An exemplary illumination apparatus for use in a projection system includes a number of solid-state light sources and first non-imaging collection optics, a power coupler, an optical amplifier, and a second non-imaging collection optic. The solid-state light sources are configured to generate light of a predetermined wavelength. Each first non-imaging collection optic is configured to collect and transmit light from a respective solid-state light source to the power coupler. The power coupler is configured to combine light from the solid-state light sources. The optical amplifier is configured to amplify the combined light. The second non-imaging collection optic is configured to collect the amplified light to provide illumination.