Light source with matrix of microfilaments

Light source, comprising a planar, or substantially level, flat or curved, rigid or flexible matrix of microfilaments integrated on a single substrate and suitable to emit light by incandescence when supplied by an electric current, said device comprising:

• a reflecting or transparent substrate,
• a plurality of metal microfilaments capable of emitting light by incandescence,
• a grid of conducting tracks to supply the current to said microfilaments,
• a transparent covering layer to permit emission of the luminous radiation, and
• electronic control means to switch on part or all of the microfilaments of the matrix,
• said source preferably (although not necessarily) also comprising a layer for the energy conversion of infrared radiation into visible radiation.