Night Optics Guardian 1x Gen 1+ Night Vision Monocular - Manual (Page 9)

9
NIGHT VISION CHARACTERIS-
TICS
Monochromatic Image
Night Vision Devices produce a monochromatic
image. You will not be able to see any differ-
entiation between colors. In particular, red and
green lights will both appear green. Take care to
verify color differences with unaided vision. Ex-
ercise extreme caution when operating aircraft,
ground vehicles, or marine vessels while using
night vision equipment.
Color Sensitivity
Night Vision Devices are more responsive to
red and white lights than green and blue lights.
Because of this, distant red and white lights may
appear closer than green or blue lights. Exer-
cise extreme caution when using these lights for
navigation. Periodically verify the distances to
these lights with your unaided eyes.
Extreme Darkness
Night Vision Devices are effective under most
dark conditions including overcast starlight.
They are not practical in an extremely dark en-
vironment such as in a tunnel where there is no
natural ambient light. Without suffi cient ambient
light, the operator may notice pinpoint-size spar-
kles (scintillation or noise) in the image area.
These sparkles are small amounts of energy
generated inside the image intensifi er that strike
the phosphor screen and are an indication that
the device is working.
Contrast Reversal
Night Vision Devices detect light that cannot
be seen by the human eye. This light is often
referred to as being in the near-infrared light
spectrum. The existence of this light and the
manner in which it refl ects is not normally visible
to the naked eye. For this reason, objects that
normally appear lighter than their surroundings
may appear dark against a light background. In
addition, the output image of the Night Vision
Device is dependent on the refl ective quality
of the objects the operator sees in the viewing
area. Objects that appear light during the day
but have a dull surface may appear duller when
viewed through a Night Vision Device. All of
these factors must be taken into account when