Infrared source for airport runway light applications

An airport runway light for use as a runway approach light for a runway lighting system, the runway light having a light body with a base configured to support the runway light in a light socket of a runway lighting system, the base having an electrical connection to electrically connect the runway light to the runway lighting system, the light further including one or more output windows wherein the runway light has a high-efficiency infrared source and one or more infrared reflectors to direct the infrared source outwardly through the one or more output windows, the infrared source including a silicon nitride element wherein the infrared source produces virtually no detectable visible light and with much less power consumption.