Laser flare
AssigneeSpectra Diode Laboratories, Inc.
InventorJohn G. Endriz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A compact laser flare illuminator includes a semiconductor diode laser array radiation source, an energy source for the radiation source that can be switched on and a housing which holds the array and energy source, while allowing egress of a beam. This illuminator may be used to facilitate night vision by persons wearing night vision goggles or using other types of wavelength-selective night vision devices. The housing may serve as a heat sink and may be equipped with a propulsion device and with fins for flight stabilization, as well as with a parachute for slowing descent from an altitude above an area to be illuminated. A wavelength filter that passes radiation only in a predetermined wavelength range and a lens or optical element to focus the laser radiation toward the area to be illuminated are optional features.
Claims30
Laser flare apparatus comprising:
- a semiconductor laser;
- an energy source connected to the laser and having means for switching between a first state that that delivers energy to and activates the laser and a second state that does not activate the laser;
- a package that contains the laser and the energy source;
- and
- means for positioning the package at a height above an area to be illuminated.
Laser flare apparatus comprising:
- semiconductor laser means for emitting radiation when the laser means is activated;
- a heat sink positioned adjacent to the laser means to receive a portion or all of the energy that is dissipated as heat by the laser means;
- an energy source for and connected to the laser means and being switchable between a first state that delivers energy to and activates the laser means and a second state that does not activate the laser means;
- and
- a package thermally communicating with the heat sink, the package containing the laser means, the heat sink, and the energy source.
Laser flare apparatus comprising:
- a tubular body having a forward portion and a rearward portion and being capable of flight through air;
- a semiconductor diode laser array having an output power of at least 0.8 Watts and emitting laser radiation in the wavelength range of 0.7 .mu.m.ltoreq..lambda..ltoreq.28 .mu.m, the array being mounted in the forward portion of the tubular body and having an output beam, the laser array having a switch means for activating or deactivating the laser array;
- a battery pack connected to the switch means and mounted rearward from the laser array;
- and
- means for activating the switch while the tubular body is in flight.
A laser flare illumination system comprising,
- a semiconductor laser means for emitting laser radiation, including a radiation component of a wavelength .lambda..sub.1, when the laser means is activated;
- an energy source connected to the laser and having means for switching between a first state that delivers energy to and activates the laser and a second state that does not activate the laser;
- a package that contains the laser and the energy source;
- means for positioning the package at a height above an area to be illuminated;
- and
- night vision goggles to be worn by a person positioned adjacent to said area to be illuminated, where the night vision goggles are sensitive to radiation at said wavelength .lambda..sub.1.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.