Described are infrared light sources and methods for generating infrared radiation. The infrared light source includes a source of laser radiation, a target and an enclosure. The target is positioned in a path of an output region of the source of laser radiation. The target includes an absorbing material that absorbs radiation at a wavelength within the lasing spectrum of the source of laser radiation and converts the absorbed radiation into thermal energy. The enclosure defines a cavity that includes the target. The enclosure includes an infrared reflecting film on a side that defines the cavity.