Is there an optimum detector size for digital night vision goggles?

Gerald C. Holst

doi:10.1117/12.2228529

3 May 2016 Is there an optimum detector size for digital night vision goggles?

Gerald C. Holst

Proceedings Volume 9820, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXVII; 98200C (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2228529
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

In previous studies maximum acquisition range was achieved when Fλ/d approached 2. There was no constraint on magnification or field-of-view. This suggested that detector size approach λ/2 when F = 1. Night vision goggles typically have a fixed FOV of 40 deg with unity magnification. Digital night vision goggles (DNVG) acquisition range is limited by the human visual system resolution of 0.291 mrad (20/20 vision). This suggests the maximum number of horizontal detectors should be about 2500 with a minimum pixel size of about 8 μm when F = 1 and aperture = 1 inch. Values change somewhat depending upon f-number and noise level. Ranges are provided for GaAs and InGaAs detectors under starlight conditions. The different spectral responses create minimum resolvable contrast (MRC) test issues.

Citation Download Citation

Gerald C. Holst "Is there an optimum detector size for digital night vision goggles?", Proc. SPIE 9820, Infrared Imaging Systems: Design, Analysis, Modeling, and Testing XXVII, 98200C (3 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2228529

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