For years American Technologies Network Corp (ATN) has been providing the consumer with state of the art night vision optics. ATN has earned a reputation for the highest quality product coupled with the best value (price). One could compare a fine optical unit to a top-notch Swiss watch, or musical instrument where all of the parts are well thought out and work as one well-tuned masterpiece.
Night Vision Devices Generations: A night vision device can be either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation unit. What this stands for is what type of light intensifier tube is used for that particular device. The light intensifier tube is the heart and soul of the an NVD.
1st generation is currently the most popular type of night vision in the world. A 1st generation will amplify the existing light several thousand times letting you clearly see in the dark. These units provide a bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is perfect, whether you are boating, observing wildlife, or providing security for your home. You may notice the following when you are looking through a 1st gen unit.
- A slight high-pitched whine when the unit is on.
- The image you see may be slightly blurry around the edges. This is known as Geometric Distortion.
- When you turn a 1st gen off it may glow green for some time.
- There are inherent characteristics of a 1st gen and are normal
2nd generation is primarily used by law enforcement or for professional applications. This is because the cost of a 2nd gen unit is approximately $500.00 to $1000.00 more then a 1st gen. The main difference between a 1st and 2nd generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel plate, commonly referred to as a MCP. The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode. The MCP consists of millions of short parallel glass tubes. When the electrons pass through these short tubes, thousands more electrons are released. This extra process allows a 2nd generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a bright and sharper image.
3rd generation By adding a sensitive chemical, gallium arsenide to the photocathode a brighter and sharper image was achieved over 2nd generation. An ion barrier film was also added to increase tube life. Gen. 3 provides the user with good to excellent low light performance.
4th generation / Gated Filmless technology represents the biggest technological breakthrough in image intensification of the past 10 years. By removing the ion barrier film and "Gating" the system Gen 4 demonstrates sustantial increases in target detection range and resolution, particularly at extremely low light levels.
The use of filmless technology and auto-gated power supply in 4th generation image intensifiers result in:
- Up to 100% improvement in photoresponse.
- Superb performance in extremely low light level (better S/N and EBI).
- At least triple high light level resolution (a minimum of 36 lp/mm compared to 12 lp/mm).
With significant improvement in contrast level and in performance under all light conditions, 4th generation represents the top of the line performance in the night vision market.
These defense articles are subject to the export controls of the U.S. Goverment, and may not be exported or provided to a foreign person aboard or int the United States without the written approval of the U.S. Government.
Contact us Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm CST at:
1-972-SCOPE-IT (726-7348)
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