Thermal marking systems and methods of control

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.

1 . A target marking system, comprising:
 a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target;   a detector comprising a plurality of pixels and at least one display component, the at least one display component being configured to assist in forming an image of the beam impinging the target,   the detector being configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path, the radiation passing from the target in response to the beam impinging the target; and   an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path, the optics assembly comprising 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.   
     
     
         2 - 26 . (canceled)