Are night vision goggles illegal to own? The answer is no, as long as they are produced in the United States. Even though the US has many regulations regarding the production of night vision equipment, they do not apply to civilian use. The primary exception to this rule is the Defense Technology Security Administration, which can waive some regulations on an individual basis. Here’s why. Read on to learn more. Then, decide whether you want night vision goggles for personal use or for military use.
Table of Contents
Photomultiplier converts photons to electrons
The concept of a photomultiplier works on the principle of the photoelectric effect and secondary emission. These two phenomena were first demonstrated by Heinrich Hertz in 1887. Elster and Geitel subsequently confirmed the principle with experiments involving visible light striking sodium and alkali metals. Later, the use of caesium allowed the photomultiplier to operate over a larger wavelength range.
IR Illuminators convert photons to electrons
IR Illuminators convert light into visible light using ultraviolet (UV) light. The wavelength of a photon depends on the energy state of the electrons that are used in the production of the photon. Without an IR illuminator, digital night vision is useless. IR Illuminators are essential to owning night vision goggles as they make it possible to see in the dark.
Price
Night vision goggles are non-magnified monoculars with two eyepieces. They are a popular choice among both beginner and advanced users. Some goggles are mounted on helmets for convenience, while others are handheld. These devices protect your eyes from bright light and automatically shut off when a bright light is detected. However, they can be very expensive. Let’s take a look at the features you should look for when purchasing a pair.
Clarity
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) prohibit the sale of night vision devices to foreign nations and citizens. This includes all Gen 2 and Gen 3 models, as well as any variation of these types of devices. People violating these regulations can be prosecuted and sent to prison. The laws apply to both law enforcement personnel and civilians. If you would like to buy a night vision goggle for personal use, you should obtain the paperwork from your local customs office.
Brightness
Owning night vision goggles is not illegal. However, these devices must be registered to prevent misuse. Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge. The laws on night vision devices include the types of night vision devices that must be registered and what must be printed on the labels. Night vision devices must detect visible light and distinguish between people and animals. The amount of light they emit must be below 0.1 milliwatts per square centimeter. They should not harm animals or humans.
Longevity
The quality and longevity of night vision goggles depends on the goggles’ technology. These devices are usually classified into generations based on their Image Intensifier Tubes (IITs), which increase the amount of ambient natural light reflected into the vision field. The lifespan of Gen 1 night vision goggles is approximately 1,000 hours, while the lifespan of Gen 2 night vision goggles is nearly five thousand hours.
Suitability
Suitability of night vision goggles is crucial to maximizing their benefits. A wide range of choices is available; however, the right pair of goggles should suit your purpose. You should consider the following factors when shopping for these goggles: weight, size, comfort, and weather resistance. A few things you should consider before buying night vision goggles are battery life, lens type, and the compatibility of the goggles with your specific equipment.
