Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: The image intensifier (22) of night telescope (12) is protected by a deactivate circuit (FIG. 4) which is in series with an off-on switch (S) between a source of electrical energy (28) and the image intensifier (22). The light sensor (26) measures ambient light. If the light level is below a predetermined light level, at which it is safe to operate the image intensifier (22), the light sensor (26) does not conduct. This causes an amplifier circuit (A-1, A-2) to deliver a negative voltage to the base of a transistor (Q-1). This enables the transistor (Q-1) to transmit electrical current from the source (28) to the image intensifier (22). Whenever ambient light exceeds the predetermined light level, the photoconductive sensor (26) conducts. In response to this happening the amplifier circuit (A-1, A-2) delivers a positive voltage to the base of the transistor (Q-1). In response, the transistor (Q-1) becomes incapable of transmitting a current onto the image intensifier (22).

Abstract: A relatively large diameter, sharply focused beam of invisible light is produced by a projector (10) for the purpose of lighting up a person, object, etc. to be viewed at night. The projector (10) is used in conjunction with a night vision telescope (12) which includes a light intensifier (88). The projector (10) includes a pulsating infrared LED, or a laser diode, adapted to produce a high intensity narrow beam of invisible light. This beam of invisible light is enlarged by a projection lens assembly (26) adapted to sharply focus the light into a collimated light beam of about the diameter of the projector housing (20). The light source (30) is pulsed on and off, and is on only about 10-20% of the time. When on it is illuminated by a high level current which would quickly burn out the light (30) if operated continuously. The intermittent operation of the light (30) at high current produces a nonflickering high intensity light beam.

Abstract: A relatively large diameter, sharply focused beam of invisible light is produced by a projector (10) for the purpose of lighting up a person, object, etc. to be viewed at night. The projector (10) is used in conjunction with a night vision telescope (12) which includes a light intensifier (88). The projector (10) includes a pulsating infrared LED, or a laser diode, adapted to produce a high intensity narrow beam of invisible light. This beam of invisible light is enlarged by a projection lens assembly (26) adapted to sharply focus the light into a collimated light beam of about the diameter of the projector housing (20). The light source (30) is pulsed on and off, and is on only about 10-20% of the time. When on it is illuminated by a high level current which would quickly burn out the light (30) if operated continuously. The intermittent operation of the light (30) at high current produces a nonflickering high intensity light beam.