Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight night vision device (NVD) sealed from environmental conditions, shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI), and having mechanisms for easy adjustment and fixation of collimation and interpupillary distance. The NVD monocular housing is integrated with the eyepiece, image intensifier tube module, and objective, allowing collimation to be fixed via an optical alignment of the monocular housing to its eyepiece, tube module, and objective. Certain components from existing NVDs may be reused in assembling the present invention to provide cost savings.

Abstract: An optical assembly allows video imagery to be imported into a night vision device and exported therefrom. The assembly can be an insert that is installed between the image tube and eyepiece of an existing night vision device to retrofit the device for superimposing images. Images imported—e.g., images captured by thermal detectors, maps, compass information, training video, etc.—are received wirelessly and injected into the optical train of the night vision device such that both the night vision scene from the goggle and the injected imagery can be simultaneously observed at the eyepiece. Combined images can be transmitted to external systems for observation purposes such as real-time active mission feedback. The insert provides sensor fusion and interconnection to the digital battlefield for presently-fielded night vision goggles. It receives power and optical information from the existing goggle. Goggles using this device can have full functionality and performance.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight lens cell assembly forming a nightvision eyepiece. The lens cell has an integral focusing mechanism and at least one lens element manufactured from a polymer. Because the lens cell is manufactured from a material thermally matched to the polymer and the lens element is integrally connected to the lens cell or connected to the lens cell by an interference fit, the assembly provides significant benefits to both weight and error reduction.

Abstract: An optical assembly allows video imagery to be imported into a night vision device and exported therefrom. The assembly can be an insert that is installed between the image tube and eyepiece of an existing night vision device to retrofit the device for superimposing images. Images imported—e.g., images captured by thermal detectors, maps, compass information, training video, etc.—are received wirelessly and injected into the optical train of the night vision device such that both the night vision scene from the goggle and the injected imagery can be simultaneously observed at the eyepiece. Combined images can be transmitted to external systems for observation purposes such as real-time active mission feedback. The insert provides sensor fusion and interconnection to the digital battlefield for presently-fielded night vision goggles. It receives power and optical information from the existing goggle. Goggles using this device can have full functionality and performance.

Abstract: An optical assembly allows video imagery to be imported into a night vision device and exported therefrom. The assembly can be an insert that is installed between the image tube and eyepiece of an existing night vision device to retrofit the device for superimposing images. Images imported—e.g., images captured by thermal detectors, maps, compass information, training video, etc.—are received wirelessly and injected into the optical train of the night vision device such that both the night vision scene from the goggle and the injected imagery can be simultaneously observed at the eyepiece. Combined images can be transmitted to external systems for observation purposes such as real-time active mission feedback. The insert provides sensor fusion and interconnection to the digital battlefield for presently-fielded night vision goggles. It receives power and optical information from the existing goggle. Goggles using this device can have full functionality and performance.

Abstract: The present invention is a lightweight night vision device sealed from environmental conditions, shielded from electromagnetic interference (EMI), and having mechanisms for easy adjustment and fixation of collimation and interpupillary distance. The night vision device accomplishes this by removing unnecessary elements from existing designs and providing new components to provide full adjustability while maintaining EMI shielding. Certain components from existing night vision devices may be reused in assembling the present invention to provide cost savings.

Abstract: A target engagement system includes a night vision goggle system operating within a predetermined wavelength band, and a laser module projecting light onto a target, where the light operates at a wavelength that is outside of the predetermined wavelength band. Also included is a receive system for receiving the light reflected from the target and converting the light into a wavelength within the predetermined wavelength band. In this manner, the receive system provides the converted light to the night vision goggle system, and the night vision goggle system amplifies the converted light for viewing by a user. The receive system includes a clip-on device for removably attaching the receive system between the target and the night vision goggle system. The receive system includes an up-converting phosphor layer for up-converting the received light into a wavelength detectable by the night vision goggle system.

Abstract: A target engagement system includes a night vision goggle system operating within a predetermined wavelength band, and a laser module projecting light onto a target, where the light operates at a wavelength that is outside of the predetermined wavelength band. Also included is a receive system for receiving the light reflected from the target and converting the light into a wavelength within the predetermined wavelength band. In this manner, the receive system provides the converted light to the night vision goggle system, and the night vision goggle system amplifies the converted light for viewing by a user. The receive system includes a clip-on device for removably attaching the receive system between the target and the night vision goggle system. The receive system includes an up-converting phosphor layer for up-converting the received light into a wavelength detectable by the night vision goggle system.

Abstract: A lens includes first and second opposing surfaces extending radially from an optical axis in an optical system for passing light received from an object. The lens includes a peripheral edge extending between the first and second surfaces. A portion of the peripheral edge has at least either a positive slope or a negative slope with respect to the optical axis. The positive or negative slope of the peripheral edge is configured to reduce glare from stray light received from the first surface. A portion of the peripheral edge may be shaped in a sawtooth pattern or an approximate sinusoidal pattern. The peripheral edge of the lens is also configured to direct light that is received from the object toward light traps which are disposed adjacent to the lens.

