Gen 1 Night Vision

Gen 1 Night Vision refers to first-generation image intensification devices that amplify existing light, such as moonlight or starlight, to produce a visible image in darkness. They operate by capturing ambient photons, converting them into electrons, and then boosting these signals through a photocathode and microchannel plate, ultimately projecting a green-tinted image onto a screen. While effective in low-light conditions, Gen 1 night vision tends to have lower resolution, less durability, and more image distortion compared to newer generations. It is commonly used for basic night-time observation and security purposes.