photon generating devices produce predetermined radiation spectral output and heat for a variety of applications including lighting and electric power generation , and provide photons to enhance chemical and physical reactions . such a device comprises an emitter which contains metal oxides , means to heat the emitter sufficiently to produce large number of photons of a desired spectral output , and an optical means for directing the photons to various targets . in one embodiment , the device includes a thermal input device , a light pipe having a low emissivity , and an emitter coating of superemitter material which is thermally stimulated to emit radiation of a specific wavelength above a threshold temperature . an intermediate layer may be used to bond the emitter coating to the light pipe or other optical device where desired . another embodiment comprises coating blackbody emitters onto transparent optical waveguides , such as light pipes , and heating the coating to emit photons into the light pipes which are directed to a target , and further comprises a means to select a particular target .