Abstract: An electron sensing device for receiving electrons from an output surface of an electron gain device includes a silicon die having an active surface area for positioning below the output surface of the electron gain device. An array of first bond pads is disposed on a periphery of the active surface area of the silicon die. A ceramic carrier is positioned below the silicon die, including a second array of bond pads disposed on the ceramic carrier and arranged in a substantially vertical alignment to the first array of bond pads. A plurality of conductive via holes is disposed in the ceramic carrier for electrically connecting the first array of bond pads to the second array of bond pads. When the imager is positioned below the electron gain device, a tight vertical clearance is formed between the output surface of the electron gain device and the active surface area of the electron sensing device.

Abstract: An electron sensing device for receiving electrons from an output surface of an electron gain device has a silicon die including an active surface area for positioning below the output surface of an electron gain device. The silicon die also includes a silicon step formed below and surrounding the active surface area, and a first array of bond pads formed on the silicon step for providing output signals from the silicon die. When the electron sensing device is positioned below the electron gain device, a tight vertical clearance is formed between the output surface of the electron gain device and the active surface area of the electron sensing device.

Abstract: An intensified solid-state imaging sensor includes a photo cathode for converting light from an image into electrons, an electron multiplying device for receiving electrons from the photo cathode, and a solid-state image sensor including a plurality of pixels for receiving the electrons from the electron multiplying device through a plurality of channels of the electron multiplying device. The solid-state image sensor generates an intensified image signal from the electrons received from the electron multiplying device. The plurality of channels are arranged in a plurality of channel patterns, and the plurality of pixels are arranged in a plurality of pixel patterns. Each of the plurality of channel patterns is mapped to a respective one of the plurality of pixel patterns such that electron signals from each of the plurality of channel patterns is substantially received by the single respective one of the plurality of pixel patterns.

Abstract: A fiber optic faceplate for protecting photosensitive material from high light levels which comprises an optical structure which optically acts like a solid window at low light levels, but which at least one of attenuates or diffuses light incident on the photocathode as a function of light amplitude. A method of operation and of manufacturing the faceplate, and devices incorporating the faceplate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube which obviates problems with stray reflections caused by bright lights utilizes an antireflection coating in the form of an interference filter on the cathode window. An image intensifier—which is protected against laser damage utilizes a laser reflecting coating on the cathode window. The image intensifier is disposed between an optical input element and an optical utilization element. The cathode window is a glass plate having a photocathode on the side away from the optical input element and an antireflection or laser reflecting coating on the side which faces the optical input element.

Abstract: An image intensifier which obviates problems with stray reflections caused by bright lights utilizes an antireflection coating on the cathode window. An image intensifier—which is protected against laser damage utilizes a laser reflecting coating on the cathode window.

Abstract: A fiber optic faceplate for protecting photosensitive material from high light levels which comprises an optical structure which optically acts like a solid window at low light levels, but which at least one of attenuates or diffuses light incident on the photocathode as a function of light amplitude. A method of operation and of manufacturing the faceplate, and devices incorporating the faceplate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved image intensifier tube having electrically operative components that include a photocathode having a photoemissive layer, a microchannel plate having a conductive input surface and a conductive output surface, and a vacuum housing for retaining the photocathode, the microchannel plate and a fiber optic inverter in a predetermined arrangement within an evacuated environment, the fiber optic inverter having a phosphor screen for receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode and converting the electrons into a visual image, the improvement therewith comprising a ring assembly disposed in the housing comprising first and second rings, the first ring being a metallized snap ring conductively contacting the input surface of the microchannel plate for providing electrical contact to and retaining the plate within the housing, the second ring being a metallized ceramic ring having a first chamfered metallized surface in electrical contact with the metallized snap ring and a second metallized surface oper

Abstract: A thin film, intagliated phosphor screen structure includes an optical fiber bundle in which each of the fibers has its glass core etched below the level of its cladding sheath at the internal surface of the screen, and a phosphor layer is deposited as a thin film which fills in the core recesses. Preferably, the upper surfaces of the phosphor layers are formed with a spherical or parabolic shape, which is obtained by surface tension when the phosphor film is annealed. The upper surfaces of the phosphor layers may also be finished by polishing. An aluminum reflective layer may also be coated on the phosphor layer. The bottom walls of the cores are preferably etched to be convex or concave to provide a lens effect. The intagliated phosphor screen can transmit 90% to 95% or more of the light generated in the phosphor layers, for an output gain factor of 5 or more over conventional phosphor screens.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube that utilizes a photoresponsive layer for producing electrons in response to received radiation, a solid state electron amplifier for multiplying the electrons produced by the photoresponsive layer, a cold cathode for emitting electrons into vacuum, and a phosphor screen for converting impinging electrons into a visible image. The solid state electron amplifier is formed as a semiconductive layer interposed in between a photoresponse layer and a negative electron affinity layer on the photocathode. The solid state electron amplifier receives the electrons produced by the photoresponsive layer, multiplies the electrons and directs the electrons to the negative electron affinity layer. The negative electron affinity layer then directs the electrons through a vacuum to the phosphor screen producing a viewed image.

Abstract: A method for annealing a deposited material on a substrate structure, where the annealing temperature of the deposited material is greater than the melting temperature of the substrate structure, including the step of inserting the substrate structure into an oven preheated to a temperature above the annealing temperature. The substrate structure is kept in the oven for a time interval wherein the mean temperature of the deposited material is above the annealing temperature and the mean temperature of the substrate structure is below its melting temperature. The substrate structure may be actively cooled while in the oven, thus increasing the time interval the mean temperature of the deposited material can be maintained above the annealing temperature.