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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For SENTINEL, MH-1, AEON ANVG, and PANOS. Larger tube diameter means more photocathode area and typically higher achievable FOM at equivalent performance tier.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
Contact Adams Industries with your housing format and target FOM — we'll match the tube and coordinate installation.
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