Elbit thin-film or L3/Harris filmless — MX-11769 and MX-10160 formats available at Adams Industries.
White phosphor replaced green phosphor as the preferred image intensifier output for a simple reason: the human visual system processes contrast more accurately in gray-scale than in the green-tinted output of P43 phosphor. White phosphor tubes produce a black-and-white image that reads more like natural vision — edges are sharper to perception, shadows are deeper, detail in low-contrast targets is more legible. It is not cosmetic. It changes what you can read in an image.
Adams Industries sources white phosphor tubes from both primary manufacturers: Elbit Systems (Israel, thin-film ion barrier) and L3/Harris (U.S., filmless). Both MX-11769 format for PVS-14/MH-14 housings and MX-10160 format for SENTINEL/MH-1/AEON/PANOS housings are available across multiple FOM tiers. You specify the manufacturer, the format, and the FOM — we source and coordinate installation.
White Phosphor vs. Green Phosphor — The Contrast Argument
The human eye has peak photopic (color) sensitivity at approximately 555nm — yellow-green. Green phosphor (P43, ~530nm) was chosen for early Gen 3 tubes because it falls near this peak, which was assumed to be optimal for night vision display. This reasoning is valid for luminance sensitivity but misses how the visual system processes contrast.
Contrast detection in the mesopic range (low light) relies more heavily on the rod system, which is achromatic — rods don't distinguish color, only luminance. A grayscale display uses the full contrast range of the rod system more efficiently than a color-tinted display. In practical terms, white phosphor users consistently report better legibility of low-contrast targets — faces in shadow, equipment in clutter, terrain features at distance.
Elbit Thin-Film WP
Thin-film ion barrier technology from Israel's Elbit Systems. Four FOM tiers from 1600–2000 entry through 2601+ Pinnacle Select. Widely used in both U.S. commercial and government programs.
L3/Harris Filmless WP
Filmless technology from L3/Harris in the U.S. Three tiers: 2400+ standard, 2600+ select, 2600+ Supergain. No thin-film ion barrier means slightly higher light transmission at equivalent photocathode sensitivity.
MX-11769 Format
For PVS-14, MH-14, and compatible housings. The most common tube format in the Gen 3 civilian market. Direct drop-in for any MX-11769 format housing.
MX-10160 Format
For SENTINEL, MH-1, AEON ANVB, and PANOS. Larger tube diameter means more photocathode area and typically higher achievable FOM at equivalent performance tier.
FOM Buyer-Specified
Adams Industries doesn't assign tube FOM at our discretion. You specify the FOM range you need and we source within that range — or better — and document the delivered spec.
Installation Coordinated
Tube installation requires a licensed NVG repair facility. Adams Industries coordinates the installation step — you send the housing, we handle the rest, you receive a documented assembly.
White Phosphor Tube Selection Matrix
| Manufacturer | Technology | FOM Range | Formats |
| Elbit Entry | Thin-film WP | 1600–2000 | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| Elbit Mid | Thin-film WP | 2001–2300 | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| Elbit Pinnacle | Thin-film WP | 2301–2600 | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| Elbit Pinnacle Select | Thin-film WP | 2601+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| L3/Harris Standard | Filmless WP | 2400+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| L3/Harris Select | Filmless WP | 2600+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
| L3/Harris Supergain | Filmless WP | 2600+ | MX-11769, MX-10160 |
Why WP Tube Buyers Source Through Adams Industries
- Both manufacturers available — Elbit thin-film and L3/Harris filmless, buyer's choice
- Both tube formats — MX-11769 for PVS-14/MH-14 and MX-10160 for binocular systems
- Seven FOM tiers covering 1600 to 2601+ — broadest selection of any single source
- Buyer specifies FOM target — Adams Industries sources to spec and documents delivered performance
- Licensed installation coordinated — no separate repair facility sourcing required
- All tubes ITAR-verified — U.S. citizens and permanent residents only
ITAR Export Notice: All image intensifier tubes are controlled under ITAR. Export, transfer, or re-export to any non-U.S. person without a valid U.S. Department of State export license is strictly prohibited. All domestic transfers require verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
White Phosphor, Your Manufacturer, Your FOM
Contact Adams Industries with your housing format and target FOM — we'll match the tube and coordinate installation.
Source Your WP Tube