We need to find a Mid IR source (lamp) that has excellent power and
emissivity in the 8 to 12 micron range.  Since most sources are
blackbody radiators, they have poor output in the 8-12 portion of the
spectrum.  And when you heat them up the curves shift towards the
visible part of the spectrum.

I keep imagining that some smart materials scientist could come up
with something that beefs up the 8-12 emission.  Do you know of
anything (other than Quantum Cascade lasers) that might help us, or
anyone who we could talk to about this??

Researchers should note that this question appears to have been posted four times.

Are you looking for complete coverage?

For instance a CO2 laser outputs at 10.6.  There are probably lots of
materials that have flourescence lines in the mid IR.

But, I think if you're looking for a calibrated source you're going to
be out of luck.  Folks use blackbodies for a reason.