Patent ID: 6259088
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A modified night vision image intensifier device for providing an enhanced viewable scene with a greater than 60 degree field of view, wherein the device includes an objective lens assembly for focusing incoming light, which focused light is then input to a tube assembly that intensifies the focused light as intensified light, after which the intensified light is collimated and then accepted into one or more eyepieces for focusing as a viewable enhanced scene, the improvement comprising:a modified tube assembly, with input and output ends along the optical axis, said tube assembly receiving focused incoming light at said input end and providing at said output end an intensified light, said tube assembly further including,a curved photocathode for receiving said focused incoming light along the optical axis onto a curved photocathode surface and emitting from said curved photocathode surface as electrons, proportional to said focused incoming light, said photocathode electrically connected to an input and output electrode forming an assembly electrode;a curved micro channel plate having opposite faces with a conductive surface on each face, after said photocathode on said optical axis, for accepting said electrons as input on a spatial axis and emitting multiplied electrons as output proportional to said input on said spatial axis, said conductive faces include a conductive face on said plate facing said photocathode as said input electrode, and a conductive face on said plate facing a curved phosphor screen as an output electrode, said curved micro channel plate further including a plurality of passageways opening out to said opposite faces, further wherein each passageway of said plurality of passageways is frustum shaped;a phosphor screen for accepting said multiplied electrons on said spatial axis, said phosphor screen electrically connected to said input and output electrodes forming an assembly anode, whereby intensified light is output on said optical axis from said tube assembly after which the intensified light is collimated and then accepted into one or more eyepieces for focusing as a viewable enhanced scene with a greater than 60 degree field of view.