High Performance Super Second Generation Image Intensifier and Its Further Development

This paper presents the technical characteristics and performance of high performance super second generation image intensifier, compares it with ordinary super second generation image intensifier, and puts forward the technical measures to further improve the performance of high performance super second generation image intensifier. Super second generation image intensifier is a kind of image intensifier with higher performance over second generation image intensifier. It was developed by application of new technology, new craft and new material on the base of the second generation image intensifier. After nearly 30 years of development, its performance has been greatly improved. In recent years, due to the use of grating window on the super second generation image intensifier, the sensitivity of the Na₂KSb photocathode is over 1000 μA·lm^-1, and the resolution is above 17 lp·mm^-1 on the illumination of 10^-4 lx. It would be predicted that the sensitivity of Na₂KSb photocathode will reach 1350-1800 μA·lm^-1, and the signal-to-noise ratio will reach 35-40 by further improving the fabrication process of Na₂KSb film and optimizing the structure of grating. It would be predicted that the resolution will reach 81 lp·mm^-1through use of microchannel plate of 4 (m diameter and fiber optical plate of 3 μm diameter, the resolution is likely to reach 81 lp·mm^-1.