An optical device. The optical device includes an underlying device that is sensitive to input light, and provides output light in a first spectrum based on absorbing the input light. The optical device further includes a stacked device, formed in an active area of a single semiconductor chip, coupled in an overlapping fashion to the underlying device. The stacked device includes first and second zones. Each zone has a plurality of active elements having a particular lateral size, where the lateral size is different for each zone. Each zone also has a plurality of transparent regions formed in the stacked device which are transparent to the light in the first spectrum to allow light in the first spectrum to pass through from the underlying device. The transparent regions are configured in size and shape to cause each zone to have a particular transmission efficiency for light in the first spectrum.

An image intensifier is provided in which a thin film (090) is arranged between an output surface of the electron multiplier (040) and the phosphorous screen. The thin film is a semi-conductor or insulator with a crystalline structure comprising a band gap equal or larger than 1 eV, wherein the crystalline structure has a carrier diffusion length equal or larger than 50% of the thickness of the thin film. In addition, the thin film has an anode directed surface which has a negative electron affinity. By way of provisioning a thin film of the above type in the image intensifier, an improvement in mean transfer function of the overall image intensifier is obtained.

An optical device. The optical device includes an underlying device that is sensitive to input light, and provides output light in a first spectrum based on absorbing the input light. The optical device further includes a stacked device, formed in an active area of a single semiconductor chip, coupled in an overlapping fashion to the underlying device. The stacked device includes first and second zones. Each zone has a plurality of active elements having a particular lateral size, where the lateral size is different for each zone. Each zone also has a plurality of transparent regions formed in the stacked device which are transparent to the light in the first spectrum to allow light in the first spectrum to pass through from the underlying device. The transparent regions are configured in size and shape to cause each zone to have a particular transmission efficiency for light in the first spectrum.

Image intensifier systems incorporating a microchannel plate (MCP) and methods for producing the same are disclosed. In some examples, a device is disclosed that includes a first substrate having a radiation-receiving first surface and an opposed second surface through which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate to define a vacuum cavity therebetween. An electron-emitting photocathode is disposed within the vacuum cavity for generating electrons from electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the second surface. A microchannel plate is disposed within the vacuum cavity and defines microchannels extending from an input end to an output end. Each of the microchannels is configured to generate electrons in response to an electron generated by the photocathode being received through the input end of the respective microchannel. A phosphorescent layer also is disposed within the vacuum cavity and adjacent the output ends of the microchannels of the microchannel plate.

A monocrystalline scintillator comprises a monocrystal and an optical plate wherein a first side of the monocrystal is adhered to the optical plate. The monocrystal comprises at least one of a rare earth garnet, a perovskite crystal, a rare-earth silicate, and a monocrystal oxysulphide. The scintillator assembly includes an adhesive adhering the optical plate to the first side of the monocrystal. The adhesive can comprise an ultra-high vacuum compatible adhesive. The adhesive is substantially transparent and has a refractive index matching the optical plate. The scintillator assembly can also include a reflective coating on the second side of the monocrystal. The monocrystalline scintillator assembly can be incorporated in a microchannel plate image intensifier tube to provide improved spatial resolution and temporal response.

A digital night vision device includes an image sensor that generates digital image data based on an enhanced version of a low light image and a digital display device that generates an image based on the digital image data. The image sensor is configured to output the digital image data formatted as input display data such that pass-through electronics for communicating digital image data from the image sensor to the digital display device does not perform formatting or conversion of the digital image data when moving the digital image data from the sensor to the display.

Image intensifier systems incorporating a microchannel plate (MCP) and methods for producing the same are disclosed. In some examples, a device is disclosed that includes a first substrate having a radiation-receiving first surface and an opposed second surface through which electromagnetic radiation is transmitted. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate to define a vacuum cavity therebetween. An electron-emitting photocathode is disposed within the vacuum cavity for generating electrons from electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the second surface. A microchannel plate is disposed within the vacuum cavity and defines microchannels extending from an input end to an output end. Each of the microchannels is configured to generate electrons in response to an electron generated by the photocathode being received through the input end of the respective microchannel. A phosphorescent layer also is disposed within the vacuum cavity and adjacent the output ends of the microchannels of the microchannel plate.

A night vision system along with an image intensifier tube and method for forming the tube are provided. The night vision system incorporates the image intensifier tube in both an analog channel as well as a digital channel, with an addressable display within the analog image intensifier tube analog channel configured to create an electronically addressable output. An analog image intensifier tube is included in the digital imager for presenting binary digital signals representative of an image, or of symbol indicia, and registering those digital representation from the digital imager onto one or more electron multipliers of the analog image intensifier tube within the analog channel. The provided night vision system also utilizes a cathodoluminescent screen, which is a highly efficient light source that reduces system power.

Provided is an apparatus comprising a source which emits at least one of particles or radiation. The particles or radiation are emitted towards a target. Arranged between the source and the target is a microchannel plate. Also arranged between the source and the target is a collimator.

This invention concerns a photo-cathode for a vacuum system, wherein the photo-cathode is configured for receiving electromagnetic radiation having an incoming wavelength and for emitting electrons in response thereto. The photo-cathode comprises a conducting structure having a geometry, the geometry comprising a tip section. The tip section is adapted to provide field enhancement, , when the conducting structure is illuminated with the electromagnetic radiation, wherein is greater than about 10.sup.2. The photo-cathode further comprising a substrate, the substrate being or comprising a dielectric substrate, the substrate supporting the conducting structure.