Dynamic infrared scene generation and projection system and methods

A method of dynamic infrared (IR) scene generation with an uncooled collimated laser, the method comprising:

• generating an IR scene input;
• generating data with an image processor, wherein the data is based on the IR scene input;
• initiating a laser scanning system comprising a laser scanner, wherein a hardware controller directs operations of the laser scanning system based on the generated data;
• contacting a thin-film screen with a laser beam directed by the laser scanner;
• and
• generating a target signature on the thin-film screen, wherein the laser scanner scans the laser beam on the thin-film screen based on the IR scene input.

An uncooled dynamic infrared (IR) scene generation system comprising:

• a thin-film screen configured to react when contacted by an IR laser;
• an IR laser source configured to emit the IR laser;
• a first acousto-optic modulator configured to direct a 1st order diffraction from the IR laser to a collimation element;
• a laser scanner configured to direct the 1st order diffraction to the thin-film screen;
• and
• image processor operably connected to a hardware controller configured to control the laser scanner, wherein the 1st order diffraction is scanned on the thin-film screen according to an IR scene input from the image processor.