This proposal describes a unique concept for a low light, compact image intensification system that provides multi-spectral input and output capability in contrast to the current broadband input/green output capability of conventional image intensification devices. Present image intensifiers use a broadband photocathode sensitive to visible and near-IR optical radiation and provide green imagery to the user. They have no ability to spectrally differentiate between objects in a scene. The advantages of color vision to distinguish objects in a scene are obvious and are provided in a rugged light-weight package in the system proposd herein. This next generation system uses one electronically tunable Fabry-Perot filter before and one after a conventional image intensifier tube to provide spectral information. The filters are synchronized to sequentically provide color imagey to a viewer. The other components are conventional except the green emitting phosphor is replaced by a white light emitting phosphor. The system operates at speeds sufficient to provide normal color imagery to the viewer. This system has enormous commercial potential because of its potential to provide near infrared spectral information to the user in addition to inproved night vision capability. Law enforcement, fire fighting, and other security uses for this sensor provides a large and diverse market for this sensors capability. Other potential users include the medical field and industrial applications.
Keywords: Near Infrared Imager, Low Light Level Imager, Image Intensification
