Photonis
Photonis is an European manufacturer of image intensifier tubes and night vision devices located in France. Photonis was founded in 1937.
Image Intensifiers
Photonis manufactures second generation image intensifiers exclusively. However, the company has continuously improved the technology, with the higher end of their lineup competing, if not outperforming, modern third generation image intensifiers.
European made tubes are very expensive, with Photonis being no exception. When comparing to prices of U.S. made thin film Gen. 3 tubes, they often cost almost twice as much for the same performance.
However, Photonis image intensifiers feature higher shock rating and exceptional dynamic range in mixed light conditions, e.g. urban environments.
Production Lines
Old Production Line
XD4
XR5
New Production Line
Echo
Echo is the most recent line of Photonis image intensifiers aimed at the civilian market.
4G
4G ist the most recent line of Photonis image intensifiers intended for military use.
4G+
Released in 2019, the 4G+ series builds on the technology of 4G with various improvements, leading to a minimum 2300 FOM, with unconfirmed sources claiming some tubes reaching up to 3000 FOM.[1]
In 2016 Photonis patented the use of diffraction grating[2] which suggests a 80% increase in photocathode sensitivity.
Marketing material also mentions improvements in MCP technology.[1]Experts have linked these improvements to a second patent from 2019 indicating the use of a Gallium-Arsenide film to focus electrons emitted by the MCP, leading to a alleged 81% improvement of the MTF.[3]
