IR illuminator, 3°, 10° diffused. Tight, concentrated beam built for distance.
A modular IR aiming platform, machined from billet and built for the dark. Center-over-bore IR laser engineered for professional use.
The ‘3’ reconfigures to the application in seconds. One body, a kit of interchangeable heads, and a center-over-bore IR aiming solution.
Start with The ‘3’ body and add any mix of 300-series 3V heads. Swap IR illuminators and white lights in seconds to match the application. Base body from $849.99.
Every head throws a different signature through night vision, from a tight focused beam for distance to a wide flood for movement and CQB. The configurator previews the exact beam profile for each head in your configuration, so you can match the platform to the environment before you ever mount it.
The ‘3’ body is machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminum with a center-over-bore IR laser and a low-profile design, so the aiming solution sits below your optic window and allows use with iron sights. Every unit is engineered for quality and built to withstand professional-tier use.
Pick your finish, add your heads, and see your exact unit and beam profile update as you build. Black or FDE, base body to full kit.
Open the Configurator →
CTF Photonics designs, machines, and assembles precision infrared aiming and illumination systems in the United States. From billet aluminum to final assembly, every unit is engineered for quality and built to withstand professional-tier use in the field.
A vertically integrated process keeps design, machining, finishing, and test under one roof, so quality and lead time stay in our control.

The ‘3’ is machined from billet 6061-T6 with a center-over-bore emitter and a low profile design, then finished, tested, and inspected before it earns the CTF Photonics name. Field-serviceable T25 stainless hardware throughout.
Building for a unit or program? Configure your platform, or reach out for a capability statement and pricing.
Configure The ‘3’ →Tell us how we can help. Whether you are a customer, a unit, an agency, or a potential partner, send the details below and the right person at CTF Photonics will follow up.
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Every head in The ‘3’ ecosystem, available individually. Mix and match IR illuminators and white lights to build the loadout your application calls for. Each head is shown with its beam signature under night vision — click any head for full specifications.
IR illuminator, 3°, 10° diffused. Tight, concentrated beam built for distance.
IR illuminator, 10°, 40° diffused. Wider wash for closer work and movement.
Selectable IR illuminator. Balanced output for general-purpose use.
Selectable IR illuminator. Higher output and longer reach.
400-lumen white light for identification and close-quarters work.
Surefire white light IR hybrid for general purpose illumination.
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These items are controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). They may be sold only to a U.S. person as defined by 22 CFR 120.62 who is 18 years of age or older.
All orders are screened against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List and reviewed by our order management team prior to shipment. If we are unable to complete your order, we will contact you and refund your payment in full.
Card details are entered directly with our payment provider. They are never stored on this site.
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International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) Terms and Conditions
The CTF Photonics website is operated and managed by Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions Inc (LWS). On behalf of CTF Photonics, LWS does not export outside of the U.S. and ensures sales to U.S. person 18 years of age or older by means of affirmation from the customer. Customers, prior to shipment, are verified not to be on the International Trade Administration (ITA) Consolidated Screening List (CSL). Affirmation and verification are required prior to purchase of ITAR controlled Items.
The CTF3 is controlled in the United States Munitions List (USML) and is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR 120-130. Export is strictly prohibited without authorization and license issued by the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The customer understands that sale, transfer, transportation, or shipment outside of the U.S. is strictly prohibited without authorization and license. Failure to comply with all U.S. government requirements may result in civil penalties and/or constitute a federal crime.
ITAR restricts access of items on the United States Munitions List to U.S. persons as defined by ITAR section 120.62. U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)* or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)**. It also means any corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, or any other entity, organization, or group that is incorporated to do business in the United States. It also includes any governmental (Federal, state, or local) entity. It does not include any foreign person as defined in § 120.63.
*8 U.S.C. 1101(a) (20) The term "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" means the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.
**8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) "Protected individual" defined as used in paragraph (1), the term "protected individual" means an individual who— (A) is a citizen or national of the United States, or (B) is an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, is granted the status of an alien lawfully admitted for temporary residence under section 1160(a) or 1255a(a)(1) of this title, is admitted as a refugee under section 1157 of this title, or is granted asylum under section 1158 of this title; but does not include (i) an alien who fails to apply for naturalization within six months of the date the alien first becomes eligible (by virtue of period of lawful permanent residence) to apply for naturalization or, if later, within six months after November 6, 1986, and (ii) an alien who has applied on a timely basis, but has not been naturalized as a citizen within 2 years after the date of the application, unless the alien can establish that the alien is actively pursuing naturalization, except that time consumed in the Service's processing the application shall not be counted toward the 2-year period.
