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KGB Stasi
Forensic infrared viewer
JASEN (Russian: ЯСЕН) 1
was a Generation 1 image intensifier,
also known as a night vision device (NVD),
for infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) imaging,
developed in 1957 in the
Soviet Union (USSR)
and manufacturered 2 at the
Zagorski Optical-Mechanical Plant (ZOMZ)
near Moscow (Russia).
The device was intended for use in criminal investigations, for example to
see in the dark during an observation and as a forensic investigation tool.
It is also known as S-270 (С-270) and INFRAM.
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JASEN consisted of two parts: the IR/UV viewer shown in the image
on the right, and an IR light source 3 that could be fitted
to its side, each powered by internal rechargeable NiCd
battery cells. In addition, the device could be used in combination
with any other IR/UV light source.
The device was originally developed for use by the police in criminal
investigations, especially during surveillance and observations, as it
is a rather compact unit, and allows the user to see in absolute darkness, as
long as the target is illuminated by a strong infrared (IR) light source.
In surveillance, the device was also used without its infrared light source,
to check if an IR viewer was used by someone else, allowing
an agent to check whether he/she was under
surveillance.
The image on the right shows a typical JASEN viewer, with the standard
short lens, which can be adjusted between 15 cm and infinity (∞).
In addition, the eyepiece can be adjusted to match the eye's refraction
between -3 and +3 diopter.
Other (telephoto) lenses were available as well.
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JASEN (S-270) was first released in 1957, and was in production until at
least 1992. In most (but not all) cases, the first two digits of the serial
number represent the production year. This means that the device featured
here was made in 1974. Over the years, the design of the IR light source
– which originally had the same size as the viewer – was changed several
times. The last known version
has an IR lamp with a large diameter, a pistolgrip
and a large external battery pack.
The device itself has hardly changed over the years. The Kenotron rectifier
was replaced at some point by cascaded semiconductor diodes, and the name
was changed to INFRAM (ИНФРАМ).
In a modified form – for use in photographic KGB laboratories –
it is also known as S-330M (BUK)
[2].
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JASEN (ЯСЕН) is the Russian word for CLEAR.
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It is possible that the device was also manufactured by other companies.
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The IR light source is missing from the device shown here.
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The diagram below gives a quick tour around the controls and features
of the JASEN viewer. At the top is the image intensifier that has a
filtered lens at the front and an adjustable ocular at the rear.
It can be used in upright position
– as shown above – or horizontally –
as shown below.
The device is powered by just 2.4V DC, supplied by two rechargeable
1.2V NiCd batteries that are installed in the cylindrical
compartment at the bottom/front. As the original NiCd batteries are no longer
available, provisions must be made to fit contemporary alternatives.
Power can be turned ON permanently by shifting the power button towards
the rear, or momentarily by pushing it in, which is sufficient
in most cases as the image intensifier holds the HT charge for several
minutes.
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The following versions and variants of JASEN are currently known:
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- JASEN, S-270 (С-270)
This is the initial version of the device. It consists of the JASEN IR/UV
viewer and a same-size infrared light source that can be mounted to its left
side. The device featured above, is of this type, but the light source
is missing.
- BUK, S-330M (С-330М)
This is a special version that was adapted by the KGB's 11th directorate
for use in photographic darkrooms, to observe black-and-white films
whilst they were being developed.
- INFRAM (ИНФРАМ)
This is a later version of the S-270, in which the Kenotron rectifier valve
of the HT unit has been replaced by semiconductor diodes. This version comes
with a different light source, and has the name ИНФРАМ (INFRAM)
engraved on the side.
- PLYN (TI-339-0)
Version of the S-270, modified for the Czech
intelligence service StB.
This version has a larger battery pack that is attached at the bottom,
and a fixed IR light source that is mounted at the right side of the device.
PLYN is the Czech word for GAS.
- BOUČEK (BUK)
Czech variant of the Soviet BUK (S-330M), in grey hamerite enclosure.
Intended for use in darkrooms and photographic processing laboratories of the
StB.
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Because of its compact design, JASEN could be adapted for a wide range
of applications, such as:
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JASEN was suitable for observations at night time, in which case the target
had to be illuminated by a strong infrared (IR) light source. It was also
suitable for surveillance jobs, for example when entering a room in total darkness
in order to avoid attracting attention. In that case, the local IR light source
– typically the one that could be attached to the side of the device – was used.
