Illumination system and projection system using same

A projection system for projecting a color image, comprising:

• at least first, second and third image-forming panels, the first image-forming panel associated with a first color component of the color image, the second image-forming panel associated with a second color component of the color image and the third image-forming panel associated with a third color component of the color image;
• a first array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) capable of generating a first light beam associated with the first color component, the first light beam being directed to the first image-forming panel;
• a second array of LEDs capable of generating a second light beam associated with the second color component, the second light beam being directed to the second image-forming panel;
• and
• a third array of LEDs capable of generating a third light beam associated with the third color component, the third light beam being directed to the third image-forming panel;
• wherein the first LED array comprises at least one LED generating light of the second color component.