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EDGE GLOW. This is a defect in the image area of the monocular.
Edge glow is a bright area (sometimes sparkling) in the outer por-
tion of the viewing area.
EMISSION POINT. A steady or fluctuating pinpoint of bright light in
the image area and does not go away when all light is blocked from
the objective lens of the monocular. The position of an emission
point within the image area of the monocular does not move. An
emission point should not be confused with a point light source in
the distance.
FIXED-PATTERN NOISE. This is a cosmetic blemish in the im-
age area characterized by a faint hexagonal (honeycomb) pattern
throughout the viewing area that most often occurs at high light
levels or when viewing very bright lights. Fixed-pattern noise is in-
herent in the structure of the fiber optics and can be seen in every
image intensifier if the light level is high enough.
FLASHING. This is a defect in the image area of the monocular.
The image appears to flicker or flash.
FLICKERING. See “flashing.”
GAIN. This is the number of times a night vision device amplifies
light input.
IMAGE INTENSIFIER. An electro-optical device that detects and
amplifies ambient light to produce a visual image.
INFINITY FOCUS. Adjustment of the objective lens so that a distant
object, such as a star or the point light on a distant tower, forms the
sharpest image.
INTERMITTENT OPERATION. This is a defect in the image area of
the monocular. See “flashing”.
IR SOURCE. This is an IR Light Emitting Diode (LED). When turned
on, the IR source provides additional illumination to enhance exist-
ing light conditions used only for performing nearby tasks.
LIGHT INTERFERENCE FILTER (LIF). This is a light protection fil-
ter for the monocular. Use of this filter will result in a slight reduction
in system gain.
MICROCHANNEL PLATE. A current-multiplying optical disk that
intensifies the electron image produced by the photocathode.
