A DIY long-range night vision system using an infrared laser illuminator paired with a reflecting telescope and a modified webcam (IR filter removed). The builder tried several laser options before settling on a VCSEL diode array driven at ~2W. Safety was managed by operating from a tall building at long range, where beam spread reduces intensity to safe levels. At 940nm wavelength, water vapor absorption caused up to 70% power loss, yet a usable image was still captured at 650 meters.
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