Introduction: Night vision devices have become essential tools for various applications, ranging from military operations to wildlife observation. When purchasing a night vision device, it is crucial to understand the different factors that determine its quality. In this blog post, we will explore the key parameters that influence the performance of night vision devices, such as SNR, resolution, FOM, FOV, photocathode sensitivity, halo, EBI, and OMNI.

1. Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): SNR refers to the ratio between the imaging area provided by the image intensifier tube and the area occupied by the noise generated by the microchannel plate (MCP). A higher SNR indicates a smaller noise area and clearer imaging. It is recommended to purchase a night vision device with an SNR exceeding 20, as anything below this threshold may result in poor image quality. An SNR of 25 demonstrates a good night vision device, while an SNR of 30 or above signifies an excellent one.

2. Resolution: Resolution, measured in lines per millimeter (lp/mm), indicates the clarity of the image produced by the night vision device. Higher resolution values imply sharper imaging. Night vision devices with 57lp/mm or lower are considered subpar, while 64lp/mm is the standard for military-grade devices. A night vision device with a resolution of 72lp/mm is considered exceptional.

   The new version of pvs 18 is clearer than the old version

3. Figure of Merit (FOM): FOM is the product of resolution and SNR and serves as a standard for evaluating the quality of civilian night vision devices. In Canada, sellers are required to provide FOM data to customers. A higher FOM value indicates a better performing device.

4. Field of View (FOV): FOV is measured in degrees and describes the size of the visual area that a night vision device can capture. Most night vision devices offer a FOV of around 40 degrees for both monocular and binocular vision. However, some specialized devices, such as the Armasight BNVD-51 (FOV of 51 degrees) and L3 GPNVG-18 (FOV of 94 degrees), provide a wider field of view.

   New version pvs-18

5. Photocathode Sensitivity: Photocathode sensitivity refers to the ability of the device’s photocathode to convert photons into electrons. Higher sensitivity is desirable, and it is advisable to avoid devices with a sensitivity below 1600.

6. Halo: Halo represents the distance between the photocathode and the MCP. A smaller halo value indicates better handling of strong visible light by the night vision device. It is recommended not to purchase devices with a halo value below 0.7.

7. Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI): EBI determines the performance of a night vision device in completely darkened environments. A smaller EBI value indicates better performance in low-light conditions. EBI values below 1 are considered the standard for Gen3 night vision devices.

8. OMNI: OMNI represents the contract batch number assigned by the US military for procuring night vision devices. Higher OMNI numbers do not necessarily indicate superior quality. Each batch has its own minimum standard specified in the contract. Therefore, an OMNI-7 device might outperform an OMNI-8 device if it meets or exceeds the minimum requirements.

Conclusion: When evaluating the quality of night vision devices, it is essential to consider parameters such as SNR, resolution, FOM, FOV, photocathode sensitivity, halo, EBI, and OMNI. By understanding these factors and their significance, consumers can make informed decisions and select the night vision device that best suits their needs. Remember, higher values for SNR, resolution, and FOM generally indicate better performance, while lower values for halo and EBI are desirable for optimal low-light conditions.