Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Photocell controlled circuit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-24
2001-07-10
Lee, John R. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Photocell controlled circuit
C313S1030CM
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates image intensifier tubes and more specifically, to curved image intensifier tube components.
2. Description of Prior Art
The main component of the production model image intensifier device utilizes the intensifer tube which includes a photocathode, microchannel plate (MCP), and phosphor screen all of which are flat in cross section along the image path. With an overwhelming desire to achieve increased Field of View (FOV) for devices of this type, the optics designs become increasingly difficult, complicated, and heavy for the image intensifier device.
The maximum FOV for a typical currently fielded US military image intensifer system is 40 degrees, with full moon resolution of 0.8 cyc/mr. The next generation of imagers are anticipated to have a 60 degree FOV and full moon resolution of 1.2 cyc/mr. Optics for supporting a 60 degree FOV, with adequate exit pupil, become large (heavy), complicated, and expensive. The soldier, both airborne and dismounted, desire a Field of View more closely approximating natural vision which is about 160 degrees.
In an effort to increase the Field of View for an image intensifier system, certain optics in the system have been fabricated as curved. Coupling the curved optical space created by the objective lens to a flat intensifier faceplate has proven challenging and inefficient. Eyepiece assemblies are currently designed for a curved image plane; the prior art flat phosphor screen is coupled to a Fiber Optic Twist (FOT) with a curved surface to invert the image for proper viewing orientation and simplify the eyepiece design.
While the prior art has reported using image intensifer tube components none have established a basis for specific components that are dedicated to the task of resolving the particular problem at hand. What is needed in this instance is a modified night vision image intensifier device providing an enhanced viewable scene with greater than 60 degrees FOV.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the invention to provide a modified night vision image intensifier device providing an enhanced viewable scene with greater than 60 degrees FOV.
According to the invention, there is disclosed a modified night vision image intensifier device providing an enhanced viewable scene with greater than 60 degrees FOV. A tube assembly with input and output ends along the optical axis, receives focused incoming light from an objective lens. A Curved photocathode receives the focused incoming light along the optical axis onto its surface and emits electrons proportional to the focused incoming light. A curved micro channel plate accepts electrons as input on a spatial axis and emits multiplied electrons as output proportional to said input on the spatial axis. The emitted electrons are accepted by a curved phosphor screen and there is output a proportional corresponding optical emission. The optical emission as intensified light accepted into the eyepieces for focusing as a viewable enhanced scene with a greater than 60 degree field of view.
Electrostatic focusing elements may optionally be utilized to accommodate curved surfaces of the different tube components and the intended complex paths of the electrons.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3989971 (1976-11-01), Santilli et al.
patent: 6189090 (2001-03-01), Iosue
Bashore Alain L.
Holford John E.
Lee John R.
Lee Milton W.
Pyo Kevin
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