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Although the use of an IR light source allows an operative to see in total
darkness, it is also potentially dangerous, as the IR light can be detected
from miles away by someone with a similar IR viewer. This is particularly the
case when the subject is aware of being under surveillance.
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In criminal cases, JASEN was used as a forensic investigation tool. As it is
sensitive to infrared (IR) as well as ultraviolet (UV) light, it is the perfect
tool for the detection of forged documents. In that case, the device has to be
used in a darkened (preferrably dark) room, so that the IR-filter in front of
the lens can be removed. By illuminating the document with both IR and UV light,
any changes that were made to paper, printed text, ink, glue, paint, coating
and even a signature, will light up.
UV can light up bruses on a person's body, even when they are partially
healed and are not visible to the naked eye under visible light. It can also detect
fingerprints on paperwork and shoe-prints on a smooth surface, that are otherwise
completely invisible. In forensics, this technique is known as
Reflected-UV Imaging [6].
Note that for this type of application, an ultraviolet light source with a
suitable wavelength is required, and that the IR-filter in front of the lens has
to be removed.
➤ Read this report about the forensic use of UV
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During a covert operation, JASEN could be used as one half of a signalling
system, in which one party operates an IR flashlight, whilst the other party
monitors it. The flashlight can be used to trigger an event (e.g. to mount an
attack), as an emergency distress signal, a marker or a beacon.
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A good example of such a beacon, is the pocket FRS/MS-2000M military distress marker
made by the US company Fedcap Rehab SVCS, as shown in the image on the right.
The device measures 113 x 54 x 27 mm and weights just 150 grams.
The device is powered by two AA-size penlight batteries that are installed at the
bottom, and is small enough to be carried in the pocket.
At the top is a removable infrared (IR) filter cap behind which a large
flash bulb is mounted.
➤ More information
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Darkroom — S-330M BUK
БУК
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As a spin-off from JASEN (S-270), the 11th directorate of the
KGB
developed BUK (Russian: БУК) – also known as
S-330M (С-330М) –
as an aid when processing film from
subminiature cameras like the ZVOEK, ZAGADKA and ZALIV, and
– to a lesser extent – ZODCHI,
TOCHKA
and MINOX.
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Operatives often made technical mistakes when photographing documents
and in-door scenes, e.g. by under-exposing or over-exposing the films.
OT officers started experimenting
with longer and shorter development times of the negatives.
They discovered that, by leaving the exposed films
longer or shorter in the chemical developer, the quality of the
negatives could be improved substantially, leading to better prints.
As the exposed films were insensitive to infrared light (IR), it was
possible to use JASEN to watch the films whilst they were being developed [2].
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The KGB's 11th directorate subsequently modified JASEN, so that it could be
powered externally, and gave it a different permanent IR light source
and a suitable support arm for mounting it to
the wall of the darkroom. The new device became known as BUK
(Russian: БУК) and is also known as S-330M
(С-330М). According to Keith Melton in his excellent book
The Secret History of KGB Spy Cameras, BUK was manufactured at the
Mechanical Factory of Krasnogorsk (KMZ)
[2].
The image above, shows the Czech variant of BUK — known as BOUČEK —
in its grey hamerite enclosure, as it is on public display is the Police
Museum in Prague (Czech Republic). At the left is PLYM, the Czech version
of JASEN, modified for use by the repressive
intelligence service StB.
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JASEN is housed in a strong die-cast alloy body, that has not changed
very much over the years. It measures 135 x 100 x 40 mm and weights
just 600 grams, batteries included. The interior can be accessed by removing
8 recessed screws from the right side, and taking off the right panel.
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This reveals the contents of the device, as shown in the illustration above.
The most important part is the
image intensifier tube,
that is fitted directly between the lens and the ocular [3].
It is powered by a high voltage, supplied by
the large brown HT block at the centre of the device.
Inside the HT block, are a voltage transformer – that converts the 2.4V battery
voltage into the HT voltage for the image intensifier – and a so-called
Kenotron:
a high-voltage rectifier tube, which is basically a further development
of the Fleming Valve, invented by Irving Langmuir. 1
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At the bottom rear is the
transistor-based oscillator that drives the HT
transformer. It is powered by two 1.2V batteries in
the cylindrical compartment at the bottom front. A micro-switch, fitted behind
the battery compartment, acts as the power switch. Note the common
domestic TL-starter that it is fitted in the rear corner. It is used here
to protect the circuit against excessive voltages.