The Department of State through the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) enforces the International Trade in Arms Regulations (Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations Part 120-130) while the Department of Commerce, through the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) enforces the Export Administration Regulations (Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations Part 730-780).
Owners of CTF Photonics products are solely responsible for consequences directly or indirectly incurred or suffered due to any unauthorized activities conducted that may result in criminal or civil liability.
The customer is responsible for understanding state and local firearm related laws governing the ownership and purchase of firearm accessories specifically related to items purchased from CTF Photonics prior to purchase.
The customer is responsible for understanding and agreeing to all terms and conditions prior to purchase.
CTF Photonics warrants this product to be free of defects for one year from the date of purchase except for batteries, abuse and normal wear. We will replace or refund the purchase price of this product should we determine it to be defective.
THIS IS THE ONLY WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED EXCEPT WHERE SUCH LIMITATION IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
You may have other specific legal rights which vary by jurisdiction.
Please provide proof of purchase when processing a warranty claim. If you have any questions about the warranty on your CTF product, please contact us directly at info@ctfphotonics.com. In order to file a warranty claim, email info@ctfphotonics.com with the following information:
You will receive a return shipping label via e-mail. Place the item in a box with your original packing slip or invoice, and CTF Photonics will take care of your warranty claim in a timely manner. Should CTF Photonics determine the product to be defective, CTF Photonics will pay for the return postage for your return or exchange and the shipping cost for your repair or replacement item.
Please note that refunds are not issued for expedited shipping charges, regardless of the reason for your return or exchange.
CTF Photonics will comply with all federal laws and export regulations that apply to our products, technology, and services. Any exports must be made in compliance with all U.S. export regulations, most notably the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Some items sold in this store are ITAR controlled. Export of these devices is strictly prohibited without a valid export license issued by the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, as prescribed in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation.
The sale, transfer, transportation, or shipment outside of the U.S. of any product prohibited or restricted for export without complying with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including proper export licensing, documentation or authorization, is strictly prohibited and may result in civil penalties and/or constitute a federal crime.
CTF Photonics will not engage in any transaction that requires the illegal export of any products and will not assist directly or indirectly with the illegal export or re-export of any products.
If you should have any questions or require additional information regarding export regulations please contact the Directorate of Defense Trade Control and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
We accept returns within 30 days of the original purchase. Once we receive your returned item, please allow 7–14 business days for processing. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method. For any questions, feel free to contact our support team at orders@ctfphotonics.com.
Returns for products believed to be defective are handled under the Limited 1-Year Warranty rather than this policy. Start a warranty claim from the Warranty & RMA form.
Returns are accepted from within the United States only. Products may not be shipped, transferred, or returned from outside the United States. See the ITAR Compliance Statement and Terms & Conditions.
All orders are screened against the U.S. Government Consolidated Screening List and reviewed prior to shipment. If we are unable to complete your order, we will contact you and refund your payment in full. No return is required in that case, as the product will not have shipped.
Effective Date: August 2024
At CTF Photonics, accessible from www.ctfphotonics.com, one of our main priorities is the privacy of our visitors. This Privacy Policy document outlines the types of information that is collected and recorded by CTF Photonics and how we use it.
When you visit our website, we may collect certain information from you, such as:
The information we collect may be used in the following ways:
We value your privacy and strive to protect your personal data. We use industry-standard security measures to protect the information you provide to us. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to outside parties unless we provide you with advance notice, except as outlined below:
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small files placed on your device that help us remember certain information about your visit.
You can choose to disable cookies through your browser settings. However, if you disable cookies, some features of the website may not function properly.
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. These third-party sites have their own privacy policies, and we do not assume any responsibility or liability for their content or practices. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of any site you visit.
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights under data protection laws:
These rights are subject to our legal and regulatory obligations. Records relating to export-controlled orders — including U.S. person affirmations, Consolidated Screening List results, and associated transaction records — are retained for the period required by U.S. export control regulations and cannot be deleted or restricted on request during that period.
CTF Photonics does not knowingly collect any Personal Identifiable Information from children under the age of 13. If you believe your child has provided this kind of information on our website, we encourage you to contact us immediately, and we will do our best to promptly remove such information from our records.
Separately, and regardless of the above, purchases from CTF Photonics are restricted to U.S. persons who are 18 years of age or older. Customers affirm that they meet this requirement at checkout, and orders may not be placed by minors.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to periodically review this page to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.
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