How it Works

Night Vision Technology 

Night Owl Night Vision devices use a Generation 1 electronic intensifier tube to amplify small amounts of available light.

Infrared light from an infrared illuminator or ambient light enters the night vision device through the objective lens and hits a photo cathode.

The photo cathode carries a high energy charge from the battery which converts photons to electrons, accelerates them across a vacuum in the intensifier tube, where they hit the phosphor screen. The high energy of the charged electrons may cause slight sound which is completely normal in Generation 1 night vision devices.

The image is focused on the phosphor screen and magnified by the ocular lens. The image you see through your Night Vision device is green due to the human eye's ability to recognize more shades of green than any other phosphor color.

A central focusing night vision device allows diopter adjustment for your eyesight, and the objective lens allows you to adjust for distance.

The ocular and objective lenses that are used in Night Owl's Night Vision monoculars and binoculars are the best in the market. They are all glass, specially coated multi-layer lenses that provide enhanced light gathering capabilities and excellent resolution.