Abstract: A method and means for detecting the presence of infrared radiation and/or he presence of an optical dielectric transmitting element, such as a lens or window, is provided. By correlating the radiation wavelength with a visible detector wavelength and a specific dielectric element, the element can be identified or the alignment of a beam of radiation passing through the element can be established. In some cases the presence of a quiescent radiation device can be deduced from the identification of the dielectric element.

Abstract: An aiming aid that shows the orientation of an aiming device, such as hand eld weapons, in a dark environment without being observed by someone at the forward end of the device. The aiming aid is comprised of a very small light source embedded in a milled out hollow section of the weapon barrel which transmits light through the hollow section and a cavity in a front sight to be emitted through a front sight fiber optics pattern only back toward a rear sight. Light from the light source is also transmitted through a rear sight fiber optics pattern, after possibly being transmitted through a light scattering rod positioned on top of the weapon, and is emitted only backward. A shooter aligns the rear and front light patterns to provide the proper aiming of the device.