Microchannel image intensifier tube with novel sealing feature

An image intensifier tube comprising:

• a generally tubular housing capable of providing a hermetic seal;
• a solid glass input window for receiving and transmitting incident light;
• a photocathode bonded to said input window for generating photoelectrons in response to light transmitted through said input window and striking said photocathode;
• a microchannel plate spaced apart from said photocathode and for receiving and for intensifying received photoelectrons;
• a phosphor screen spaced apart from said microchannel plate, said phosphor screen being responsive to said intensified photoelectrons from said microchannel plate and generating amplified light in response to said intensified photoelectrons;
• a solid glass output window spaced from said microchannel plate for receiving and transmitting said amplified light, said phosphor screen being bonded to said output window at the surface adjacent to said microchannel plate;
• and
• a solid sealing ring for providing a vacuum seal between said photocathode and said housing, said sealing ring positioned within said housing and colocated between said input window at the outer edge of said photocathode and said microchannel plate.

An image intensifier for a CCTV camera system capable of operating under all environmental lighting conditions without external illumination, said image intensifier tube comprising:

• a solid glass input window for receiving and transmitting incident light;
• a photocathode bonded to said input window for generating photoelectrons in response to light transmitted through said input window and striking said photocathode;
• a microchannel plate spaced apart from said photocathode and for receiving and for intensifying received photoelectrons;
• a phosphor screen spaced apart from said microchannel plate, said phosphor screen being responsive to said intensified photoelectrons from said microchannel plate and generating amplified light in response to said intensified photoelectrons;
• and
• a solid glass output window spaced from said microchannel plate for receiving and transmitting said amplified light, said glass output window being processed in a hydrogen gas reducing oven to blacken at least the side portions of said output window facing said tubular housing to prevent light emanating from said phosphor screen from reflecting off said side portions of said output window;
• said phosphor screen being bonded to said output window at the surface adjacent to said microchannel plate;
• and,
• a solid sealing ring for providing a vacuum seal between said photocathode and said housing, said sealing ring positioned within said housing and colocated between said input window at the outer edge of said photocathode and said microchannel plate