Image Intensifiers

Image intensifier tubes (IITs) are vacuum tubes that amplify a low light-level image to observable levels. Image intensifier tubes are the most important modules of night vision devices that play crucial role in defense/security/industrial applications. Technology of manufacturing of image intensifier tubes is very difficult and performance parameters of modern IITs varies even within the same technological process. Next, test report offered by manufacturers cannot be fully trusted because there are some differences in test methods used by different manufactures. Further on, there are literature sources presenting conflicting claims of different manufacturers. It is quite common to find on the world market two night vision devices (or two image intensifier tubes) of the same data sheet parameters but of different image quality. Inverse situation is possible, too. Due to reasons mentioned above testing image intensifier tubes is of critical importance for both their manufacturers, manufacturers of night vision devices (NVDs) and final users of NVDs.

Testing of image intensifier tubes is typically done according to methods recommended by US MIL standards. These test methods refer to testing potted tubes after encapsulation. There are however some projects when more detail testing is needed using non-MILs methods or bare tubes before encapsulation are to be tested.

ITIP is the main station for testing typical (photocathode below 25mm, spectral band: VIS-NIR) image intensifier tubes. It is a quasi universal computerized station that enables measurement imaging,photometric, electrical and temporal parameters of of image intensifier tubes.

ITR station enables measurement of reliability parameters of tubes. IPAS enables testing performance of miniaturized HV power supplies used to built modern image intensifier tubes.

IBIG enables testing non-typical (large photocathode or non typical spectral band) image intensifier tubes.

IMAG is a revolutionary system that enables automatic testing of typical image intensifier tubes to support mass manufacturing.

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