The prototype/early generation version can also be seen in ‘Manchete’ magazine, published in Brazil in 1986, shown below.

At some point, the technology was given, licensed, or transferred to the manufacturer we know the AIM lasers by today.

The ‘AIM-1’ series of lasers were developed by International Technologies (Lasers) Ltd. in Israel, and made by both them, and Litton Laser Systems in the US.
These devices were made from 1989 until at least 1997. Their most famous use was by DEVGRU in Somalia, 1993, during Operation Gothic Serpent.

Their true history can be traced back to 1986, with the “ITM Mini Laser Designator” as seen on an ITM AT84 which was manufactured in Switzerland by Solothurn, seen in Shot Show 1986.

The AIM-1 in terms of infantry use was never widely distributed, and seems to have had most of it’s use associated with aircraft mounted weapons.
In practical terms, as an infantry-borne laser, it was obsoleted by the advent of the PAQ-4B and PAQ-4C in 1992/3 which grew in popularity quickly.

Even before then, the AIM-1 was contending for use with the prior versions of the PAQ-4.
These lasers have been used by Israel, the U.S. Army and Marines, and Turkey.

In 2001, Litton Laser Systems was acquired by Northrup Grumman, and is currently Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems.
At some point, ITL became ITL Optronics LTD, and then later was acquired by Elbit Systems.

As of 2007, these lasers were still in US stockpiles.