Exciter for luminescent projectile

Abstract

Light emitting rigid, fracturable projectile-type marking ammunition is disclosed. The marking ammunition is in the form of a phosphorescent paintball. An exciter is adaptable for use with paintball guns to excite the phosphorescent paintball to emit light. The exciter couples to the muzzle of a paintball gun. The light emitting paintball provides a luminous trail when discharged from the paintball gun. A paintball according to the instant invention comprises a spherical pellet or capsule defining an interior chamber, and a filler contained in the chamber. In one embodiment, the capsule is impregnated with a phosphorescent material. In an alternative embodiment, a phosphorescent material is mixed with the filler. The phosphorescent material absorbs light when exposed to a light source, and after the light source is removed, emits light. A paintball being discharged from a paintball gun enters the exciter. Upon detecting the presence of a paintball, the exciter is triggered to produce a high intensity light. Light is absorbed by the phosphorescent material. After the light is removed, the phosphorescent material continues to emit light. Paintballs according to the instant invention discharged through the exciter provide a luminous trail and thus, may be used effectively in the dark.