LLL TV Sensors with 18 mm Useful, Input Diagonal Using Demagnifying Image Intensifiers

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an introduction of low light level television (LLL TV) sensors with 18 mm useful, input diagonal using demagnifying image intensifiers. Standard TV cameras using solid-state image sensors (SSIS) have sensitivities down to about one lux scene illumination. To allow them to be used at lower illumination levels, some form of amplification has to occur. The output image of the intensifier is imaged onto the sensor using an optical lens and the appropriate magnification. Very efficient coupling can be achieved by using fused fibre-optics between the fibre-optic output window of the intensifier and the chip surface. Automatic brightness-control is not incorporated. The so-called hybrid tubes have automatic brightness-control incorporated as standard. During operation, the anode is at 12 kV high voltages. The sensor is isolated from the high voltage by the fiber-optic output window, whose external surface is earthed via a transparent conductive coating that is deposited on the fiber-optic window of the sensor.