Image intensifier tube Gen2 equivalent
300mm F/6.7, The Carina Nebula, 4k Gif
I purchased this unit from the UK a while back for about $900~1000 (aud) it's a bit of a potluck with these unit's some of them may have issues or do not meet the necessary gain requirements or have defects on the screen, I feel I got lucky with this one!
DESCRIPTION
The P8079HP image intensifier serves as a high-performance direct substitute for the earlier P8076 and P8076FP devices. Specifically designed for night vision systems and various low-light applications, this unit is a self-focused image intensifier assembly. It integrates three fiber-optic-coupled electrostatic image intensifiers encased in silicone rubber, along with an e.h.t. multiplier, Automatic Brightness Control (ABC), and inverter circuits, creating a robust device. Operating on a single d.c. input at 6.75 V, with a maximum current consumption of 50 mA, the intensifier produces an inverted output image with an approximate unity geometrical magnification.
The tube incorporates the following key features:
• Extended Range: Night vision systems equipped with a P8079HP tube benefit from an extended range, as illustrated. This enhancement is a result of a significant development that has substantially improved the limiting resolution of the intensifier. In practical terms, this improvement can be up to 25%, allowing for target identification at distances of up to 2000 meters. However, this range is constrained by the lens capabilities of the night vision system.
• Flash Protection: It is widely recognized that image intensifiers can suffer permanent damage when exposed to high-intensity pyrotechnic flashes, such as those generated by ammunition exploding against a hard target. The P8079HP is specifically designed to offer ample flash protection, ensuring resilience against all known battlefield conditions without compromising other operational parameters.
• Increased Operating Temperature Range: Traditional intensifiers experience a significant decline in performance at temperatures exceeding 27°C, with gain dropping to less than 25% of its normal value at temperatures beyond 35°C. In contrast, the P8079HP maintains optimal operational performance up to 35°C.
• Prolonged Battery Life with Consistent Performance: Unlike older intensifiers that exhibit a continuous deterioration in performance as the battery voltage decreases over time, the P8079HP is engineered to uphold its operational performance even at input voltages as low as approximately 4.5V, as indicated on page 11. This design ensures an extended operational life for the user.
Spectral Radiance:
The P20 phosphor serves as the rear screen in the image intensifier, Its typical spectral radiance signifies how efficiently it emits light across different wavelengths.
typical photocathode spectral response: refers to the sensitivity of a photocathode across different wavelengths of light.
DATA SUMMERY
Luminance gain (typical). . . . . . . 100,000 asb/lx
Useful cathode and screen diameter. . . . . 25 mm
Overall diameter (approx). . . . . . . . . . 70 mm
Overall length (approx). . . . . . . . . . . 195 mm
Net weight (approx). . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9 kg
Resolution at center. . . . . . . . . . . . 40 lp/mm
Edge resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 lp/mm
Link to the manual on this tube with more data supplied by EEV company which is now Teledyne e2v: https://www.nightlase.com.au/content/docs/EEV_P8079HP.pdf