What is the minification gain for an input phosphor diameter of 14 inches and an output phosphor diameter of 1 inch?

Minification gain is a key concept in understanding the performance of image intensifiers. It is calculated using the formula:

Minification Gain = (Diameter of Input Phosphor / Diameter of Output Phosphor)²

In this case, the diameter of the input phosphor is 14 inches and the diameter of the output phosphor is 1 inch. Plugging these values into the formula gives:

Minification Gain = (14 / 1)² = 14² = 196

This indicates that the image is minified by a factor of 196 times from the input to the output. The correct answer reflects this calculation, demonstrating an essential aspect of the design and function of image intensifiers, as they serve to enhance image brightness while reducing dimensions.

Understanding this concept is critical, as it allows for the assessment of how effectively an image intensifier can improve the visibility of low-light or distant images, which is vital in fields such as night vision technology and medical imaging.