View source for Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR)

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The Signal-to-Noise Ratio is the ratio between the actual image (signal) and [[noise]], used to measure the performance in providing a noise-free image in [[Image Intensifier|image intensifiers]] and optical sensors of digital night vision and thermal devices.

Typical specs are:

* Gen 0<ref name=":0">https://web.archive.org/web/20220927233831/https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Image_Intensification_The_Technology_of_Night/a25144</ref>
** SNR ~2
** Gain >1
* Gen 1<ref name=":0" />
** SNR ~6
** Gain ~70

* Gen 2 (introduction of the MCP)<ref name=":0" />
** SNR ~11
** Gain 3.5k to 10k
* Gen 2+<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20220317190617/https://www.photonis.com/system/files/2020-11/201120c-Leafet-XR5.pdf</ref>
** SNR <30
** Gain 10k to 60k
* Advanced Gen 2+<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20210917045203/https://www.photonis.com/system/files?file=2021-05/210507%20Leaflet%204G%2B_0.pdf</ref>
** SNR <40

* Gen 3<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20220812210329/https://www.asu-nvg.com/Documents%20and%20Settings/39/Site%20Documents/Product%20Spec%20Sheets/New/F9800M16G_M18G_M20GSpecSheet.pdf</ref>
** SNR <35
** Gain 20k to 80k
* Advanced Gen 3<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20220829150300/https://tnvc.com/supergain/</ref>
** SNR <50
** Gain 60k to 120k

A very noisy and possibly dim image can be one sign of a end of life conditions if it can be assumed the factory specifications were considerably higher than what is observerd. 

== References ==
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[[Category:Technology]]