The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Life-span of Tritium night-sights?

Keith J · October 4, 2001, 06:02 PM

All sights use Tritium, the decay of which cannot be controlled by any manufacturing process. Its half-life is 12 years, 3 months and illumination is reduced proportionally with the half life. Notice, the sight will never "go out" in anyone's lifespan but after 12 years, illumination will be about 1/2 compared to new.

All are sealed glass bulbs and the T is a gas inside. There could be a leak but most capsules are pressure tested and checked via mass spec. If it leaks, they will find it before using.

The decay products are Helium 3 (stable isotope), a beta particle and a neutrino.

October 4, 2001, 06:02 PM	#5
Keith J Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 469	All sights use Tritium, the decay of which cannot be controlled by any manufacturing process. Its half-life is 12 years, 3 months and illumination is reduced proportionally with the half life. Notice, the sight will never "go out" in anyone's lifespan but after 12 years, illumination will be about 1/2 compared to new. All are sealed glass bulbs and the T is a gas inside. There could be a leak but most capsules are pressure tested and checked via mass spec. If it leaks, they will find it before using. The decay products are Helium 3 (stable isotope), a beta particle and a neutrino.