The next step in technology is the third generation (GenIII) image intensifier in which the multi-alkali photocathode is replaced by a Gallium-Arsenide (GaAs) or a Gallium-Arsenide-Phosphide (GaAsP) photo-cathode. The quantum efficiency (QE) of these types of photo-cathodes are much higher as compared to the multi-alkali photocathode of the second-generation image intensifiers.

Recently, new filmless Gen III intensifiers have been developed that are using the high QE to its full extend. The higher QE results in a better SNR or in shorter exposure times at equal SNR. In the graph, spectral sensitivity curves of multialkali photocathodes, such as S25, S20 and broadband, are shown in comparison with GaAs and GaAsP photocathodes.