1. Image tube material and performance

Image tube material: The second-generation night vision device usually uses S25 material; the third-generation night vision device uses gallium arsenide (GaAs).

Sensitivity: The third-generation image tube made of gallium arsenide has better sensitivity performance, and has a stronger ability to capture and convert light in extremely weak light environments, and can present clearer images.

Resolution: Although the level of night vision devices cannot be judged based solely on resolution, in general, under the same conditions, the third-generation night vision device may have better performance in terms of resolution and can more clearly distinguish target details.

2. Imaging effect

Image clarity: In extremely weak light environments, the image clarity generated by the third-generation night vision device is significantly better than that of the second-generation night vision device, and the image distortion is also smaller, which can more accurately restore the shape and outline of the target.

Target recognition ability: The third-generation night vision device has a stronger ability to recognize targets and is easier to identify the types of targets, such as distinguishing different objects or people in complex environments.

Viewing distance: Generally speaking, the effective viewing distance of the third-generation night vision device is farther than that of the second-generation night vision device, and it can detect and identify targets at a farther distance.

3. Performance parameters

Sensitivity: The third-generation night vision device is usually more sensitive, which means that it is more sensitive to weak light, can work in darker environments, and has better imaging brightness and contrast, making the target more prominent in the image.

Signal-to-noise ratio: The third-generation night vision device has a higher signal-to-noise ratio, relatively fewer noise points in the imaging, purer image quality, and lower distortion, thus providing a more stable and clearer visual effect.

4. Working life and stability

Working life: The surface of the anode tube of the third-generation night vision device is often coated with a lanthanum ion film to extend the service life. Compared with the second-generation night vision device, its overall working life may be longer, and its performance is more stable during long-term use, reducing the performance degradation caused by factors such as tube aging.

Stability: The third-generation night vision device has better stability under different environmental conditions, can adapt to a wider range of environmental changes such as temperature and humidity, and can still maintain good performance in harsh environments.

5. Cost and application areas

Cost: Since the third-generation night vision device uses more advanced technology and materials, such as gallium arsenide tubes, its manufacturing cost is higher, and the price is usually much more expensive than the second-generation night vision device. Therefore, the third-generation night vision device is currently mainly used in military, law enforcement and other fields with extremely high requirements for night vision performance, while the second-generation night vision device is more common in the civilian market and some cost-sensitive application scenarios.