Night Vision Image Intensifier Tubes

Explore night vision image intensifier tubes for monocular, binocular and panoramic analogue night vision systems. This collection includes NNVT and Photonis intensifiers across multiple performance ranges, phosphor colours and control configurations for compatible 18 mm night vision housings.

The image intensifier is the core electro-optical component inside an analogue night vision device. It converts very low levels of available light into a visible image, making tube selection one of the most important decisions when building or upgrading a night vision system.

Compare Night Vision Intensifier Tubes

NNVT Image Intensifier Tubes

Compare NNVT options including the NVT4 1400–1600 FOM, NVT5 1600–1800 FOM, NVT7 2000+ FOM and NVT7 Plus 2150+ FOM.

Selected NNVT intensifiers are available with automatic or manual gain configurations, autogating and white or green phosphor options. Confirm the tube format, contact configuration and gain-control compatibility against the selected housing before ordering.

Photonis ECHO Image Intensifiers

Photonis ECHO tubes provide another option for compatible 18 mm night vision systems. Compare the Photonis ECHO 1800–2200 FOM and Photonis ECHO Plus 2200+ FOM according to their individual specifications, phosphor colour, autogating, gain configuration and cosmetic characteristics.

ANVIS-Grade Image Intensifiers

The NVT7+ ANVIS-grade image intensifier is selected around aviation-oriented characteristics such as halo, image cosmetics and high-light performance. Compatibility with an ANVIS-format system must be confirmed separately from the performance grade of the tube.

Gen 3 Image Intensifier Tubes

Explore the NNVT Gen 3 1600–1800 FOM intensifier for compatible night vision builds. Generation terminology should not be used as the only measure of performance; the complete specification sheet and intended operating environment remain essential comparison criteria.

Understand Image Intensifier Specifications

Figure of Merit is calculated from resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, but FOM alone does not describe every aspect of the visible image. When comparing intensifier tubes, review:

• Signal-to-noise ratio
• Resolution
• Equivalent background illumination
• Gain
• Halo
• High-light resolution
• Autogating
• Phosphor colour
• Image spots and cosmetic characteristics

Read the night vision terminology guide for definitions of FOM, SNR, resolution, gain, EBI, halo, autogating and other intensifier specifications.

White Phosphor or Green Phosphor?

White and green phosphor tubes present the intensified image in different colour palettes. Phosphor preference is subjective and should be considered alongside measurable performance, availability, system compatibility and budget rather than treated as an independent indication of tube quality.

Automatic Gain and Manual Gain Tubes

Automatic-gain intensifiers regulate image output without a user-operated gain control. Manual-gain tubes require a compatible housing and electrical interface that allows the user to adjust image brightness.

Always confirm whether the selected night vision housing supports the tube’s contact arrangement and gain-control system. A manual-gain intensifier will not provide user-adjustable gain when installed in an incompatible housing.

Choosing Tubes for Monocular, Binocular and Panoramic Systems

A night vision monocular requires one compatible intensifier, while a dual-tube night vision binocular requires two. A panoramic night vision system normally requires four compatible intensifiers.

For multi-tube systems, matching signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, gain, phosphor appearance and image characteristics helps create a more consistent image between channels. Matching should be assessed using the individual tube specifications and visible tube images rather than FOM alone.

Build a Complete Analogue Night Vision Device

A complete night vision system combines an intensifier tube with a compatible housing and optical assembly. Browse night vision housings, night vision lenses and components and night vision builder tools for compatible build components.

Installation should include correct tube retention, optical focus, sealing, purging and completed-system testing. Learn more about Night Raider’s night vision assembly and testing process.

Learn More About Image Intensifier Technology

Read our basic night vision guide to understand how image intensification works, or review our guide explaining autogating in Gen 2 night vision tubes.