Night vision device: that's the function

With a night vision device it is possible to find your way even in the dark. We explain the function of the device to you in this practical tip.

Funtion night vision device - simply explained

Usually a night vision device with low light intensification works.

• The remaining light, which is still present in a dark room, is bundled onto a photo cathode, which converts the light into electrons.
• The electrons are then directed through an electric field to accelerate them.
• The accelerated electrons then penetrate the holes in a microchannel plate. The walls are specially coated so that more electrons release from them when an electron hits the wall. This has a reinforcing effect.
• Finally, the electrons hit a fluorescent screen and create the familiar greenish image.

Alternatives to low light amplification

Instead of the residual light amplification, some night vision devices work with infrared radiation instead.

• All objects in a room emit heat radiation (infrared radiation), which is not visible to the human eye. Certain detectors can make this radiation visible.
• Cheap night vision devices, however, do not use the infrared range, which is responsible for heat radiation, but the near infrared, which people cannot see at the moment, but are close to the visible spectrum. An infrared LED is used as an "invisible" headlight.
• Try it yourself at home: most cell phone cameras can see infrared. Just make a video of your remote control while pressing the remote control.

In the next practical tip you will learn how quantum computers work.