Image Intensifier Tubes in night vision devices operate by amplifying ambient light and convert photons to electrons through a series of processes.

1. Collection of Ambient Light

First, these tubes collect and gather the available ambient light or other light sources present in the surroundings. The photons, which are particles of light, are then captured and absorbed by a photocathode within the image intensifier tube.

2. Acceleration Of Electrons

Once the photons are absorbed, they release electrons through a photoelectric effect. This effect occurs when the energy from the photons causes electrons to be ejected from the atoms in the photocathode material. These released electrons are then accelerated towards a micro-channel plate (MCP) within the tube.

The micro-channel plate consists of a multitude of tiny channels, each coated with a material that emits secondary electrons upon impact. As the accelerated electrons from the photocathode strike the micro-channel plate, they collide with the channel walls, causing the emission of additional electrons. This collision and emission process occurs thousands of times, resulting in a significant amplification of the electron signal.

3. The Phosphor Screen and Visible Amplified Image

The amplified electron signal, now containing many more electrons than the original photons, proceeds to strike a phosphor screen at the end of the image intensifier tube. When the high-energy electrons hit the phosphor, they cause it to emit light. This light is then collected by a series of lenses and filters, ultimately forming a visible image for the user.

Image intensifier tube technology has advanced over five decades through a progression of 'generations.' Understanding these generations is crucial in selecting the optimal night vision product for your specific requirements.

Each generation (Gen) is identified by unique technological advancements. Currently, there are four image intensifier device generations: Generation 0 through Generation 3.

Generation 0

• The first night vision products (Gen 0, 1950s) functioned on image conversion rather than intensification, requiring an invisible infrared (IR) light source for illuminating the target area.

Generation 1

• The 1960s 'starlight scopes' (Vietnam era) had three image intensifier tubes connected in a series. These systems were heavy and bulky. The Gen 1 image was clear at the center but distorted around the edges.

Generation 2

• The MCP electron multiplier sparked Gen 2 growth in the 1970s. The “gain” from MCP removed back-to-back tubes, enhancing size and image quality. It also paved the way for handheld and helmet-mounted goggles. Nocturnal Optics Australia mainly offers Generation 2+ Image Intensifier Tube Night Vision Systems.

Generation 3

• Two major advancements characterized development of Gen 3 Night Vision in the late 1970s and early 1980s: the gallium arsenide (GaAs) photocathode and the ion-barrier film on the MCP. The GaAs photocathode enabled detection of objects at greater distances under much darker conditions. The ion-barrier film increased the operational life of the tube from 2,000 hours (Gen 2) to 10,000 hours (Gen 3).

• When discussing night vision technology, you also may hear the term ”Omnibus” or “OMNI.” The U.S. Military procures night vision devices through multi-year/multi-product contracts referred to as “Omnibus”—abbreviated as “OMNI.” For each successive OMNI contract, ITT has provided Gen 3 devices with increasingly higher performance. Therefore, Gen 3 devices may be further defined as OMNI I, II, etc.

• Modern/ Current US-Produced Generation 3 Night Vision Tubes stand as the technological height of Night Vision Image Intensification Technology, classified as a controlled Defence Technology under International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), resulting in considerable difficulty in obtaining them internationally.

Night Vision Devices and Thermal Imaging Systems have a wide range of applications.

Civilian Applications

• One common use of these devices is in civilian settings, where they are often used for activities such as hunting, wildlife observation, and surveillance at home. For outdoor enthusiasts, night vision technology can be a game changer, allowing them to engage in activities like camping, hiking, night photography, or birdwatching with enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

Law Enforcement

• Law enforcement teams also benefit from the use of night vision technology. It provides them with a tactical advantage during nighttime operations, enabling them to navigate and conduct surveillance in the dark. This technology allows law enforcement to gather valuable information and safely survey dangerous situations where there may not be a readily available bright light source.

Land Search and Rescue/ EMS Applications

• Night Vision technologies are incredibly useful in land search and rescue applications. They enhance visibility in low-light conditions, allowing search and rescue teams to effectively navigate and locate individuals in challenging environments. This ensures Land SAR Teams can identify potential hazards, obstacles, or signs of distress that may not be visible without night vision capabilities. All of these factors contribute to more successful and timely rescues.

Image Intensifier Tube (IIT)

• The core component of a night vision device, responsible for converting incoming photons into electrons, amplifying them, and converting them back into visible light to produce an enhanced image. Enables visibility in low-light environments by amplifying available light.

Figure of Merit (FOM)

• A performance metric for image intensifier tubes, calculated by multiplying the tube’s resolution (lp/mm) by its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). FOM is used to benchmark and compare the performance of different night vision systems.

Resolution (RES)

• Refers to the ability of an image intensifier tube or night vision system to distinguish fine details. Measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm), higher resolution indicates clearer, sharper images and the ability to resolve smaller details.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

• The ratio of true signal (light detected by the photocathode) to background noise (random electronic noise). A higher SNR indicates better image quality and performance in low-light conditions. SNR is a component of FOM.

Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI)

• The inherent background brightness of a night vision device when no light falls on the photocathode. Expressed in lumens per square centimeter (lm/cm²), lower EBI indicates a more sensitive device capable of detecting fainter light sources.

Gain

• Describes the increase in brightness between the input and output of an image intensifier tube. Gain rises as ambient light decreases and is expressed in either:
• Foot-lamberts per foot-candle (fL/fc), commonly used in the U.S.
  
• Candela per square meter per lux (cd/m²/lx), commonly used in Europe and Asia.
  

Autogain / Automatic Brightness Control (ABC)

• A feature that automatically adjusts tube gain in response to bright environments, maintaining consistent image brightness and preventing excessive glare.

Variable Gain / Manual Gain / External Gain Adjustment Circuit (EGAC)

• Allows users to manually adjust Intensifier Tube gain through a built-in potentiometer for optimal brightness control. Tubes featuring manual gain still include autogain functionality.

Photocathode

• The first layer of an image intensifier tube that converts incoming photons into electrons. Generation 2 tubes use multi-alkali photocathodes; Generation 3 tubes use gallium arsenide (GaAs) photocathodes for improved sensitivity.

Photocathode Sensitivity (µA/lm)

• Measures how efficiently the photocathode converts light to electrical current, expressed in microamperes per lumen (µA/lm). Higher sensitivity means better low-light performance.

Microchannel Plate (MCP)

• The second layer of an intensifier tube. It contains millions of microscopic channels that multiply electrons from the photocathode, enhancing the image brightness and resolution.

Phosphor Screen

• The final component of the tube, coated in phosphor. It converts amplified electrons back into photons, producing the visible image seen by the user.

Diopter

• A unit measuring the refractive power of a lens, used to adjust the eyepiece for individual eyesight correction. Most systems provide a diopter adjustment range (e.g., +2 to -6) to accommodate various users.

Collimation

• In night vision, collimation refers to the precise alignment of optical elements so that the images from each eyepiece (or optical channel) align correctly with the real-world field of view. In monocular systems, slight misalignment is less noticeable, whereas in binocular/ panoramic systems, poor collimation can lead to eye strain, discomfort, or double vision because the two optical paths do not converge properly.
  

Nitrogen Purging / Leak Testing

• A maintenance process to ensure that the internal components of a night vision device remain moisture-free and sealed.

• Dry nitrogen gas is flushed into the sealed housing to displace moisture and prevent internal fogging.
  

• The device is checked (typically with a vacuum or pressure test) to confirm it is properly sealed against air and moisture ingress. This process protects sensitive components and maintains optimal performance in varying environmental conditions.
  

IMPORTANT:

• The specifications below represent average manufacturer performance and may not reflect the exact specifications of individual tubes. Minor variations are normal. Each intensifier tube is shipped with its own individual spec sheet.

