Tritium is a self-contained, autonomous light source that does not require batteries, does not have to be charged like phosphorus night sights, and is exceedingly tiny.
Tritium sights are required on every contemporary pistol used for law enforcement, military, or self-defense. We know they brighten in the dark, keeping the sights visible at night, and we know it’s because of a chemical known as tritium.
It is so vital that numerous sights offer a wide range of goods and designs, but the tritium is the unifying factor. In the optic, Tritium is delivered in a little glass vial containing Phosphor. As a result, when Tritium reacts with Phosphor, it emits light. Although though it does not produce much light, it produces a glowing appearance that may be noticed in a dark area.
How Do You Set Up Tritium Vials?
Putting tritium vials in sights is a simple operation, but it is critical to take caution and follow safety requirements while working with radioactive chemicals. The following are the general procedures for placing tritium vials in sights:
Collect your materials:
- Tritium vials
- UV activated adhesive.
- Acetone
- Tools like screwdrivers and tweezers.
Uninstall existing sights:
If you are replacing them, use the sight setup tool to remove them.
Prepare the vials:
Most tritium vials come with a protective cap that must be replaced before installation. Take out the cap with care, being careful not to damage the vial.
Add a little quantity of epoxy to the interior of the sight hole before carefully inserting the tritium vial. Press the vial into position with the sight installation tool.
Let the epoxy to dry:
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for curing the epoxy. Normally, this takes many hours.
Replace the sight:
Once the epoxy has dried, reinstall the sight onto the weapon with the sight installation tool.
It is critical to remember that tritium is a radioactive element that must be handled with caution. Read all safety instructions included with your tritium vials and get expert assistance if you are unclear about the installation process.
FAQs
Is it necessary to charge tritium?
Tritium is a hydrogen isotope that is radioactive. Tritium light sources are radio luminescent and have a bright glow to them. They are auto and do not require charging through light exposure, unlike our Glow in the Night Embrite glow material.
Tritium does not generate light directly, but rather stimulates phosphors, which produces light. As a result, it is most commonly seen in glass capsules with a multicolored interior phosphor coating. Based on the photoluminescence and the sensitivity of the human eye, green is generally the brightest. Tritium has a half-life of 12.32 years, which indicates that a tritium-based light source will be half as bright after that time.
Why isn’t the tritium tube glowing?
Since tritium is radioactive, it will shine whether or not it is exposed to light; nevertheless, its capacity to glow is limited by the material’s radioactive half-life. This implies that as Tritium ages, its capacity to shine diminishes until it no longer glows at all.
Is tritium ever extinguished?
Tritium is a naturally occurring radioactive hydrogen isotope that is frequently used to light up a sign without the use of batteries or energy. Tritium exit signs will shine for more than ten years without the use of energy or batteries.
Do tritium sights require light?
Front sights made of optical fiber and gold or brass beads aid in focusing light from externally, but we now have something better – tritium night sights. These sights glow in the dark and do not require an external light or power source, nor do they need to be charged with one.
Conclusion
Finally, because Tritium sights are self-luminous, they do not require charging. Tritium is a radioactive element that decays and emits beta particles, which stimulate phosphors and give a constant light. This procedure can last for many years, allowing Tritium sights to be lighted without the need for external power sources.
Nevertheless, the illumination of the Tritium sights may decline with time, therefore they must be replaced on a regular basis to guarantee appropriate lighting for shooting in low-light settings. Also, Tritium sights should be handled with caution because they contain radioactive substances and should not be damaged or consumed.
