Covert Short Wave Infrared Illuminator Core

Military personnel must be able to observe a target without making that target aware of their presence. The wavelength of light used for this target illumination must be far enough outside the visible spectrum that an inexpensive and common device, such as a simple attachment to a camera phone, cannot detect the light. The covert short-wave illuminator uses microprocessing to control the system’s optical output levels while monitoring its temperature. The device is designed to be used in conjunction with a higher-level system that sends commands to and powers the illuminator, in addition to receiving temperature data. Through a complex arrangement of lenses and the use of highly sensitive electrical equipment designed to power the laser diode, the system outputs a uniform beam in the 1500 to 1600 nanometer wavelength range for optimal covert illumination of a target.