Image Intensifier Photocathode Tube
Image intensifier tubes convert low-light photons via photocathode to amplified electrons, creating visible images for night operations. Classified under HTS 8540.20.4000 as 'image intensifiers; other photocathode tubes' per hierarchy. Used in military night vision devices and scientific low-light imaging.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If when integrated into complete night vision camera system
Full night vision cameras using photocathodes classify under 8525.83, excluding standalone tubes.
If for medical or scientific imaging end-use
Photocathode tubes in liquid crystal devices or medical cameras move to Chapter 90.
If semiconductor-based image intensifiers
Diodes and semiconductor photocathodes classify under 8541, not thermionic tubes.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Comply with U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) for military-grade intensifiers; provide gain specifications and photocathode material
• Watch for reclassification if assembled into complete night vision goggles under 9005
Related Products under HTS 8540.20.40.00
Plumbicon Television Camera Tube
The Plumbicon is a specialized television camera tube using a lead oxide photoconductive target for high-quality broadcast video imaging. It falls under HTS 8540.20.4000 as a television camera tube, distinct from modern digital sensors, featuring photocathode technology for electron conversion. Primarily used in professional studio cameras before CCD dominance.
Vidicon Camera Tube
Vidicon tubes employ photoconductive targets activated by photocathodes for analog television camera applications in legacy broadcast and industrial video. HTS 8540.20.4000 covers these as 'other' television camera tubes. Common in vintage studio equipment and space-rated cameras.
Photomultiplier Tube PMT
Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) use photocathodes to detect low-level light via electron multiplication for scintillation counters and spectroscopy. Falls under HTS 8540.20.4000 as 'other photocathode tubes.' Essential for particle physics and medical imaging detectors.
High-Speed Streak Camera Tube
Streak camera tubes capture ultra-fast events using photocathodes with time resolution under 50 nanoseconds for ballistics testing. HTS 8540.20.4000 applies to these specialized television camera tubes not meeting digital subheading specs. Used in research and defense applications.
Microchannel Plate Image Intensifier
Microchannel plate (MCP) intensifiers amplify photocathode-emitted electrons through millions of channels for superior night/low-light imaging. Classified HTS 8540.20.4000 as image intensifiers/photocathode tubes. Key component in advanced night vision and astronomy.
Photocathode Image Converter Tube
Image converter tubes directly transform IR/UV photons via photocathodes to visible spectrum electrons for spectrum conversion. HTS 8540.20.4000 explicitly includes image converters as other photocathode tubes. Applied in scientific spectroscopy and covert surveillance.