Our discussion of Night Vision Device (NVDs), sometimes call NODs, will include several different ways of achieving vision in the dark.
First of all, Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) are the most popular method due to their hands free nature – which makes them ideal for tactical situations. There are monocular (1 tube), binocular (2 tubes), and even quad tubes (Panoramic Night Vision) for enhanced field of view.
But, in addition to Night Vision Goggles, we need to understand Near Infrared light – and how it can be used to enhance the light amplification used by NVGs.
Thermal vision is another method by which to attain vision at night.
As a pure digital technology – it’s quite expensive, but has the added benefit of working through smoke, fog, rain, and also works in daylight.
Lastly “fused” devices can pair together thermal imagery and the light amplified night vision.