According to our (Global Info Research) latest study, the global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market size was valued at US$ 1036 million in 2025 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 1701 million by 2032 with a CAGR of 6.7% during review period.
Low-light image intensifiers currently mainly refer to second- and third-generation image intensifier products.Second- and third-generation image intensifiers are photoelectric vacuum devices that enhance weak optical images into bright, visible images, forming the core of low-light night vision equipment. They utilize the photoelectric effect to convert weak light signals into visible light images, and are also known as image tubes. Core components include a photocathode, an electron lens (electrostatic focusing or magnetic focusing), and a fluorescent screen. The upstream of the second- and third-generation image intensifier industry chain involves the supply of raw materials and core components such as optical materials, semiconductor materials, special glass, and vacuum packaging components. The midstream involves the manufacturing of image intensifiers, including chip fabrication, component integration, vacuum packaging, and testing, which have extremely high technological barriers. The downstream covers military applications (such as night vision devices and aiming scopes), healthcare and biotechnology (such as high-end microscopic imaging), electronics and semiconductors (such as testing equipment), and other industrial applications. The entire industry chain is characterized by high technological barriers in upstream materials, high concentration in midstream manufacturing, and specialized downstream application requirements. In 2025, global sales of second- and third-generation image intensifiers reached 305,000 units, with an average selling price of $3,300 per unit.
Market drivers primarily include the following
The continued growth of the second- and third-generation image intensifier market stems mainly from the ever-increasing demands in the military and civilian sectors, as well as the inherent driving force of the technology itself.
In the military and security sectors, the continuous global demand for defense modernization constitutes the core driving force of the market. Low-light night vision technology, as a key to enhancing individual soldier combat capabilities and the all-weather combat effectiveness of weaponry, is undeniably important. Armies worldwide are actively procuring and upgrading night vision equipment, from individual helmets and handheld observation devices to vehicle-mounted and airborne targeting systems. These diverse application scenarios create a stable and broad market space for image intensifiers. Furthermore, in security fields such as border patrol and law enforcement surveillance, this technology also plays an indispensable role, further expanding its application boundaries.
Technological evolution and performance improvement are the endogenous driving forces behind market development. From the first generation to the third and fourth generations, the core goal of low-light image intensifiers has always been the pursuit of higher performance indicators. Manufacturers are committed to continuously improving the signal-to-noise ratio and resolution of their products through material innovation and structural optimization, ensuring clearer and more detailed images even in extremely low light conditions. Simultaneously, extending device lifespan, enhancing reliability and durability in complex environments, and optimizing design to make products smaller, lighter, and consume less power to meet the needs of portable devices are all concrete manifestations of technology driving market progress.
The continued penetration and expansion of the civilian market has injected new vitality into industry growth. With technological maturity and cost optimization, second- and third-generation image intensifiers are gradually moving beyond the single military application field, demonstrating enormous application potential in multiple civilian industries. In healthcare and biotechnology, they are used in high-end microscopes and bioimaging systems, aiding scientific research and clinical diagnosis. In the electronics and semiconductor field, they play a role in precision industrial inspection and automation equipment. Furthermore, second- and third-generation image intensifiers have found new applications in scientific research fields such as astronomical observation and ocean exploration, as well as in professional broadcasting and high-end video recording fields with stringent image quality requirements, indicating a broad market prospect for the future.
This report is a detailed and comprehensive analysis for global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are presented by manufacturers, by region & country, by Type and by Application. As the market is constantly changing, this report explores the competition, supply and demand trends, as well as key factors that contribute to its changing demands across many markets. Company profiles and product examples of selected competitors, along with market share estimates of some of the selected leaders for the year 2025, are provided.
Key Features:
Global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market size and forecasts, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (K Units), and average selling prices (US$/Unit), 2021-2032
Global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market size and forecasts by region and country, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (K Units), and average selling prices (US$/Unit), 2021-2032
Global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market size and forecasts, by Type and by Application, in consumption value ($ Million), sales quantity (K Units), and average selling prices (US$/Unit), 2021-2032
Global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market shares of main players, shipments in revenue ($ Million), sales quantity (K Units), and ASP (US$/Unit), 2021-2026
The Primary Objectives in This Report Are:
To determine the size of the total market opportunity of global and key countries
To assess the growth potential for Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier
To forecast future growth in each product and end-use market
To assess competitive factors affecting the marketplace
This report profiles key players in the global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market based on the following parameters - company overview, sales quantity, revenue, price, gross margin, product portfolio, geographical presence, and key developments. Key companies covered as a part of this study include L3 Harris, Elbit Systems, Exosens, Katod, Northern Night Vision, Hamamatsu Photonics, Intevac Photonics (EOTECH), Newcon Optik, HARDER digital GmbH, Photek, etc.
This report also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals.
Market Segmentation
Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market is split by Type and by Application. For the period 2021-2032, the growth among segments provides accurate calculations and forecasts for consumption value by Type, and by Application in terms of volume and value. This analysis can help you expand your business by targeting qualified niche markets.
Market segment by Type
Generation 2/2+
Generation 3
Market segment by Electro-optical Systems
Electrostatic Focusing System
Electromagnetic Composite Focusing System
Market segment by Product Forms
Image Reversal Tube
Proximity Focusing Tube
Market segment by Application
Military Reconnaissance
Security Monitoring
Industrial Inspection
Other
Major players covered
L3 Harris
Elbit Systems
Exosens
Katod
Northern Night Vision
Hamamatsu Photonics
Intevac Photonics (EOTECH)
Newcon Optik
HARDER digital GmbH
Photek
Chenyun Technology
Rongzhe Optoelectronics
Armasight
Market segment by region, regional analysis covers
North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico)
Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, and Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Rest of South America)
Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa)
The content of the study subjects, includes a total of 15 chapters:
Chapter 1, to describe Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier product scope, market overview, market estimation caveats and base year.
Chapter 2, to profile the top manufacturers of Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier, with price, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier from 2021 to 2026.
Chapter 3, the Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier competitive situation, sales quantity, revenue, and global market share of top manufacturers are analyzed emphatically by landscape contrast.
Chapter 4, the Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier breakdown data are shown at the regional level, to show the sales quantity, consumption value, and growth by regions, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 5 and 6, to segment the sales by Type and by Application, with sales market share and growth rate by Type, by Application, from 2021 to 2032.
Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to break the sales data at the country level, with sales quantity, consumption value, and market share for key countries in the world, from 2021 to 2026.and Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market forecast, by regions, by Type, and by Application, with sales and revenue, from 2027 to 2032.
Chapter 12, market dynamics, drivers, restraints, trends, and Porters Five Forces analysis.
Chapter 13, the key raw materials and key suppliers, and industry chain of Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier.
Chapter 14 and 15, to describe Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier sales channel, distributors, customers, research findings and conclusion.
Summary:
Get latest Market Research Reports on Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier. Industry analysis & Market Report on Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier is a syndicated market report, published as Global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier Market 2026 by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2032. It is complete Research Study and Industry Analysis of Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market, to understand, Market Demand, Growth, trends analysis and Factor Influencing market.