LASER BEAM ADJUSTMENT

The invention relates to instruments, such as radiometers, which generate a laser beam for striking a target at a distance to assist in aiming the instrument at a selected area of a target. Provision is made for splitting a single beam, used for instance for centering the instrument on the target, into a plurality of beams for creating a pattern or for defining an area on the target. When a single beam is split, the resultant plural beams produced are of relatively lower power, which may be insufficient for visibility on a target at a distance. The beam splitting apparatus may be an attachment releasably engaged on the instrument, the attachment having a body structure with a relatively movable carrier incorporating a beam splitter device. Relative movement of the carrier serves to actuate switching means controlling the power of the laser beam.