Low-Light-Level Image-Amplifying Device with Full Color Capability

Abstract

Equipment capable of amplifying the light of visible images has been available for many years. The new CBS Color Light Amplifier (CLA), however, is the first device to do so without destroying color information. It was made to couple to a 16mm Arriflex motion-picture camera, but in principle it can also be used with color television cameras. Consisting essentially of a high-quality, electrostatic-type image intensifier between two specially designed color wheels, the unit provides a light gain of about 100. CBS News has used the unit at scene light levels as low as 0.05 fc (0.54 lm/m 2 ). The CLA weighs 8 lb (3.6 kg) and lengthens the Arriflex camera by 11.3 in (287 mm). An improved, smaller version is currently under development.