Defense - Security - Night vision

Fused Fiber Optic Image Inverter

A fiber optic inverter (twister) inverts an image from its input surface to its output surface. Fiber optic inverters are used primarily in night vision image intensifier tubes. The objective lens of the night vision device inverts the primary image while the fiber optic Inverter turns this image right side up and provides a compact intensifier package.

All items herein are controlled by International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

SCHOTT’s Inverters are fabricated to customer-specific requirements. Customized inverters utilized in night vision technology (i.e. Night Vision Devices utilize fiber optic Inverters within intensifier tubes).

Fiber optic image inverters are used primarily in night vision image intensifier tubes, but these imaging components can be sued in any application that requires the correction of an inverted image, while also providing a compact, vacuum tight and rugged package. Fiber optic inverters are manufactured using fiber elements ranging in size from 4 to 25μm that are fused together into a coherent imaging array. The billet is then heated and twisted to invert the image 180 degrees.

Night Vision

Typical Material Properties	Glass Type*	Glass Type*	Glass Type*
Typical Performance Parameters	24A	24AS	24C
Fiber Size (µm) / Resolution lp/mm**	25/23 10/64 8/72	25/23 10/64 8/72 6/102 4/128	25/23 10/64 6/102 4/128
Numerical Aperture	1.0	1.0	1.0
Stray Light Control (EMA)	Yes	Yes	No
Collimated Transmission at 550nm 30mm thick (%)	66	66	83
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (x10 – 7 /°C) 20 – 300°C	68	68	68
Lead Free	No	No	No
Phosphor Compatible	Yes	Yes	Yes

* Other special glass types available upon customer’s request.
** Resolution Measurement performed with an 1951 USAF Resolution Target using diffuse white light illumination. Resolution may vary with other wavelengths.

Datasheet Fused Fiber Optic Image Inverters

High Resolution Image Inverters