Read the map, take the bearing and mark the route. No batteries.
Map readers, hand bearing compasses, markers and sights that glow faintly and evenly for years, without power. They suit military and tactical equipment, rescue services and police.
What tritium light does in the field
No batteries to carry or change
Markers, map readers and compasses glow without power for the whole mission.
Green, white or infrared
Green gives the most light to the eye. White shows the map colours best. Infrared is in practice visible only through night vision.
Light discipline
The green light does not dazzle night vision, but others with night vision see it too. If the light must not be seen by the naked eye, choose infrared light sources.
Four tasks in the dark
01 Map reading
Read the map at night, without a torch
The map reader illuminates a visible area with 20 white tritium light sources all around the lens. Through the magnifying lens, maps and other information can be read in the dark, without batteries. The white light keeps the map colours clearly visible.
- 20 white tritium light sources, 272 GBq in total
- Scale for interpretation, optional when ordering
- 67 × 67 × 34 mm, supplied with a cord and a pouch
- Requires a licence from SSM
02 Bearings
Take a bearing in the dark
Prismatic hand bearing compass with four tritium light sources that illuminate the scale on both the horizontal and the prismatic plane. It can be read in total darkness, at dusk and in daylight, without batteries or switches. Graduated in mils, the division of a full circle mainly used in defence, or in degrees.
- 20° field of view, red sighting line
- Operating temperature -20 °C to +60 °C
- Calibrated for zones A and B. Zone C: minimum order 25.
- No licence for private use. Buying for an organisation? Contact us about licensing.
03 Marking
Mark routes, hazards and positions
The stake marker marks directions, areas and hazard zones in darkness and daylight. Its light source has a low brightness and shows in the dark, and the coloured panel is visible by day and at dusk. In defence, stake markers are used among other things to mark hazards such as IEDs and minefields, safe routes and fields of fire. The Tritium Marker marks stores, equipment and positions, and as personal marking it helps keep visual contact in the dark.
- Stake marker: integrated hook for hanging up or placing in the field
- Stake marker: several versions with different colours and brightness. Price: ask us. No licence needed.
- Tritium Marker: nine colours and different fittings, 80 to 550 µL (about 0.25 to 1.8 cd/m²)
- Tritium Marker Medium and Large require a licence from SSM
04 Aiming
Aim in darkness and low light
Tritium-illuminated sights give a visible aiming point in darkness and low light without batteries. Axial inserts are used to illuminate sights on everything from small arms to carbines and machine guns. They need no power source and no maintenance.
- Tactical Insert: metal sleeve with sapphire, Φ 1.9 mm, 6.7 mm long, -70 °C to 121 °C
- FPI Insert: polymer sleeve, outer Φ 2.5 mm, 5.7 mm long
- Tested for shock and weather
- Sights: no licence for private use, price and version on request. Inserts: no licence needed
For rescue services and police
The same light sources mark equipment, exits and positions so they can be found in the dark, without batteries that can run flat.
Tritium Marker
Find and identify equipment in the dark, mark exits, ropes and obstacles, and keep visual contact with personal marking. Nine colours and different fittings.
Adhesive Marker
A small light source in a tough plastic housing with a strong adhesive mount, for tools, equipment, doors, walls and light switches.
Tritium Torch (Betalight)
A faint but even green light, enough to read a map at close range once your eyes have adjusted to the dark. NATO stock number (NSN) 6260-99-965-3582 according to the manufacturer.
Licences
- Map readers, the torch (Betalight Torch) and Marker Medium and Large require a licence from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM). Give your licence number, or ask us to help you apply.
- Hand bearing compasses and sights may be bought without a licence for private use. Buying for an organisation? Contact us about licensing.
- Stake marker, Small Marker, LitenX, Adhesive Marker and inserts for sights need no licence, for individuals or organisations.
- Emitrix AB holds a licence from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) to handle radioactive substances. Licence: SSM2024-10476.
Procurement and solutions of your own
We develop light sources (GTLS) and products (GTLD) to your requirements for shape, size, colour and brightness, from idea and prototype to production. We exhibited at Defence Expo Sweden 2026 (stand N62).
Choose the subject Defence or public procurement in the quote form. You can ask for a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and attach drawings as PDF, DWG or STEP. Volumes and custom manufacturing are delivered in 8-12 weeks.
Do not send security-classified information through the form.
Is it dangerous?
No, not in normal use. The beta radiation from tritium is so weak that it is stopped by the glass and does not penetrate the skin. Even if a light source were to break in an accident, it would do no harm, because the gas quickly disperses into the air.
Frequently asked questions
Can others see infrared light sources?
They are in practice invisible to the naked eye. Anyone with night vision can see them, and so can cameras that are sensitive to near infrared, for example surveillance and trail cameras that record in the dark. How clearly they show depends on the distance and the equipment.
Do green and white light show through night vision?
Yes, clearly, and from further away than to the naked eye. The light is too faint to dazzle night vision. If the light must not be seen by the naked eye, choose infrared light sources.
Do the light sources show on a thermal camera?
The light does not, because it is not heat radiation. The product itself still shows like any other object.
Can you deliver in volume?
Yes. Volumes and custom manufacturing are delivered in 8-12 weeks. Do not send security-classified information through the form.
Procurement, volume or a solution of your own?
Call +46 8 88 11 88 or email mail@emitrix.se. Monday to Friday 08:30-16:30.