Abstract: A microchannel electron multiplier is formed by placing into a glass tube a plurality of bundles optical fibers, each having an etchable glass core and a glass cladding which is non-etchable when subjected to the conditions used for etching the core material. The fiber bundles located around the inside edge of the glass tube are replaced by support fibers having both a core and a cladding of a material which is non-etchable under the above-described conditions. The assembly of the tube, bundles and support fibers is heated to fuse the tube, bundles and support fibers together. The etchable core material is then removed and the assembly sliced into wafers. The inner surface of each of the claddings which bound the channel formed after removal of the core material is rendered electron emissive by reduction of the lead oxide by hydrogen gas. Metal films are deposited onto the opposed surfaces of each of the wafers to form contacts.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube and a method of making same are disclosed wherein veiling glare caused by the amplification of off axis light is reduced. Included is a non-reflective, near infrared light absorbing first layer formed on the face plate of the tube adjacent any surface at which off-axis light could otherwise be reflected to the photoemissive device associated with the face plate and an electronically conductive second layer formed on top of the first layer. Such coatings are preferably formed by sputter deposition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a high light level cutoff apparatus for use with night vision devices. The apparatus employs a digital method of timing implemented by a divider counter responsive to a crystal controlled input frequency which essentially controls a latch to produce an automatic shutoff of a night vision device during high light ambient conditions which conditions would undesirably reduce the effective life of such a night vision device. The circuitry disclosed utilizes a digital method of clocking and employs the latching relay as indicated which is operated by the digital counter. The circuitry provides a feed back from the latching relay which resets the night vision system so that it will re-operate if a transient accidentally serves to operate the goggles while the light level is in a high state.

Abstract: There is disclosed a small arms sight assembly which enables a firearm such as a revolver or rifle to be employed for both nighttime and daytime use. The gun sight assembly includes a typical telescopic sight assembly of a conventional design which sight assembly includes an image intensifier module which can be selectively removed from the telescopic sight. The intensifier module or assembly when employed in conjunction with the remaining sight components enables the user to operate the weapon under low light conditions. During daytime operation the intensifier module housing section is removed. In this manner there is described a sight which enables a small weapon to be employed for daytime or nighttime use while providing increased effective weapon range when compared to conventional sight devices.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube and a method of making same are disclosed wherein veiling glare caused by the amplification of off axis light is reduced. Included is a non-reflective, near infrared light absorbing first layer formed on the face plate of the tube adjacent any surface at which off-axis light could otherwise be reflected to the photoemissive device associated with the face plate and an electronically conductive second layer formed on top of the first layer. Such coatings are preferably formed by sputter deposition.

Abstract: A method of determing the actual temperature of a layer of an infrared material, especially during heat cleaning, which includes measuring the thickness of the layer and the amount of radiation being emitted from it. An apparent temperature corresponding to a desired actual temperature is found from a curve of apparent temperature, which are derived from the radiation amount, versus thickness. The apparent temperature which corresponds to the desired actual temperature compensates for interference effects on the radiation measurement. A computer may be utilized to calculated the apparent temperature which corresponds to the desired actual temperature and to regulate and maintain the infrared material at the apparent temperature.