What is the approximate range of visible wavelengths that NVGs can detect?

The range of visible wavelengths that night vision goggles (NVGs) can detect typically spans from approximately 400 nanometers to 900 nanometers. This range encompasses the visible light spectrum, where human vision is most effective, starting from the violet light at around 380 nanometers, through the greens and yellows, and into the near-infrared region up to about 750-900 nanometers.

Night vision technology relies on amplifying existing light, whether that's from starlight, moonlight, or artificial sources, and is designed to work best within the visible spectrum while still capturing some near-infrared light. The choice of 400 to 900 nanometers aligns with the operational capabilities of NVGs, making it crucial for effective low-light vision.

The other ranges mentioned do not accurately represent the typical capabilities of NVGs. For instance, wavelengths below 400 nanometers may fall into the ultraviolet range, which NVGs are not designed to detect, while ranges extending beyond 900 nanometers may venture too far into infrared territory, where different technology, such as thermal imaging, would come into play instead.