Human beings do not have the ability to see at night. In as much as our pupils open wider when the light is dim, they do not open much to help us see at night. This is where night vision comes in. I am sure you have seen the application of night vision technology by soldiers, pilots, sailors, movies and much more.
I know you might be asking yourself whether night vision devices work and is it actually true you can see things clearly at night? If you have the right night vision device, you can see a person who is about 200 yards even on a cloudy and moonless night. This guide will help you understand more about night vision and how it works. Let us have a closer look!
What Is Night Vision?
In simple terms, night vision refers to the ability to see beyond the normal visible light boundaries. The ability to see in low light conditions whether technologically or biologically works when there is a combination of enough light intensity and enough spectral range.
Human beings can see when there is a bright light. You should know that light is always there even when it is dark only that the human eye cannot see.
How Night Vision Works
Now that you know what night vision is, it is important to understand how night vision works. Night vision works in two different ways depending on the technology that is used. These include:
1. Image Enhancement:
Image enhancement works by collecting tiny amounts of light. This includes the lower portion of infrared light spectrum available but your eyes can see. It amplifies it such that you can see the image clearly.
2. Thermal Imaging:
This is a technology that captures an upper portion of the infrared light spectrum that is produced by the objects as heat instead of being reflected as light. Hotter objects emit more light as compared to cooler objects like building and trees.
It is important to note that night vision devices are not intended to magnify remote objects like in binoculars and telescopes. In fact, the majority of night vision devices either has no magnification or offer 1x to low 2x-4x magnification
Most of the devices are designed with a built-in infra-red illuminator that functions as a night vision flashlight to offer more light. This helps you see clearly even in total darkness. There is a minor red dot that is seen on the front of the device when the IR illuminator is working.
If you are using night vision goggles, dim light enters the front lens and this light is made of particles of light of all colors (photons). When the photos enter the night vision google, they hit a light-sensitive place referred to as photocathode. This surface converts the photons to electrons.
The photomultiplier amplifies the electrons and every electron that enters the photomultiplier will result in many electrons leaving. The electrons that are leaving hit a phosphor screen to come up with tight light flashes. Because there are many photons the initial that entered the night vision goggles, the screen will produce a brighter version of the original scene.
The common question that many people ask is why everything looks green when you are using night vision goggles. This is because even during the night, the photons that hit the front lens of the night vision goggle carry all colors of light. But when they are converted to electrons, there is no means of preserving that information.
The colored light turns to black and white. So why doesn't night vision goggles show black and white? This is because the phosphors on the screens are selected deliberately to make the pictures look green since the human eyes are sensitive to green light and you can look for long periods. This is the main reason why night vision devices have a green glow.
Choosing The Right Night Vision Device
For you to see clearly at night, you need to have the best night vision device. Night vision devices refer to optical devices that are electronically enhanced to help you see even in total darkness. There are different types of night vision devices that you can use. Some of them include the following:
All the above devices amplify the existing light to help you see in total darkness. Knowing how to select the right night vision device is important. For instance, a night vision monocular is one of the most versatile devices that provide you with many advantages. The main advantage of having a monocular over other devices is that only one eye is adjusted to the ambient light. This is important if you are moving from darker to lighter conditions and night vision might not be needed.
A night vision binocular is similar to the daytime binocular because it provides you with two eyepieces as well as two front lenses. It uses 1 intensifier tube meaning that it doesn't offer superb performance as compared to a monocular. The advantage is that you will get a comfortable viewing because you are using both eyes. A night vision binocular is expensive and heavier as compared to a night vision monocular.
You can also choose night vision goggle. This refers to any device that has a headset and it is available in 3 versions which include:
Final Words:
With the help of night vision, it is easy for human beings to clear objects clearly at night. If you were wondering how night vision works, I believe you now have the right answer. I have given you a comprehensive guide so that you can understand night vision in details. I have also given you some tips that will help you select the right night vision device to meet your needs.
I am Robert Redford, A hunting enthusiast and I have more than 9 years of hunting experience. I have created this blog in order to share my research and experience with those who love hunting and shooting so much. I devote most of the time creating research-based product recommended to you for an easy pick among multiple options.