When looking into Gen3 devices, there are significant differences between EU and USA-produced tubes. Within the EU leading producer of Gen 3 IITs is Harder Digital, while in USA main producers include L3Harris and Elbit. While the primary technology is similar, the result is quite different.
The main difference between IITs based on Gen2 technology vs. Gen3 is the material used for the photocathodes (multi alkali vs. GaAs/GaAsP coating). Gen3 coating is deemed more sensitive. However, to protect from positive ion poisoning, producers may use thin film. Hence, Gen3 devices can also be categorized into different groups: filmed, thin-filmed or filmless.
In real life difference between Harder Gen3 and high-end multi-alkali IIT like 4G can be seen with the naked eye, mainly in a very dark environment with low light levels. For example, CQB. In reality, when using NVD outdoors, you will always have some additional light, whether it’s light from the moon and stars, close-by city lights, etc.
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