A compact dual ellipsoidal reflector (DER) system for illuminating a target with rays of electromagnetic radiation comprises first and second molded module. The first molded module has at least a first ellipsoidal reflector section comprising an optical axis, a first focal point and a second focal point. The rays of electromagnetic radiation being directed substantially proximate to the first focal point of the first ellipsoidal reflector section and substantially converge at the second focal point of the first ellipsoidal reflector section. The second molded module has at least a second ellipsoidal reflector section comprising an optical axis, a first focal point and a second focal point. The second ellipsoidal reflector section being positioned and oriented with respect to the first ellipsoidal reflector section to receive at least a portion of the rays of radiation reflected from the first ellipsoidal reflector section and reflect the portion of the rays of radiation to the second focal point of the second ellipsoidal reflector section. The first molded module is placed together with the second molded module to form the compact DER system.