Study on the Performance Degradation Mechanism of Low-Light-Level Image Intensifiers in Humid and Hot Environments

Abstract

To analyze the performance stability of image intensifiers under humid and hot environments, this study systematically investigates the device performance degradation mechanism through a combination of natural exposure tests, humidity variation aging tests, disassembly analysis of failed samples, and a vacuum decay model. Experimental and simulated results reveal that moisture ingress in a humid and hot environment serves as the dominant factor governing the luminance gain stability of devices. Microscopic defects such as cracks, voids, and delamination phenomena existing at the sealing interface between ceramic rings and metal gaskets are the direct cause of moisture penetration. The attenuation of luminance gain accelerates significantly with increasing ambient humidity, demonstrating that water vapor is the primary driving factor for the environmental failure of devices. This study clarifies the attenuation mechanism of luminance gain for image intensifiers under humid and hot environments, providing a theoretical basis for the optimization of packaging processes and the improvement in environmental adaptability of image intensifiers.