NNVT-7 (Class A)

• Format: MX10160 (2-Pad Configuration)
• FOM: 2000 (Min) – 2200+
• SNR: 30+
• Resolution: 68–72 lp/mm
• High Light Resolution: 54 lp/mm
• Gain: 11,000–20,000 cd/m²/lx
• Phosphor: P43 (Green Phosphor) / P45 (White Phosphor)
• Power Supply: Auto-gating
• Voltage: 2.2–3.4V
• Weight: ~80 grams

NNVT-5 (Class B)

• Format: MX10160 (2 & 3-Pad Configuration)
• FOM: 1600 (Min) – 1800 (Max)
• SNR: ~25
• Resolution: ~64 lp/mm
• High Light Resolution: 54 lp/mm
• Gain: 8,000–12,000 cd/m²/lx
• Phosphor: P43 (GP) / P45 (WP)
• Power Supply: Auto-gating + Variable Gain (3-pin)
• Voltage: 2.2–3.4V
• Weight: ~80 grams

NNVT-4 (Class C)

• Format: MX10160 (2 & 3-Pad Configuration)
• FOM: 1400 (Min) – 1600 (Max)
• SNR: 20–23+
• Resolution: ~60 lp/mm
• High Light Resolution: —
• Gain: 8,000–10,000 cd/m²/lx
• Phosphor: P43 (GP) / P45 (WP)
• Power Supply: Fixed Gain
• Voltage: 2.2–3.4V
• Weight: ~80 grams

NNVT Generation 3 (GaAs Photocathode, Thin-Filmed)

• Format: MX10160 / MX11769
• FOM: 1500–2000+
• SNR: ~25–30
• Resolution: ~60–72 lp/mm
• High Light Resolution: ~55 lp/mm
• Gain: 13,000–20,000 cd/m²/lx
• Phosphor: P43 (GP) / P45 (WP)
• Power Supply: Auto-gating
• Voltage: 2.2–3.4V
• Weight: ~80 grams

To ensure the longevity, reliability, and peak performance of your night vision equipment, it is essential to operate it correctly, maintain it regularly, and clean it properly. Below are best practices for handling, battery maintenance, and cleaning of your device.

1. Operating Guidelines

• Operate the device only in low-light or no-light conditions. Exposure to direct sunlight, bright artificial lights, or lasers can permanently damage sensitive internal components such as the image intensifier tube.
  
• Always keep objective lens covers or daylight filters in place when the device is in a bright environment or during daylight handling.
  
• Avoid directing the device toward direct light sources like the sun or floodlights.
  

2. Battery Care

• Always remove batteries when the device is not in use to prevent leakage that can damage internal components.
  
• Check for corrosion, leakage, or swelling before each use. Replace immediately if any issues are observed.
  
• Only use high-quality, manufacturer-recommended batteries to ensure proper performance.
  
• If necessary, clean the battery compartment and terminals with a cotton swab (Q-tip) dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove residue or corrosion.
  

3. Cleaning Procedures

Proper cleaning protects delicate optical and electronic components while maintaining optimal clarity and performance.

Lenses

• Use a blower bulb or compressed air (on a cold setting) to gently remove loose dust and particles from the lenses.
  
• Gently wipe lenses with a clean, soft microfiber cloth or a lens pen, moving in a spiral motion from the center outward.
  
• For stubborn spots, lightly dampen a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol and carefully clean the affected area.
  

Housing

• Use a mild soap solution and a soft brush to remove dirt and grime from the housing.
  
• Rinse the housing with clean, fresh water to remove soap residue.
  
• Allow the equipment to air-dry completely before use or storage.
  
  
  

Battery Compartment

• Use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean the battery compartment and terminals, removing any corrosion or debris.
  
• Ensure all connections are clean and free of residue to maintain reliable electrical contact.
  

4. Additional Tips

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  
• Periodically inspect O-rings and seals to ensure water and dust resistance.
  
• Have your device professionally serviced at recommended intervals, including nitrogen purging, leak testing, and collimation adjustments.
  

By following these operating, cleaning, and maintenance guidelines, you will extend the service life of your night vision equipment, maintain image quality, and ensure dependable performance when you need it most.

At Nocturnal Optics Australia, we take great pride in maintaining full transparency throughout our night vision build practices. The device's we deliver are meticulously assembled, tested and QC'd in our dedicated workshop located on-site in Fremantle, Western Australia.

