Yes, I have experience with most types of IR illuminators from LED arrays, Halogen, and many others. My wavelength of choice is between 920-940 nm. One of the devices I tested has an effective range of 600 yards using an Arecont 1300M DN for the camera. I have also had success with composite cameras at ~540 TVL using the Sony 1/2" ExView sensor all the way to 1200 nm. The apparent low QE of Megapixel cameras above 800nm can be overcome by increasing the energy level of the reflected light. The "illuminated" target area at 600 yards is approximately 30 feet wide by 15-20 feet high. I had to cut the iris >80% close to keep the image in decent contrast. IT WAS BRIGHT to the camera and lens optics. The laser "canon" power supply was drawing 15 amps at 110 VAC. But I also had a regulated and filtered DC input tot e device. I didn't measure the current. I was too amazed at the powerful search light effect. I restate this wasn't one of those funky 808 nm lasers! This was a 940 nm (not visible) and properly diffused beam beyond about ten feet from the face plate. The beam was so wide at the front surface of the illluminator that it was not high enough energy to start paper burning.
I want to see long range covertly, not blind myself or start problems that can not be controlled. The device is legal in the USA to se. No PMA from the FDA BRH is required for experimental private use for this application. It is defined by three different sections of FDA regulations.
It was lots of fun. I know that with a different testing range, I can shoot and detect the refelcted liught at about one mile. The REFLECTED light was very bright to the camera sensors at 600 yards. My composite camera has been tested and easily detects reflected IR through 1200 nm and the iris is still partially closed ! The CW laser duty cycle was 100%. No smoking housig and it (housing) was cool enough to touch with bare fingers.
