Osram launches 125W-per-channel infrared SMT lasers for longer detection-range LiDAR in autonomous vehicles

Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany says that, with what it claims is the first AEC-Q102-qualified four-channel and single-channel pulse laser, system developers can now choose from a greater variety of infrared components. The two new products offer performance of 125W per channel and an efficiency of up to 33%.

Picture: Multi-chip solutions enable even higher system resolution and better measurement signals for autonomous vehicles.

The requirements for safety systems in (semi-)autonomous vehicles are complex. They must be reliable, work in all lighting and weather conditions, and identify potential hazards and obstacles in time to take appropriate driving decisions. There is now widespread agreement that only a combination of light detection & ranging (LiDAR), camera and radar can fulfill autonomous driving requirements. Osram introduced the first 905nm laser to the market more than ten years ago. Today it is the most commonly used wavelength in LiDAR solutions. For example, the 905nm has a significant advantage compared with 1550nm-wavelength solutions, especially in terms of total system costs.

A central aspect in terms of safety is the range of the infrared light source. A powerful laser is required to be able to look as far ahead as possible. Both products have an output power of 125W at 40A per channel. Due to its particularly low thermal resistance of only 30K/W for the single-channel SPL S1L90A_3 A01 and 17K/W for the four-channel SPL S4L90A_3 A01, heat is easily dissipated from the component, even at high current.
The four-channel version features a chip with four emission areas that deliver optical power of 480W. The laser enables a much longer detection range, at a size of just 3.35mm x 2.45mm x 0.65mm, making it only slightly larger than the 2.0mm x 2.3mm x 0.65mm single-channel version.

Picture: The SPL S4L90A_3 A01 four-channel laser is the new flagship in Osram’s LiDAR laser portfolio.

The two new high-power SMT (surface-mount technology) lasers expand Osram’s photonics portfolio for LiDAR applications and offer ease of use in system integration, it is claimed.

“Thanks to their higher power and extended duty cycle range of up to 0.2%, our customers can reach a longer detection range in the application and better resolution,” says product manager Rena Lim. “Additionally, eye-safe system designs can be achieved with these high-power 905nm products,” he adds. “Due to its excellent package design, the new products enable short pulse widths of around 2ns.”

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