A system and method of generating white light for a projection system in a compact form factor using laser diodes, a reflection system, and a phosphor target. Light emitted from the laser diodes can be directed towards a region of the phosphor target, where the phosphor target is excited and emits light in a desired spectrum in all directions. Some emitted light is collected by a collection lens. The emitted light collected by the collection lens can be combined with light from the original laser diodes to create white light for use in the projection system. Light emitted in a direction away from the collection lens can be redirected to the collection lens by the reflection system that employs a curved reflector on one side of the phosphor target and a flat reflector on the opposite side of the phosphor target.