A single-ended laser device for locating reflective targets within a given surveillance
volume, said apparatus comprising:
- a body of material excitable to emit electromagnetic radiation at frequencies
within a characteristic fluorescence peak, said body having an effective exit aperture;
- a single retro-reflective member having an optic center and positioned
to receive radiation from said body and to redirect said radiation into said surveillance
volume through said effective exit aperture of said body, said effective aperture
being oppositely disposed on said body from said single member, said single member
cooperating with said body to form a field of view within said surveillance volume
substantially equal to the solid angle defined by the square of the length of a
line joining said optic center of said single member with the center of said effective
exit aperture divided into the area of said exit aperture transverse to said line;
- means for exciting said body to an energy level substantially equal
to the threshold for establishing oscillation of stimulated radiation between said
single member and a reflective target located a preselected maximum distance from
said single member to cause said body to broadcast fluorescent radiation throughout
said field of view, whereby a resonant beam of stimulated radiation will be established
between said single member and a reflective target located anywhere within said
field of view at not more than said maximum distance and which is oriented to receive
radiation from said body and to redirect said radiation through said body to said
single member; and
- means for indicating establishment of said resonant beam.
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