Night Vision Camera
Low light-level viewing devices are typically used by the
military services for surveillance and intelligence-gathering
activities at night or in conditions of poor visibility; they
are additionally used in such applications as medical imaging
and spectroscopy. Conventional low light TV imaging systems generally
employ image intensifiers together with Charged-Coupled Devices
(CCDs), cameras that capture scenes electronically (without film)
and produce a digital image with relatively high resolution.
The sensor in PixelVision's NV652 Night Video low light level
camera makes night flying safer by increasing visibility.
PixelVision, Inc., Beaverton, Oregon has introduced a new
Night Video (Night Video is a trademark of PixelVision, Inc.)
NV652 Back-illuminated CCD Camera that operates without an image
intensifier, thereby freeing the system of certain limitations
imposed by the intensifier, yet it is capable of acquiring quality
images at low light levels previously attainable only with image
intensifier tubes; the development drew upon technology developed
by Scientific Imaging Technologies, Inc. (SITe), also of Beaverton,
and on the expertise of a longtime CCD developer.
Conventional video cameras use front-illuminated CCDs that
impose some limitations on performance. The Night Video NV652
system illuminates and collects charge through the back surface;
this design permits the image's photon to enter the CCD unobstructed,
allowing for high efficiency light detection in the visible and
ultraviolet wavelengths. In a typical airborne military observation
application, the NV652 camera offers advantages over standard
intensified CCD sensors, according to scientists who developed
the back-illuminated sensor. They include greater resolution
under low light conditions through increased sensitivity; better
target identification through superior contrast and resolution;
lower cost; and longer lifetime through increased reliability.
The back illumination technology that is key to the NV652's
sensitivity was developed by SITe; George M. Williams, who worked
on the program as a SITe employee, has joined PixelVision as
vice president and general manager of the Commercial Systems
Division. The NASA technology input was provided by James R.
Janesick, PixelVision vice president, chief scientific officer
and director of the company's Advanced Sensors Division; Janesick
was formerly with Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he acquired
23 years of experience in CCD technology and systems design.
The NV652 night vision camera is representative of a broad
line of PixelVision back illuminated low light level imaging
devices for government, medical, scientific and industrial applications.
Vice president Janesick states that the company's focus is on
marketing advanced CCD technology for ultra-large, ultra-high
speed arrays used in medical, scientific and movie digital camera
systems.
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