Our team of ensures that each night vision unit meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Our Build Process Overview:

• To guarantee the integrity of every housing, all complete devices undergo dry nitrogen purging and leak testing using a Litton Electrical analog night vision purge and leak detection system — a proven industry-standard tool that verifies the internal environment is sealed against moisture and contaminants.

• In addition, optical alignment is conducted with precision using a custom CNC manufactured Collimation Rig which has been carefully designed and assembled specifically for our needs. This sophisticated system allows us to accurately collimate and bore-sight both binocular and monocular night vision systems to exacting specifications, ensuring perfect optical convergence and optimal user experience in the field.

• From assembly to final inspection, every stage of the process is carried out with rigor, care, and an unwavering commitment to quality — so that our customers receive night vision devices they can depend on in the most demanding environments.

Nitrogen Purging and Optical Collimation Services:

• Nocturnal Optics Australia operates its own on-site Optical Collimation and Dry Nitrogen Purge/Leak Testing facilities, utilizing our purpose-built Portable Night Vision Servicing Stations (PNVSS). We are proud to offer these specialized services as part of our regular maintenance support, ensuring your equipment remains in optimal condition and ready for the most demanding environments.

Night Vision Electrical & Mechanical Repairs:

• Nocturnal Optics Australia operates dedicated Electrical and Mechanical Night Vision Servicing Stations, equipped to carry out repairs and maintenance on your night vision systems. In addition, we can source and supply replacement parts for the majority of the night vision housings and devices featured on our website, ensuring your equipment remains mission-ready and fully supported.

Third Party OEM/ Retailer Warranty Notice:

Please Note: For complete systems purchased from other OEMs or official retailers, Nocturnal Optics Australia strongly recommends contacting the original supplier for any warranty assistance. This ensures that existing warranties remain valid and are not inadvertently voided.

Nocturnal Optics Australia is not responsible for, and cannot be held liable for, any warranties that may be voided as a result of servicing or intervention on behalf of another OEM or supplier.

Thermal imaging is a technology that detects and visualizes heat (infrared radiation) emitted by objects, rather than relying on visible light. Since all objects above absolute zero emit infrared energy, thermal imaging enables the observation of heat patterns, even in complete darkness, smoke, fog, or other obscured environments.

How it Works:

• A sensor array (often made of materials like vanadium oxide or amorphous silicon) to detect infrared radiation from a scene.

• The sensor converts this invisible heat energy into an electronic signal.

• The signal is processed and displayed as a visible image, called a thermogram, where different temperatures appear as varying shades or colors.

Military & Defence

• Detects enemy movements and vehicles at night or through smoke, fog, and camouflage.
  
• Helps soldiers and operators identify and engage targets in low visibility.
  
• Monitors perimeters and detects intrusions in darkness or challenging terrain.
  
• Enhances safety during operations in hazardous or contested environments.
  

Law Enforcement & Security

• Locates missing persons, fugitives, or injured individuals in darkness, dense vegetation, or disaster areas.
  
• Observes suspicious activity discreetly without requiring visible light.

• Assists Tactical Response teams in locating and neutralizing threats inside buildings or outdoors.
  
• Detects unauthorized entries and monitors secured zones.
  

Firefighting & Emergency Response

• Identifies trapped victims through smoke, debris, or darkness.
  
• Spots hidden fire pockets inside walls, ceilings, or rubble.
  
• Monitors structural integrity and heat levels during firefighting operations.
  

Industrial & Maintenance

• Identifies overheating components, faulty connections, or overloads before failure occurs.
  
• Detects abnormal friction, wear, or bearing issues in machinery.
  
• Reveals insulation defects, water intrusion, roof leaks, and air leaks in buildings.
  
• Controls manufacturing processes where temperature is critical.
  

Detector type

• Sometimes called the sensor type, refers to the material and technology used in the thermal sensor, such as an uncooled microbolometer made from vanadium oxide (VOx) or amorphous silicon (a‑Si).

Resolution (Pixels)

• Expressed in pixels (e.g., 640×512, 384×288), determines the level of detail the device can resolve, with higher resolutions offering finer detail.
  

Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)

• Measures the smallest temperature difference the sensor can detect, expressed in millikelvins (mK); lower NETD values indicate higher sensitivity and better performance in low‑contrast scenes.

Field Of View (FOV)

• Describes how much of the scene is visible through the device, usually measured in degrees (such as 12°×9°), where a wider FOV shows more area but at lower magnification.
  

Optical magnification

• Comes from the lens system, while digital zoom enlarges the image electronically, typically at the expense of image clarity.

Clip-On Thermal Imager (COTI)

• Refers to a thermal overlay device mounted to an existing night vision monocular or binocular, adding thermal detection to the visual image. These systems offer various fusion modes, such as outline (where thermal highlights appear as outlines on the NV image), blend (where thermal and NV images are mixed), or full thermal (where the thermal image dominates).

Polarity Settings

• Like white‑hot and black‑hot, determine whether warmer areas appear as lighter or darker tones in the image.
  
  

For International Export (Outside Of Australia) - Yes.

• Night Vision (Image Intensification) and Thermal Imaging Technologies as well as other various Infrared Strobe/ Aiming Devices are considered sensitive/dual-use devices under the Australian Defence Strategic Goods List.

• Exporting these types of items from Australia requires an Australian Defence Export Permit.

Accessories and Components Without Intensifier Tubes (Outside Of Australia) - No.

• Housing Kits without Intensifier Tubes are currently not controlled and can be freely exported outside of Australia as determined by the Defence Exports Control Office (DECO).

For Importing (Into Australia) - No.

• As per the Australian Border Force Prohibited Goods List, Night Vision Components and Intensifier Tubes can be imported into Australia without any restrictions.

With a Permit - Yes.

• The export of Night Vision Devices, Image Intensifier Tubes and Thermal Imaging Equipment is subject to regulations imposed by the Defence Export Control Office and Australian Border Force.

• These regulations are in place to control the export of dual-use technologies, which have both civilian and military applications.

• In order to export controlled dual-use technologies like complete Night Vision Systems, Intensifier Tubes and Thermal Imaging Devices outside of Australia, individuals or companies are required to obtain a permit or license from the Defence Export Controls Office and follow the correct Procedures for export through the Australian Border Force.

• This permit or license ensures that the export complies with the regulations and guidelines set by the DEC.

Without a Permit - No.

• Failure to obtain the necessary permit or license for exporting Image Intensifier Tubes and Thermal Imaging Systems or any other Defence Strategic Goods List (DSGL) items may result in penalties, including fines and other legal consequences. It is crucial for exporters to fully understand and adhere to the regulations surrounding the export of these technologies to avoid any violations.

In Theory — Yes.

• Navigating the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) is theoretically possible, but it is a complex and highly regulated process for an Australian business seeking approval to supply U.S.-controlled night vision technology within Australia.

In Practice — Not at This Time.

• While feasible in principle, achieving this would involve significant legal, financial, and logistical challenges. Our long-term objective is to eventually make U.S. Generation 3 intensifier tubes available exclusively for use within Australia.

• However, to clarify — at present, it is not feasible for Nocturnal Optics Australia to supply U.S.-controlled night vision technology under the current regulatory and operational constraints.

Even when a product is physically located in Australia, if it was manufactured in the United States or contains controlled U.S.-origin components, it remains subject to U.S. export control laws — specifically ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) or EAR (Export Administration Regulations).

This is because U.S. export control laws apply extraterritorially, meaning they follow the item no matter where it is in the world.

• ITAR-controlled items are designated as defence articles and cannot be exported, re-exported, transferred, or disclosed to foreign persons without U.S. State Department authorization — even if those actions happen inside Australia.
  
• EAR99 items are less restrictive but may still require U.S. authorization if exported from Australia to certain countries, organizations, or individuals.
  

In practice, this means that even though the product is already within Australia, any further transfer, sale, export, or disclosure to another party — especially a foreign person or outside of Australia — could violate U.S. law if done without proper approval.

These controls are enforced through agreements between the U.S. and Australia, and violations can result in serious penalties for both the seller and the buyer.

If you’re unsure about your obligations or whether you need additional permissions, we strongly recommend contacting us or seeking guidance from the Australian Defence Export Controls Office (DECO) and/or the U.S. Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) before proceeding.

At this time, our workshop is not open to the public due to the sensitive nature of our work and security requirements. However, we are happy to assist you by phone, email, or through our online contact form.

• Yes, we do. We’re proud to support Military, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Services personnel by offering a 5% discount on purchases.

• To receive your discount code, simply email valid proof of service — such as a Defence/Service ID, work email address, or DVA card — to admin@nocturnalopticsau.com.

• Once verified, we’ll send you your unique discount code to use at checkout.

Yes, subject to case-by-case considerations. Nocturnal Optics Australia specializes in designing and manufacturing bespoke night vision housings, systems, and components tailored to the specific needs of Law Enforcement, and responsible civilian clients.

Whether you need modifications to an existing product or a completely new design, we’re happy to discuss your requirements.

Process For Commisioning Custom Products:

We generally follow these steps:

• We discuss your objectives, constraints, and desired performance (specifications and materials).
  
• We provide an outline of the design concept, timeline, and estimated costs.
  
• Our team creates CAD designs, renders, and specifications.
  
• A prototype is manufactured and tested to ensure it meets specifications.
  
• Once approved, full production of the final design begins.

Nocturnal Optics Australia employs a multitude of manufacturing capabilities including: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS),Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF),CNC Machining, and Stereolithography (SLA)— to manufacture components and assemblies with exceptional accuracy and quality.

• Yes, Nocturnal Optics is pleased to offer product demonstrations where feasible. We understand that purchasing night vision or thermal imaging equipment is an important investment, and seeing the technology in action can help you make an informed decision.

• Demonstrations can be arranged on a case-by-case basis depending on your location (South-West, Metropolitan and Wheatbelt Regions of Western Australia), the product in question, and our availability. In some cases, we can also provide sample imagery, videos, or technical briefings if an in-person demonstration is not possible.

• For institutional, Defence, or Law Enforcement customers, we are happy to schedule dedicated sessions tailored to your operational needs. For civilian customers, please contact us to discuss what demonstration options are available in your area or remotely.

• To request a demonstration, please email us at admin@nocturnalopticsau.com with details about the product you’re interested in and your location, and our team will work with you to arrange a suitable option.

• We accept secure online payment methods including major credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.

• For larger projects or institutional clients, purchase orders and invoicing arrangements can also be accommodated.

• Once your order has been shipped, you will receive tracking information via email. All orders are shipped via insured and tracked services, and require a signature on delivery.

• While we don’t offer formal training courses, we are happy to provide operational guidance and care instructions for your equipment.

• We occasionally accept trade-ins or purchase surplus gear depending on its condition and type. Please contact us with details if you’re interested in selling or trading equipment.

• Yes, we do. Nocturnal Optics supports trade professionals and resellers who wish to partner with us in distributing our products. If you are a dealer, distributor, Defence contractor, or business looking to purchase in bulk or resell our products, we encourage you to get in touch to discuss trade pricing and opportunities.

• We offer competitive trade discounts on eligible products for verified resellers, and we can also assist you with technical information, product training, and marketing materials to help you succeed in representing our brand.

• To learn more about our trade and reseller programs, or to request a trade account application, please contact us at admin@nocturnalopticsau.com with details about your business, market, and intended order volume.

Certain products offered by Nocturnal Optics Australia are designated as Government, Law Enforcement, or Military Use Only. These items are subject to strict controls and are not available for purchase by the general public under any circumstances.

Access to these restricted products is limited exclusively to:

• Current Serving Military Personnel
  
• Sworn Law Enforcement Officers
  
• Recognized Government Departments or Agencies
  
• Authorised Procurement Entities operating under official capacity
  

To be eligible for purchase, prospective buyers must provide:

• Valid government-issued identification, and
  
• Written proof of active duty, official agency procurement authority, or contract-based authorisation
  

All verification materials must be submitted prior to purchase for review and approval at: admin@nocturnalopticsau.com

Orders for restricted products that do not meet these verification requirements will be cancelled without exception.