Infrared radiation filament and method of manufacture

The principal component of an improved IR radiation source described is a radiation filament (3) having a profiled surface produced by crystallized ion bombardment of a metal foil (10) cut into a serpentine mold and mounted in a windowed housing (1). Specific ion bombardment profiling techniques tune the surface to maximize emissions in the desired wavelength range and limit emissions beyond the narrow range, especially at longer wavelengths. A combination of filament surface profiling, thickness, material, shape and power circuit feedback control produces wavelength controlled and effective radiation at far lower power requirements than prior art devices.