iNocturn & i2Nocturn Intensified Cameras
Two powerful intensified camera platforms from Photonis — sharing a foundation of extreme sensitivity and compact design, each optimized for a distinct spectral mission. From UV through near-infrared broadband imaging to deep-UV single-photon detection, the iNocturn series covers it all.
Two Cameras, One Family — Different Missions
The iNocturn and i2Nocturn are both Photonis intensified cameras built around high-QE image intensifier technology and Smart Tube Management. The iNocturn is a broadband, multi-photocathode platform spanning UV to NIR with flexible gating and multiple output options. The i2Nocturn is a deep-UV specialist featuring double microchannel plate (MCP) technology for extreme photon gain — purpose-built for the most demanding UV detection applications.
iNocturn
The broadband intensified camera — pairing a high-QE image intensifier with a high-speed CMOS sensor across a wide spectral range. Multiple photocathode options, nanosecond gating, and flexible output interfaces make it the versatile choice for scientific, defense, and industrial imaging.
| Resolution | 1280 × 1024 px |
| Frame Rate | Up to 100 fps |
| Spectral Response | 200 – 1100 nm (photocathode dependent) |
| Gating | Gated & non-gated available |
| Sensitivity | Single-photon detection |
| MCP Configuration | Single MCP |
| Output Interfaces | HD-SDI, USB 3.0, Camera Link, PAL/NTSC, LVCMOS |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
| Operating Temp. | −10 °C to +55 °C |
Broadband low-light imaging, defense & surveillance, laser-gated active imaging, fluorescence microscopy, UV–NIR scientific research, and UAV reconnaissance.
i2Nocturn
The advanced deep-UV intensified camera — featuring a state-of-the-art double microchannel plate (MCP) configuration for photon gain of up to 1,000,000×. Designed for the most demanding UV detection tasks where maximum signal-to-noise ratio is critical.
| Resolution | 1936 × 1216 px |
| Frame Rate | Up to 50 fps |
| Spectral Response | 190 – 300 nm (deep UV only) |
| Gating | Non-gated |
| Sensitivity | Single-photon detection |
| MCP Configuration | Double MCP |
| Photon Gain | Up to 1,000,000× |
| Output Interface | GigE IEEE 802.3af |
| Lens Mount | C-mount |
Spark & electrical discharge detection, semiconductor wafer inspection, powergrid maintenance, UV spectroscopy, and UAV-based deep-UV surveillance.
iNocturn vs. i2Nocturn at a Glance
Use this table to quickly identify which platform best fits your application requirements.
| Specification | iNocturn | i2Nocturn |
|---|---|---|
| Spectral Range | 200 – 1100 nm (UV to NIR) | 190 – 300 nm (deep UV only) |
| Resolution | 1280 × 1024 px | 1936 × 1216 px |
| Frame Rate | Up to 100 fps | Up to 50 fps |
| MCP Configuration | Single MCP | Double MCP |
| Photon Gain | Standard intensifier gain | Up to 1,000,000× |
| Gating Options | Gated & non-gated | Non-gated only |
| Photocathode Options | UV, Blue, Standard, Mint, Red | High-QE UV photocathode |
| Output Interfaces | HD-SDI, USB 3.0, CameraLink, PAL/NTSC, LVCMOS | GigE IEEE 802.3af |
| Lens Mount | C-mount | C-mount |
| Ideal Use Case | Broadband / multi-spectral & gated imaging | Extreme UV sensitivity & SNR |
Select Your Spectral Band
The iNocturn is available in five photocathode configurations, each targeting a specific spectral window. All variants are available in gated or non-gated configurations.
UV-enhanced photocathode for applications requiring precise sensitivity in the ultraviolet band.
Blue-enhanced photocathode for high sensitivity in the blue-to-green visible range.
Broad-range visible photocathode delivering strong performance across the full visible spectrum.
Green-to-NIR optimized photocathode for extended sensitivity toward the near-infrared.
Red and NIR optimized photocathode for maximum sensitivity at longer visible and near-infrared wavelengths.
Nanosecond-precision gating available across all photocathode variants for laser-synchronized and time-resolved imaging.
What Both Cameras Have in Common
Single-Photon Sensitivity
Both cameras achieve single-photon detection capability through high-QE image intensifier technology — without the need for thermoelectric or cryogenic cooling. The i2Nocturn extends this further with its double MCP configuration for up to 1,000,000× photon gain.
Smart Tube Management
Both platforms incorporate Photonis's Smart Tube Management system, which actively manages intensifier tube performance to deliver consistent, high-quality image and video output while protecting the intensifier from overexposure and extending operational life.
Compact OEM-Ready Design
Both cameras are built with integration in mind — compact, lightweight bodies with C-mount lens compatibility for seamless incorporation into custom instruments, handheld devices, UAV payloads, and laboratory systems.
High-QE UV Photocathode
Both cameras are built around high quantum efficiency (QE) image intensifiers optimized for UV detection. The iNocturn offers this across multiple photocathode variants; the i2Nocturn focuses exclusively — and more powerfully — within the 190–300 nm deep-UV range.
Deployed Across Defense, Science & Industry
Together, the iNocturn and i2Nocturn cover applications from broad-spectrum low-light surveillance to ultra-precise deep-UV industrial and scientific inspection.
Border patrol, platform sights, maritime surveillance, UAV reconnaissance
Spark detection, corona discharge, powergrid inspection — i2Nocturn specialty
Fluorescence microscopy, bioluminescence, cell analysis, UV spectroscopy
Wafer-level UV defect detection, machine vision, process monitoring
Time-resolved spectroscopy, plasma physics, combustion analysis, laser diagnostics
Lightweight payload integration for airborne UV and low-light imaging platforms
Available Configurations
Contact Wilco Imaging for model-specific pricing, lead times, and configuration guidance.
iNocturn
i2Nocturn
Contact Wilco Imaging for i2Nocturn model numbers and configuration details.
Technical Resources
iNocturn UV-VIS-NIR Series Leaflet
Full product overview, photocathode variant comparison, key specifications, and application examples for the iNocturn intensified camera series.
Download PDF ↗Not Sure Which iNocturn Is Right for You?
Wilco Imaging's team can help you determine whether the broadband iNocturn or the deep-UV i2Nocturn best fits your spectral requirements, integration needs, and application environment.