Long distance illuminator

摘要

An illuminator (10,100), which may be an infrared illuminator, has an array (20) of LEDs (21). The LEDs (21) are mounted to an apertured substrate (22). Air flow through apertures (30) in the substrate (22) cools the LEDs (21). A fan (32) forces air through the apertures (30). A collimating plate (28) reduces divergence of a light beam (12) issuing from the LEDs (21). The illuminator (10,100) is suitable for long range illumination, for example in night vision systems (50) or surveillance systems. An infrared illuminator (10,100) may be combined with an infrared camera (52) to provide a night vision system (50).