Osram adds more powerful and efficient edge-emitting laser for automotive LiDAR

After developing pulse laser diodes for automotive applications for more than 15 years, Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany has added the more powerful and more efficient SPL DS90A_3 to its portfolio for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems, increasing the range of applications.

LiDAR systems are an integral part of driving assistance systems, such as lane assist and emergency braking systems in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. The propagation time of very short light pulses is used to determine the distance between the vehicle and objects in its vicinity. When a laser pulse hits a person or an object it is reflected and captured by a detector. From the time between the emission of the laser beam and its detection it is possible to calculate the distance to the object. The safety system can then decide whether, for example, the vehicle should brake or drive around the person or object.

The firm’s latest edge-emitting laser scans the vicinity of the car with an infrared laser beam across a particular angle segment. The system uses the scans to create a high-resolution 3D map of the environment. This enables the technology to react to any traffic situation without losing valuable seconds. A car traveling at a speed of 50 miles an hour, for example, covers about 22m every second, so every extra second that drivers take to react can have serious consequences for them and other road users.

The new SPL DS90A_3 laser can be operated at high currents up to 40A and achieves a typical output power of 125W. It is suitably qualified for use in automotive applications and offers long life and high efficiency, says the firm. Its compact dimensions allow for flexible system design within the vehicle.

“With this new laser we have succeeded in taking one of the key technologies for autonomous driving another step forward,” says Andreas Bauer, marketing manager for Lasers. “Thanks to the higher output, the LiDAR system can reliably detect even small and poorly reflecting objects at big distances and take the necessary action in critical driving situations.”

See related items:

Automotive market showcasing progress in sensor technology, says Osram Opto

Osram takes 25% stake in LiDAR technology firm LeddarTech

Tags: Osram LiDAR

Visit: www.osram-os.com