The infrared image generation device, method and system generate realistic infrared images to accurately test infrared sensors. The device and system include a laser light source, at least one scanner, a processor and a target plate. The scanner(s) receive and redirect the laser light. The processor controls operation of the scanner(s) to generate at least one infrared image and the target plate receives the redirected light from the scanner(s) and, as such, the infrared image(s) are generated on the target plate. For instance, the target plate may display an infrared image having at least one portion that represents a temperature of at least 1000 Kelvin. The target plate may be made of a transparent heat sink layer facing the scanner(s), an insulator layer adjacent to the transparent heat sink layer, and an emissive layer that is at least opaque and is adjacent to the insulator layer.