Night vision device having an image intensifier tube, microchannel plate and power supply for such an image intensifier tube, and method
US6087649A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2231/5016
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A night vision device with an image intensifier tube includes an improved power supply which operates the image intensifier tube of the device according to a variable duty cycle either at a design voltage level for the tube or at a voltage level simulating a dark-field. This duty cycle variation is effected as a function of the current flow in the image intensifier tube in order to provide automatic brightness control and bright source protection. An improved service life for the image intensifier tube is achieved. Also, a microchannel plate of the image intensifier tube need not carry an ion barrier film, resulting in an improved light amplification for the image intensifier tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.