Abstract: A non-linear device for amplifying the intensities of light rays includes a photosensitive optical component upon which a first image is formed by light rays incident upon the photosensitive optical component. A final image is formed from the rays passing through the photosensitive optical component. The photosensitive optical component includes a transparency which is variable at any point as a function of the luminous intensity reaching that point and another characteristic of the incident light. A control circuit responsive to the other characteristic is provided for controlling the operation of the optical component such that the luminous intensities of each point forming the initial image are amplified in a non-linear manner and form a final image, the contrast of the luminous intensities of which are different from those of the rays forming the initial image.