Uncovering the Mystery of Pixelated Night Vision: A Journey into the Dark

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  • Thread starter Loren Booda
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In summary, the points of light seen in the dark of a bedroom are caused by random firing of retinal cells. They are more visible against a dark background and are not a cause for concern unless they are visible in normal lighting. The frequency of cosmic rays causing these scintillations is rare due to their low energy and the large area of the retina.
  • #1
Loren Booda
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After an hour in the dark of my bedroom, I still see points of light, like "snow" on a TV. Are these caused by present photons, the random firing of retinal cells, or lingering images?
 
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  • #2
They are random firing of the cells,.
You see more of them against the dark background, unless there are enough of them to see in normal lighting it's nothing to worry about.
 
  • #3
How often do you think cosmic rays would cause a scintillation to occur?
 
  • #4
Lowest energy cosmic rays (still 10^9ev) are about 1 /m^2/s at sea level
I don't know what fraction would trigger an event on your retina but they are going to be rare enough (because of the area) that I don't think you would notice them
 

Related to Uncovering the Mystery of Pixelated Night Vision: A Journey into the Dark

1. What is pixelated night vision and how does it work?

Pixelated night vision is a technology that uses image intensifiers and digital processing to enhance visibility in low light conditions. It works by collecting ambient light through a lens and converting it into electrons, which are then amplified and converted back into photons to create a visible image.

2. How is pixelated night vision different from traditional night vision?

Pixelated night vision differs from traditional night vision in that it uses digital processing to enhance the image, rather than relying solely on image intensifiers. This allows for a clearer and more detailed image, and also eliminates the "halo effect" often seen in traditional night vision.

3. What are the applications of pixelated night vision?

Pixelated night vision has a variety of applications, including military and law enforcement operations, surveillance, hunting, and navigation in low light conditions. It is also used in some medical procedures and scientific research.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using pixelated night vision?

One potential drawback of pixelated night vision is its cost, as it is generally more expensive than traditional night vision. It also requires a power source, which may limit its use in remote or off-grid locations. Additionally, in some cases, the digital processing may introduce a slight delay in the image, making it less suitable for fast-moving situations.

5. What advancements have been made in pixelated night vision technology?

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in pixelated night vision technology, including improvements in image quality, resolution, and size. There has also been a shift towards using infrared technology in pixelated night vision, allowing for better visibility in total darkness. Additionally, some companies are now incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning into their pixelated night vision systems, further enhancing their capabilities.

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