A system for generating a light pulse causes fluorescence in an object. The system includes a light emitting diode (“LED”) light source to emit light onto the object. The light source has an operational radiant flux. The system also includes an imaging sensor to sense light emitted due to fluorescence in the object. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the light source. The controller is able to drive the light source to produce a pulse of light at a pulse radiant flux. The controller is also able to inhibit the light source after the pulse for a darkness period. The pulse radiant flux of the light produced by the light source is higher than the operational radiant flux of the light source.