Abstract: A monocular night vision apparatus employing an infrared energy spectrum source of illumination and a camera lens and night vision image intensifier combined receiver apparatus into a small hand-held portable package that is both low in cost and reliable in nature is described. The night vision transmitter apparatus includes a laser diode energy source that is coupled to an aperture controlled and focus controlled optical system and driven by an electronic closed-loop feedback energization circuit which employs self-contained battery sources of energy. Multiple operating modes and operating intensities of the light source are provided through a plurality of signal inputs to the closed feedback loop of the laser diode energy source. Disturbance of the closed feedback loop by reflected energy within the optical transmitter apparatus is precluded by the use of feedback prevention optical alignment in the transmitter's optical system.

Abstract: An improved helmet is provided including means to telescopically acquire an image of a field of view, which comprises, a telescopic optical system including an objective lens mounted to said helmet above the line of sight of the wearer, a light-conducting fiber optics bundle mounted to said helmet for receiving the image from the objective lens, and collimating lens for receiving the image from the fiber optics bundle and projecting the image onto a helmet-mounted visor in the line of sight of the wearer. A shutter, remotely controllable by the wearer, may be disposed intermediate the objective lens and display to selectively block transmission of the image.