As the HT block is completely sealed, we have made a couple of x-rays that
allow us to see what is inside.
At the centre of the HT block is the
Kenotron rectifier valve. It can be replaced via the circular threaded access
port in the middle of the front panel.
The x-ray images 2 also clearly show how the
image intensifier tube is constructed.
A spare Kenotron valve is also available.
The Generation 1 image intensifier tube that is used in the JASEN viewer,
is sensitive to visible as well as invisible light, with two peaks: one
in the infrared (IR) spectrum, and one in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.
As the device is also sensitive to ambient daylight, it is important that
the target (i.e. the input port) is protected against excessive levels.
This is usually done by placing a strong IR filter over the lens.
When using the device to detect UV light, this filter has to be removed.
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The Kenotron was invented in 1914 by Irving Langmuir at
General Electric.
It is a high-voltage version of the Fleming valve, and was used for many
years in the power circuits of x-ray tubes [4].
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Images made with Creative Electron TruView Prime.
➤ More
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Below is the checklist of what is believed to be
the first version of JASEN, in which
valves (tubes) were used in the electronic circuits. In the 1970s,
the valves were replaced by transistors, and in the 1980s, the Kenotron
rectifier tube was replaced by cascaded semiconductor diodes.
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#
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Description
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Translation
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Qty
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1
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Светофилтр ИК
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Infrared filter
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1
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2
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Светофилтр УФС
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Ultraviolet filter
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1
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3
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Лампа УФО 4А
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Lamp UFO-4A
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1
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4
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Лампа ЦМ-33
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Lamp CM-33
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1
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5
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АккымулЯтор Д-02
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Rechargeable battery V-02
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2
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6
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Предохранител ПМО 0,15
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Fuse 0.15 A
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4
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7
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Кенотрон ЦКБ-1
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Kenotron (rectifier) CKB-1
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1
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8
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Салфетка 200 × 200
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Napkin
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1
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The following items are currently missing from the JASEN in our collection:
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- Infrared light source (same size as JASEN viewer)
- Ultraviolet filter
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HT
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High Tension
Common expression for a high-voltage power supply, typically in the range
of several hundreds to several thousands of Volts.
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IR
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Infrared
Invisible light beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, typically with
a wavelength above 710 nm.
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KGB
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Komitet Gosudarstvennoy Bezopasnosti  More
National Security Agency of the Soviet Union from 1954 to 1991
(Committee for State Security). Successor to the Cheka,
the NKGB and the MGB. Since 1991 known as
Federal Security Service (FSB).
In the context of this page, KGB is often synonymous
with any Soviet intelligence service.
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NVD
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Night Vision Device
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OT
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Operational Techniques
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OTU
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Operative Technical Directorate
Senior unit within the KGB that developed special equipment like
surveillance cameras, bugs and covert communication devices.
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UV
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Ultraviolet
Invisible light beyond the purple end of the visible spectrum, typically
with a wavelangth below 390 nm.
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Document kindly supplied by Detlev Vresileben [1].
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© Crypto Museum. Created: Sunday 02 June 2019. Last changed: Thursday, 28 October 2021 - 12:19 CET.
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![Jasen viewer with IR light source. Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/jasen_set_thumb.jpg "image # jasen_set.jpg")
![Czech version of JASEN (PLYN TI-339-0). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/plyn_01_thumb.jpg "image # plyn_01_large.jpg")
![Czech version of JASEN (PLYN TI-339-0). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/plyn_02_thumb.jpg "image # plyn_02_large.jpg")
![Czech PLYN (TI-339-0) and Boucek (Buk). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/boucek_thumb.jpg "image # boucek_large.jpg")
![Jasen viewer with IR light source. Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/jasen_set.jpg)
![Czech version of JASEN (PLYN TI-339-0). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/plyn_01_large.jpg)
![Czech version of JASEN (PLYN TI-339-0). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/plyn_02_large.jpg)
![Czech PLYN (TI-339-0) and Boucek (Buk). Image kindly supplied by Detlev Vreisleben [1].](img/boucek_large.jpg)
![Example of a footprint that is revealed with UV imaging [6]](img/shoeprint_large.jpg)
