A Method for Improving Night Vision Device Depth of Field.

Abstract

It is known that when using Night Vision Devices (NVDs) to view objects close to the observer, the depth of field, the volume of space that appears to be in focus, is extremely small. The depth of field of optical systems can be increased by slowing the system's f-number. A simple way to accomplish this is to add restrictive apertures onto the front of the objective lens. This noticeably increases NVD depth of field but causes a significant reduction in light gathering capability. This report addresses equations describing the phenomenon, assesses the tradeoffs that we are involved in using apertures to increase depth of field, and documents some experimental visual acuity data demonstrating an increased depth of field due to decreased lens aperture.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA303126

Entities

People

  • Peter L. Marasco

Organizations

  • Armstrong Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Detectors
  • Diameters
  • Diffraction
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Geometry
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • High Resolution
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Image Tubes
  • Light Sources
  • Microchannel Plates
  • Night Vision
  • Night Vision Devices
  • Optics

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects