Despite science and technology's constant development and improvement, progress never stops but constantly moves forward. This is how scientists from many countries worked to reach space and be able to study it. The first telescopes were much more significant than their contemporaries, had low image quality, and required special skills. However, the desire of mankind has made it quite possible not only to see cosmic bodies but also to observe them in real-time and predict their movement.
THIS proves again that science and desire can bring incredible ideas to life. A similar situation happened with night vision technology because now we can appreciate many hours of work, improvement, and testing, it is currently impossible to imagine even a surveillance camera without the ability to see in the dark, but this was not always the case. Therefore, to understand step by step how this need arose and how it developed, let's rewind to the past.
How Night Vision Technology Has Developed
Thousands of years ago, when people lived in large communities, the only enemy were large predators who hunted those weaker than themselves and often won these fights. In particular, the risk increased significantly during nighttime or darkness, as animals have a more significant advantage, especially those who can see at night. Therefore, the primitive people had to hide in the caves as the evening came and hoped they would survive that night. Then arose the first desire to have the ability inherent in nocturnal predators - to see at night as clearly and clearly as during the day. Of course, the development of technology and science at that time was at the lowest level. Therefore, no one, even the wisest in the settlement, could find a solution.
Years passed, some predators were replaced by others, even more dangerous, and people found ways to fight them, invented different types of weapons, starting from stones and sticks to knives and firearms, and also created new forms of protection, fences, locks, electric fences and many other technologies that saved each person not only from beasts but also from his enemies. Yes, over time and with the development of society, people became such enemies, which became the root cause of the First World War.
The front was large, losses were colossal, and suffering was inevitable. As you can see, this could not be prevented despite well-developed technologies and the work of the most outstanding scientists. On the contrary, during this war, there was a need to have a significant advantage over the enemy to defeat him quickly the next time. It was during this period that the development of night vision technology began. They were developed in parallel in several countries and were classified. However, in the 30s of the 20th century, when war again entered society, some countries began to work more actively on development and test it on the battlefield and make changes and improvements. The first-night vision devices were huge and heavy, requiring 4-5 people to use them because it was necessary to carry an infrared beam everywhere in addition to the night vision device.
The machine worked like this. First, it was installed in the direction of work, then the infrared beam was directed to the sides where it was necessary to observe; the beam reflected from the objects and returned, where it hit the lens and was read by the device, so you could see the image in the dark when this being 15-20 meters away from the events. They could have been more successful because they needed additional equipment, and the opponent could catch the infrared beam that was read, so the risk of exposure was very high. Therefore, scientists worked on more advanced versions, and the first-night vision devices were attached to cars, ships, and planes, which competently used them for scouting and defeating targets in the dark.
Evolution of Night Vision Technology
Everyone concerned about security began thinking about how to use it and where to get a device to help them see in the dark. Although the developments were classified, military personnel wanted such a device for work. After all, national security depends on equipment, equipment, and skills. Therefore, during the military operations, the developments of different countries were mixed, forming something new and more perfect; However, the size and weight were still very significant disadvantages; the first thing that got rid of during the improvement of night vision devices was an additional portable infrared beam. Because he exposed the positions of the military and was an additional burden for the soldiers.
Thus invented what we know as the 1st generation night vision device. Medium in size, capable of working at a distance of up to 20 meters, but already uses residual light from the moon and stars to read and form an image. The giant infrared searchlight was a significant breakthrough in night vision technology. At this time, studies were conducted to understand what color the image should be so that the eyes stay energized; the idea was clear and understandable, but at the same time, not very bright and expensive to develop. For several years, scientists worldwide have been looking for the optimal combination and color for the image. But we stopped at the green, which is why in most night vision devices, the idea is in shades of green, it is not very bright, which does not create a sharp change in light when working, and at the same time, it has many shades to convey the minor details.
The next, second generation of devices had better capabilities because they could read images at a distance of up to 50 meters, and the clarity of the image was much better. In addition, various types of devices began to appear, such as monoculars, binoculars, scopes, and other night vision devices, differing in shape, size, and principle of use. This generation has become one of the most used in the civilian sphere as sights for hunting or playing airsoft, as well as supplementing surveillance cameras in offices, shops, houses, parking lots, etc.
The second generation is optimal for civilian needs due to its low cost and relatively good functions. The third generation of night vision devices is more expensive and professional, can reach up to 150 meters for observation, is much lighter than its predecessors, and has a high resolution that allows you to see the image in detail, conduct long-term observation, and also attach to a scope or weapon. The fourth generation of devices is used exclusively by the professional military, security services, and specialized services because the quality and clarity of the image in them are the highest; they can see for thousands of meters, and depending on the modification, they have additional functions such as zoom, shooting, fixing, mounting and so on. Despite everything, night vision devices of the 4th generation mostly have images in white and gray shades; this innovation immediately gave its results. Of course, such a device can be purchased. Still, its cost is not worth it if you need observation because you can find a reasonably professional device for your purposes in the previous generation. The same is used for essential and secret tasks, tracking dangerous criminals, escorting and protecting critical persons, and during military or armed operations, when life may depend on the details.
Advancing Technologies
Night vision technology has become a breakthrough in all spheres of life; however, it was initially developed to protect against the enemy and fight against enemies. Currently, there is no sphere where it is not used. Let's say someone broke into your house, and you must go downstairs to check. If you have at least a small device with night vision technology, you will be able to monitor reports of noise, what kind of threat it is, and find a solution based on a complete understanding of what is happening.
If you don't have such a device, you will worry and run through the myriad of options that will cause injury or harm to yourself or others because you don't have the information. Maybe it's just a cat making noise, and you're already scared. Moreover, the technology lies not only in night vision devices that work with residual light but also in devices that read the body temperature of objects and various objects since it is only sometimes possible to get at least a little light to operate a night vision device successfully.
As you understand, night vision devices have vast advantages, such as seeing in the dark, a clear image, a long distance from the event, various modifications, and a price range. Still, they need help to work with it in complete darkness is a significant disadvantage since there are situations where there are no bits of light. It is also worth paying attention to the material from which the device is made, as the weight and term of use depend on it. And be sure to decide on the functions you need for work to choose a device for your purposes and not overpay successfully.