Abstract: A broadband source, including associated devices that may incorporate the broadband source, which makes use of at least one, preferably two or more broad fluorescence spectra in combination from one or more species of transition metal ions doped in one or more material bodies. The bodies are selected from crystalline, glass-ceramic, glass, or polymer-organic materials. The broadband source or devices can generate a very broad fluorescence spectrum. The combined spectrum preferably spans a wavelength range of about 500 nm to 600 nm to 700 nm, and having an intensity that does not deviate from an average intensity by more than about 10 dB, over a range or portion of the near infrared region.