Other Technologies
The United States Air Force is experimenting with panoramic night vision goggles (PNVGs) which double the user's field of view to around 95 degrees by using four 16 mm image intensifier tubes, rather than the more standard two 18 mm tubes. They are in service with A-10 Thunderbolt II, MC-130 Combat Talon and AC-130U Spooky aircrew.
The AN/PSQ-20, manufactured by ITT (also known as the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle, ENVG), seeks to combine thermal imaging with image intensification, as does the Northrop Grumman Fused Multispectral Weapon Sight.
A new technology is being introduced to the consumer market currently. It was first shown at the 2012 Shot Show in Las Vegas, NV by Armasight. This new technology called Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine (CORE) produces much higher performance Gen 1 tubes. The main difference between CORE tubes and standard Gen 1 tubes is introduction of a Ceramic plate instead of a glass one. This plate is produced of specially formulated ceramic and metal alloys. Thanks to the new technology edge distortion is minimized, photo sensitivity is greatly increased and the resolution can get as high as 60 lp/mm. Even so CORE is still considered Gen 1 as it does not utilize a micro channel plate.
Read more about this topic: Night Vision Device