Abstract: A firing apparatus includes a light generating device for emitting a modulated light beam that includes information regarding the firing apparatus upon triggering in a direction toward a target. Lens optics is positioned in a path of the modulated light beam including a one dimensional lens for beam shaping the modulated light beam to provide a shaped modulated beam including a low divergence horizontal beam portion and a vertically elongated beam portion. A combat training system includes a head mounted apparatus including at least one photodetector affixed. The vertically elongated beam portion allows the light beam generated by the firing apparatus to be aimed at the torso of the target and be detected by photodetectors that are exclusively on the helmet.

Abstract: A firing apparatus includes a light generating device for emitting a modulated light beam that includes information regarding the firing apparatus upon triggering in a direction toward a target. Lens optics is positioned in a path of the modulated light beam including a one dimensional lens for beam shaping the modulated light beam to provide a shaped modulated beam including a low divergence horizontal beam portion and a vertically elongated beam portion. A combat training system includes a head mounted apparatus including at least one photodetector affixed. The vertically elongated beam portion allows the light beam generated by the firing apparatus to be aimed at the torso of the target and be detected by photodetectors that are exclusively on the helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of fabricating an tubular reflector for use in a laser. The tubular reflector is formed by first grinding smooth the inside surface of a round metal tube. The polished tube is inserted into an elliptical mold. The mold is then pressed to shape the round tube into an elliptical tube. Next the inner wall of the tube is coated with a highly reflective material. Finally, a light source and a laser rod are positioned in the tube such that after the light source is turned on, light is reflected off the reflective walls of the tube to the laser rod resulting in laser light emitting from the ends of the rod. It may also be preferable that the elliptical tube be formed by combining and bending two flat metal sheets.