions of limited visibility. The two most common optical devices that provide this capability are night vision binoculars and thermal imaging binoculars. In this article, we will consider in detail how night vision binoculars and thermal imaging binoculars work, their principles of operation, and their application.
Night vision binoculars are optical devices that allow you to see in low visibility or complete darkness conditions. They can amplify weak light emitted from objects or reflected from surfaces and turn it into a clear image. The principle of operation of binoculars with night vision uses photocathodes and intensifying screens.
The process of converting weak light into a clear image in binoculars with night vision can be divided into several stages:
Photoelectric conversion:
First, the photocathode of the internal lens system receives weak light from surrounding objects or radiation. The photocathode converts photons of light into electrons.
Increase of electrons:
The electrons formed on the photocathode fall on the intensifying screen, which contains phosphorus. Under the influence of electrons, the phosphor emits more photons than it initially received, increasing the light.
Reflection on the glasses:
The resulting magnified image passes through the glasses, where we observe it. This process allows us to see objects that would otherwise not be visible in total darkness or low visibility.
Thermal imaging binoculars work based on thermal radiation emitted from objects and surfaces. Thermal imaging technology allows you to see objects with differences in temperature compared to surrounding objects, even in total darkness or low visibility conditions.
Thermal imaging binoculars work based on the principle of thermal radiation in the visible and infrared spectrum. The process of converting thermal radiation into an image can be divided into several stages:
Infrared camera:
At the beginning of thermal imaging, binoculars are infrared cameras that receive thermal radiation from surrounding objects and surfaces.
Thermal device:
The thermal device of the binoculars converts thermal radiation into electrical signals, which are then processed by internal electronic systems.
Reflection on the glasses:
The resulting thermal image is displayed on the glasses of the binoculars, where we can observe it. Color thermal imaging binoculars additionally distribute thermal radiation by spectral colors to show the difference in temperature in the image.
Night-Vision Binoculars for Grunts
In today's military, technological advances do not stand still, and one of the most significant breakthroughs in military equipment has become night vision binoculars for soldiers, also known as NVB (Night Vision Binoculars).
Night vision binoculars for soldiers were designed to improve combat effectiveness during night operations. They allow soldiers to see objects and movements in conditions of total darkness or limited visibility, allowing for increased safety and efficacy of combat missions. Previously, night vision was restricted to specially trained military units. Still, modern night vision binoculars have become widely available and have greatly improved the combat effectiveness of the individual soldier, also known as a "grunt."
Binoculars with night vision for soldiers work based on photocathodes and photoelectron effects. The process of converting weak light into a clear image can be divided into several stages:
- First, the photocathode of the lens's internal system receives weak light emitted from surrounding objects or surfaces. The photocathode converts photons of light into electrons.
- The electrons formed on the photocathode fall on the intensifying screen, which contains phosphorus. Under the influence of electrons, the phosphor emits more photons than it initially received, increasing the light.
- The resulting magnified image passes through goggles where the soldier can observe it. This process allows soldiers to see invisible objects in total darkness or low visibility.
- Today, there are several types of night vision binoculars for soldiers to use on the battlefield. Each type has advantages and characteristics, and the choice depends on specific requirements and tasks.
- Passive night vision binoculars use existing weak light emitted by objects or reflected from surfaces. They do not need additional light sources and can work in absolute darkness. These binoculars are suitable for situations where it is necessary to maintain cover, or weak signals can attract the enemy's attention.
- Active night vision binoculars have built-in infrared diodes that emit infrared light. These binoculars can allow soldiers to see in total darkness by creating light reflected from objects and surfaces. However, such binoculars may be visible to enemy forces and unsuitable for stealth.
Using night vision binoculars has many advantages for soldiers on the battlefield:
- The most apparent benefit of night vision binoculars is increased safety for soldiers at night. They can detect possible threats or hostile actions in time, which allows you to avoid dangers and reduce losses.
- Using binoculars with night vision allows soldiers to increase the effectiveness of combat operations at night. They can help plan successful attacks or retreat while maintaining the advantage in the dark.
- Binoculars with night vision enable soldiers to conduct combat operations even in the dark, improving their mobility and agility.
- Night vision binoculars allow soldiers to gain a significant advantage over enemy forces as they can conduct operations in the dark when the enemy is unexpected and less prepared.
Night vision binoculars for soldiers are a technological breakthrough that dramatically improves the effectiveness of nighttime operations. Using photocathodes and photoelectron effects allows the transformation of weak light into a clear image, giving soldiers an unparalleled ability to observe in the dark and low visibility. With these binoculars, soldiers become more mobile, safer, and more effective on the battlefield, giving them an advantage over enemy forces.