Intensified Cameras

Abex (UK) does not currently manufacture intensified cameras for sale.  The following information is provided to demonstrate the simplicity of intensified cameras, and to promote interest in this fascinating topic.

Cameras based on the XX1332

Some of the examples shown below require only a basic level of electrical and mechanical engineering, and are entirely suitable for "home" construction.  They all use the XX1332 intensifier tube, which is one of the highest performance devices available*.  The XX1332 is a second generation tube with a huge (and completely flat) 50mm photocathode, making it uniquely suitable for use with ordinary telescope and camera lenses.

We have supplied these tubes to meteor observation groups all over the world.  They have been used to build high performance video cameras that can literally see in the dark, and you can do this too!

View these simple home-construction XX1332 cameras:

  • MK1 - An early demo concept.

  • MK2 - XX1332 tube in a diecast box.  A very adaptable concept.

  • MK3 - Modified military sight.  Simple construction, but not ideal.

  • MK4 - Modified military sight.  Also very simple, and a much better result!

*Development of intensifier tubes for military applications has focused mainly on the reduction of size/weight, and pushing the spectral response deeper into the infra-red region.  For many recreational purposes this is not required, and will often render the tube less suitable.  It is well known that a good 2nd generation tube such as the XX1332 can outperform a 3rd generation tube in the visible spectrum.

 

Cameras based on the XX1080

The XX1080 is a 1st generation intensifier tube, but it is a "late" design and has a high level of performance.  The materials used in the photocathode are the same as those used in the XX1332, and consequently the spectral response is very similar.

The XX1080 is of glass construction, and utilises an external 14kV PSU.  Where tubes are salvaged from ex-military scopes, it is usually a good idea to salvage the matching PSU.  It is possible to design a suitable PSU using commercially available parts, however this does require considerable care if tube damage or premature failure is to be avoided.  It is particularly important to have a fast acting current limit and output circuitry which stores the minimum amount of energy.

Read more about our XX1080 based cameras: