News: Optoelectronics
11 June 2024
TRUMPF presenting live showcases of VCSEL solutions for optical sensing
In booth 1-156 at Sensor+Test 2024 in Nuremberg (11–13 June), TRUMPF Photonic Components GmbH of Ulm, Germany (part of the TRUMPF Group) — which makes vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and photodiodes for the consumer electronics, datacoms, industrial sensing, heating and automotive markets — is giving two live demonstrations to show the performance of its single-mode VCSEL solutions.
The VCSEL-based sensing components are said to be compact and robust laser sources, supporting industrial optical sensing systems.
One showcase illustrates time-of-flight (ToF) measurement, which relies on emitting a short pulse of light from the VCSEL. By measuring the time taken for the light to travel to the object and back, the distance can be accurately calculated using the speed of light, enabling precise distance measurements for applications like depth sensing with smartphones or gesture recognition systems.
Another live demonstration highlights the capabilities for gas sensing in the 760–766nm wavelength range. A benefit of optical measurement is highly accurate, real-time information. The VCSEL packages with integrated temperature control allow for easy handling and precise wavelength tunability.
Benefits of optical sensing with VCSEL technology
Optical sensing with VCSEL technology offers highly precise measurements due to its narrow spectral linewidth, enabling accurate detection of small changes. VCSELs are inherently compact and energy-efficient, making them suitable for integration into portable devices and reducing power consumption in larger systems. Their fast modulation capabilities allow for rapid data acquisition, enhancing real-time monitoring and response in a number of applications. Additionally, VCSEL-based sensors exhibit excellent reliability and service life, contributing to cost-effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements over time.
New VCSEL for higher illumination quality
Single-mode VCSEL light sources are said to offer excellent and reliable performance and are available with wavelengths ranging from 760nm to 940nm. For even higher illumination quality, TRUMPF offers solutions with polarization control. Later in 2024, TRUMPF will expand its portfolio of polarized VCSELs and release polarization-controlled, single-emitter, single-mode VCSEL components with 2mW output power. This will serve applications such as industrial optical encoding and spectroscopy. Evaluation samples will be available from September onwards, and mass production is scheduled for the end of 2024.
TRUMPF’s 980nm VCSEL extends transmission reach to 500m using optimized multimode fiber
