Infrared night vision device (thermal imager)
Through photoconductive materials, the infrared light in the thermal imager can be converted into visible light, that is, the infrared image is converted into a visible light image, so that combatants can observe the battlefield situation at night. This process is divided into two steps: first, using an infrared photoconductive detector that is sensitive to infrared radiation to convert the infrared radiation signal into an electrical signal, the size of which is proportional to the intensity of the infrared radiation; second, the electrical signal is displayed on the TV screen through a television display system.
Thermal imagers are the highest level of contemporary night vision technology development. They are widely used in various infrared observation instruments, infrared thermal sights, periscope instruments on tanks, optical rangefinders, fire control systems and tracking systems. They have the advantages of good concealment, strong anti-interference, high resolution, and all-weather performance.
Guidance devices in missile systems and early warning devices in anti-missile systems
Infrared photoconductive camera tubes are the eyes of infrared guided missiles. Many military targets (aircraft, tanks, warships, etc.) are equipped with high-power engines, the power part of which is a powerful infrared radiation source that can form target control signals for infrared guided missiles. When the signal is received by the missile, it is processed to drive the missile's control system. With the assistance of the infrared photoconductive camera tube, the missile's flight direction is continuously corrected, the target is approached and destroyed. The key to intercepting missiles with missiles is that the sensor detects and tracks the target accurately and timely. Infrared photoconductive detectors made of photoconductive materials with fast response speed, high sensitivity and high response rate to infrared light can be installed on early warning aircraft or early warning satellites. They can accurately and timely detect and track the infrared radiation of the enemy missile tail flame, and are an important part of the early warning device of the anti-missile system.
Infrared photoconductive guidance and detection technology has the advantages of being not easily interfered, high positioning accuracy, simple structure, low cost, and being able to detect ultra-low altitude targets, but it is greatly affected by meteorological conditions and often needs to cooperate with radar to complement each other. At present, many surface-to-air missiles are radar) infrared dual-mode guided missiles. Interestingly, the photoconductive effect is also used in stealth technology.