Assessment of an Optically Stimulated Infrared Emission From Image Intensifier Tube Photocathodes

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggested that bright, night-vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible, green cockpit displays could cause a veiling luminance in night-vision goggles (NVGs) and degrade visual performance. The mechanism suspected of causing this veiling luminance was an infrared emission from the image intensifier tube photocathode stimulated by visible, NVIS compatible light. This paper describes an effort to measure this stimulated infrared emission from three different image intensifier tubes. Measurements of the emission were analyzed with respect to tube age, the wavelength of incident illumination, and illumination angle of incidence. The emission was found during certain combinations of light wavelengths, angles, and intensities. However, results suggest that this phenomenon is not sufficiently strong to cause observable veiling luminance in NVGs.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA442754

Entities

People

  • Jesse G. Wales
  • Peter L. Marasco

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Contracts
  • Elements
  • Frequency
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Image Tubes
  • Intensity
  • Light Sources
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • National Governments
  • Night Vision
  • Standards
  • Urban Areas
  • Visible Spectra

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.