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 emitting a thermal beam 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. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector.

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: 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: 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: A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam 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. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector.

Abstract: A portable target marker includes a quantum cascade laser configured to generate a thermal infrared beam. The target marker also includes a driver operably connected to the quantum cascade laser and configured to pulse the beam at a desired repetition rate. The pulsed beam intersects a target. The target marker further includes a thermal imager configured to form a visible image of the pulsed beam intersecting the target.

Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source emitting a thermal beam 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. The target marking system further includes a detector, and an optics assembly optically connected to the detector.

Abstract: A portable target marker includes a quantum cascade laser configured to generate a thermal infrared beam. The target marker also includes a driver operably connected to the quantum cascade laser and configured to pulse the beam at a desired repetition rate. The pulsed beam intersects a target. The target marker further includes a thermal imager configured to form a visible image of the pulsed beam intersecting the target.

Abstract: A method of marking a target includes intersecting a thermal infrared beam from a handheld housing at room temperature with the target, a portion of a beam path extending from the housing to the target being substantially optically direct. The method also includes viewing the intersected beam with a remote thermal imaging device.

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: A method of marking a target includes intersecting a thermal infrared beam from a handheld housing at room temperature with the target, a portion of a beam path extending from the housing to the target being substantially optically direct. The method also includes viewing the intersected beam with a remote thermal imaging device.

Abstract: A system for use in identifying one of an unmanned ground vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a signal emitter associated with the unmanned vehicle. The signal emitter includes at least one quantum cascade laser. The signal emitter emits a signal having a wavelength between approximately 2 ?m and approximately 30 ?m, and the signal is detectable to identify the unmanned vehicle as friendly at a distance from the signal emitter greater than approximately 1 meter.

Abstract: A sight assembly for a firearm includes a foregrip removably attachable to the firearm, a first light source disposed within the foregrip, and a different second light source disposed within the foregrip. The assembly also includes a power source electrically connected to the first and second light sources, and a control circuit configured to control activation of the first and second light sources.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a gas laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the laser, wherein the beam can be pulsed for enhancing imaging on the thermal imager.

Abstract: A sight assembly removably attachable to a firearm includes a foregrip, a quantum cascade laser disposed within the foregrip, and a power source operably connected to the quantum cascade laser.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a quantum cascade laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The quantum cascade laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the quantum cascade laser.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a quantum cascade laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The quantum cascade laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the quantum cascade laser.

Abstract: A handheld target marker is provided, wherein the target marker includes a housing retaining a gas laser, a collimating or focusing lens, a driver and a power supply. The laser produces a thermal infrared beam which can be selectively directed to impinge upon a target. The impinging beam is viewable by a thermal imager. The handheld target marker operates at ambient temperatures and incorporates the driver and power supply necessary for operation of the laser, wherein the beam can be pulsed for enhancing imaging on the thermal imager.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion exchange process and composition useful therein for creating a gradient-index profile in a glass structure which uses a monovalent metal salt bath modified by the addition of a non-monovalent metal salt which provides for complexing of the outdiffusing cation (of the ion exchange process) to prevent poisoning via that cation.