Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam having a predetermined temporal modulation, and an optics assembly directing the thermal beam to impact a target, the target directing radiation to the optics assembly in response to the impact. A portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation. The target marking system further includes a detector configured to distinguish the portion of the radiation having the predetermined temporal modulation from a remainder of the radiation, the portion of the radiation passing to the director through the optics assembly. The system also includes a readout integrated circuit, the detector directing an input signal to the readout integrated circuit, and the readout integrated circuit producing a digitally enhanced output signal in response to receipt of the input signal.

Abstract: Laser systems are provided with a semiconductor laser having an emission face, a drive circuit adapted to supply electric energy to the semiconductor laser to cause the semiconductor laser to emit a beam; a user input system adapted to sense a user input action; a controller adapted to control the drive circuit based upon the sensed user input action; a housing within which the laser is positioned and having an opening with a window through which the semiconductor laser can emit the beam. The semiconductor laser is positioned to emit the beam through the window and the emission face of the semiconductor laser is sized to cause a divergence in the beam to create a patterned emission with a predetermined shape without passing the beam through beam shaping optics.

Abstract: An example tracking signal device comprises a housing and a light source disposed within the housing. A window is defined within the housing optically downstream of the light source. The device further comprises a sensor configured to receive a first beam of radiation and a controller operably coupled to (i) the light source and (ii) the sensor. The controller is configured to control the light source to emit a second beam of radiation based at least in part on receipt of the first beam of radiation by the sensor.

Abstract: Head up displays are provided. A head up display may have a base adapted for mounting to a firearm; a window positioned by the base so that a user of the firearm can observe a field of view through the window; an illuminator operable to generate a divergent illumination light; a light valve configured to modulate the divergent illumination light in accordance with an image provided by an image generator; and a collimating optic in an optical path between the light valve and the window that substantially collimates the image modulated illumination light. The window reflects at least a portion of the image modulated collimated light so that the observer observes the image substantially in focus with objects in field of view. Images presented may include data and images, including but not limited to thermal images.

Abstract: An example beacon system includes a housing, a laser module at least partly retained within the housing, and a controller operable to control the laser module.

Abstract: A system for use in identifying a user includes a portable emitter transported with the user. The emitter includes a quantum cascade laser configured to emit a thermal beam identifying a location of the user in response to a command, the thermal beam having a wavelength between approximately 2 ?m and approximately 30 ?m.

Abstract: Head up displays are provided. A head up display may have a base adapted for mounting to a firearm; a window positioned by the base so that a user of the firearm can observe a field of view through the window; an illuminator operable to generate a divergent illumination light; a light valve configured to modulate the divergent illumination light in accordance with an image provided by an image generator; and a collimating optic in an optical path between the light valve and the window that substantially collimates the image modulated illumination light. The window reflects at least a portion of the image modulated collimated light so that the observer observes the image substantially in focus with objects in field of view. Images presented may include data and images, including but not limited to thermal images.

Abstract: A deterrent device communication apparatus is linked to a deterrent device. When the deterrent device is in a ready state, the communication apparatus cooperates with an intermediate communication device to establish a communication path with an emergency response center through which the holder of the deterrent device can communicate.

Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector.

Abstract: Laser modules and systems are provided that are smaller, lighter, and less complex and while more reliably generating collimated laser beams having limited divergence.