2. (Not really sure about this one) The variety that is only visible using IR goggles is actually the regular RED laser, commonly used in laser pointers for presentations and lolcat Youtube videos. Those beams actually also have a significant IR spectrum component. So, same designator that produces a "red dot" also produces a beam visible in IR. Or so I gather.

 

Completely incorrect. Lasers have EXACT wavelengths. A red laser is usually 650nm wavelength and has no other wavelength component. Now NVG (night vision goggles) operate over visible range and near IR (up to about 960nm) and amplify the light. So they will see any visible laser because they see any visible light. Also because they amplify light a lot they will see any reflected light from the laser beam hitting particulates in air even if such reflections are generally not bright enough to be seen by the naked eye.

This must be right from the perspective of laser being a coherent wavelength light source, but nevertheless this effect is observable. It maybe has to do with the atmospheric air reaction to the beam, not the beam itself, you're right. Or maybe those device HAVE to alternate pulses to include include a secondary emitter like target designators used for airstrikes do -- one wavelength to actually "paint" the target, and another one used for the rangefinder. Or maybe I am incorrect altogether -- hence my "not really sure" disclaimer. Have to educate myself