The Night Vision Technology And Its Popular Applications

Thermal imaging cameras and other types of night vision tools and equipment make it possible to see in darkness. Night vision is a straightforward term. It is the ability to see in low light conditions or in the dark. A lot of security cameras have night vision capabilities.

At least compared with other animals, people have poor night vision and this has boosted our desire to see in the dark brought to reality. Different night vision technologies can help humans see in the dark.

The technology

Two main technologies can help us see in the dark: image enhancement or by using thermal imaging technology. Image enhancement comes to mind first for people when they think about night vision and it is the technology that night vision goggles and other night vision equipment use.

Image enhancement involves using an intensifier tube that collects small amounts of light from a wider spectrum than our eyes can perceive and amplify the light until our eye behind the goggles can see.

On the other hand, thermal imaging devices capture high-frequency infrared light rather than visible light. The infrared light is known as thermal-IR and differs from other light frequencies in that thermal-IR is emitted by the object and not reflected by an object.

Applications

Originally, night vision was developed for warfare to help soldiers to gather information at night when their enemies couldn’t see. However, apart from military use, there are other applications for night vision.

Thermal imaging cameras are widely used for security. They are useful in less populated areas that have less light. The military and law enforcement agencies also use night vision devices for surveillance. Thermal imaging equipment can also be used in law enforcement as heat signatures can give out someone’s location.