Litton Systems, Inc.

Other

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Timothy W Sinor

Joseph P Estrera

Keith T Passmore

Michael Jude Iosue

Michael R Saldana

David G Couch

Robert H Smithson

Anthony J Nico

The present invention comprises a method for detecting photons and generating a representation of an image. A photocathode receives photons from the image. The photocathode discharges electrons in response to the received photons. A microchannel plate is located no more than about 125 microns from the photocathode. The microchannel plate has an unfilmed input face and an output face. The microchannel plate receives the electrons from the photocathode and produces secondary emission electrons which are emitted from the output face. A screen receives the secondary electrons and displays a representation of the image.

Method and system for enhanced vision employing an improved image intensifier and reduced halo

The present invention comprises a photon detector and image generator, which includes a photocathode that receives photons from an image. The photocathode discharges electrons in response to the received photons. A microchannel plate with an unfilmed input face and an output face receives the electrons from the photocathode and produces secondary emission electrons which are emitted from the output face. A display receives the secondary electrons and displays a representation of the image. The photon detector and image generator has a lifetime of more than 7,500 hours.

System for enhanced vision employing an improved image intensifier with an unfilmed microchannel plate

A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube having a photocathode responsive to light in the wavelength range extending from about 1 .mu.m to about 2 .mu.m. The photocathode releases photoelectrons in response to photons of light in this wavelength range. A photomultiplier tube includes such a photocathode to provide an image in response to light of such a wavelength. A method of making such a photocathode is set out.

Night vision device, image intensifier and photomultiplier tube,

A novel photocathode and image intensifier tube include an active layer comprised substantially of amorphic diamond-like carbon, diamond, or a combination of both. The photocathode has a face plate coupled to an active layer. The active layer is operable to emit electrons in response to photons striking the face plate.

Photocathode and image intensifier tube having an active layer comprised

An improved photocathode and image intensifier tube are disclosed along with a method for making both the tube and photocathode. The disclosed photocathode and image intensifier tube have an active layer comprising two or more sublayers. The first sublayer has a first concentration of a group III-V semiconductor compound while the second sublayer has a second concentration of the group III-V semiconductor compound. The multilayer active layer is coupled to a window layer.

Transmission mode photocathode with multilayer active layer for night

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.

Night vision device having an image intensifier tube, microchannel plate

A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube, which includes a photocathode responsive both to white light and to infrared light to release photoelectrons. The photocathode is particularly sensitive to infrared light at the 980 nm wavelength, and has desirable spectral response characteristics.

Night vision having an image intensifier tube, improved transmission

A night vision device includes an improved image intensifier tube providing an image with reduced dark spots caused by microscopic particulate contamination in the tube. A method of processing image intensifier tubes to reduce dark spots caused by such microscopic particulate contamination within the tubes is disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Plano, TX, United States of America

Timothy W Sinor