Image Intensifier is an electronic device that provides a brighter
image than that produced by the unaided action of an X-ray beam
on a fluorescent screen. It amplifies
the intensity of an image, but not the size. An image intensifier
does not work in complete darkness where there is no light to amplify.
Nonetheless, it creates a more realistic image since the intensities
it shows are related to true optical intensity and not to temperature.
This realism allows viewing objects not visible by a difference
in temperature alone.
Image intensifiers were mostly developed for nighttime viewing
and surveillance under moonlight or starlight. Image intensifiers
are able of detecting and amplifying low-light-level images (weak
emissions or reflected light) for bringing them into view as sharp
contrast images.
Image intensifiers were invented by Vladimir Zworykin, an employee
of RCA during World War II. His work and creation of the first generation
0 device became the basis for the sniperscope and snooperscope.
Parallel development in Germany occurred by AEG in 1936, producing
a prototype for the Pak anti-tank gun in 1939, which were later
mounted on panzer tanks, and the "Vampir" man-portable
system for infantry with MP44 rifles.
Image intensifiers are available in Generation
1, Generation 2,
Generation 3 and
newly developed Generation 4.
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