ROHM developed a high optical output laser diode, the RLD90QZW3, for applications such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and service robots in the industrial equipment sector and robot vacuums in the consumer field that incorporates LiDAR for distance measurement and spatial recognition.
In recent years, LiDAR is being increasingly adopted in a wide range of applications needed to be automated to precisely measure distance and for spatial recognition. For such market trends, there is a need to improve the performance of laser diodes when used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption.
ROHM meets this market requirement by establishing original patented technology to achieve narrower emission width. This contributes to a longer range and higher accuracy in LiDAR applications. In 2019, ROHM released the RLD90QZW5 25W laser diode that has been adopted primarily in the consumer electronics sector. This latest product expands applicability in the industrial sector by providing higher optical output.
The new RLD90QZW3 is a 75W infrared high optical output laser diode designed for LiDAR used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D ToF (Time of Flight) systems. Leveraging original device development technology allows ROHM to achieve an unprecedented emission width of 225μm at the equivalent optical output. This is 22% narrower than conventional products, improving beam characteristics. At the same time, uniform emission intensity together with low-temperature dependence of the laser wavelength ensure stable performance – contributing to higher accuracy and expand longer distances in various LiDAR applications. Moreover, a power conversion efficiency (which is a trade-off with narrow emission width) of 21% – the same as standard products (at a forward current of 24A and 75W output) – enables use without increased power consumption.
A broad range of design support data is also available on ROHM’s website free of charge, including optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design. This is necessary for integration and evaluation that supports quick market introduction.
ROHM is currently developing even higher output 120W laser diodes for the automotive sector (AEC-Q102 qualified). And going forward, ROHM will continue to contribute to achieving safer, more convenient LiDAR-equipped applications.
Key Features
- The industry’s narrowest emission width (225μm) contributes to longer range and greater accuracy
ROHM’s latest product leverages original patented laser diode device development technology to achieve high 75W output for LiDAR along with the narrowest emission width (225μm) on the market. High-density emission translates to superior beam performance. What’s more, in addition to successfully achieving uniform emission intensity across the entire emission width, the temperature dependence of the laser wavelength is extremely low at 0.15nm/°C, reducing susceptibility to temperature changes to ensure stable performance.
As a result, compared to standard products (emission width: 290μm, temperature dependence: 0.25nm/°C) with the same optical output power, emission width and temperature dependence have been decreased 22% and 40%, respectively, providing longer ranging in LiDAR applications as well as higher accuracy at standard distances.
- Equivalent power-optical conversion efficiency (PCE) allows for worry-free use without increasing power consumption
The patented technology is used to achieve the industry’s narrowest width in the same optical output class while delivering equivalent power conversion efficiency (which is in a contrary relationship) as standard products (PCE: 21% at 24A IF, 75W output). This ensures worry-free use without increasing power consumption.
- Comprehensive support enables the quick market introduction
A broad range of design support data is also available on ROHM’s website free of charge, including simulation data (SPICE models, Ray data), board development data, and application notes on drive circuit design necessary for integration and evaluation support quick market introduction. Click on the URL below for more information.
High Power Laser Diode Lineup for LiDAR
ROHM Initiatives for the Sensor Light Source Market
ROHM develops and supplies LEDs, Fabry-Perot laser diodes, and VCSELs that are being adopted in ToF sensor light sources for robot vacuums and surveillance cameras.
At the same time, ROHM has engaged in research and development to achieve higher optical output and maximize the performance of devices by leveraging expertise garnered from commercializing optical device-equipped products.
ROHM has achieved a variety of distinctive sensor light sources by developing devices and integrating them into modules, contributing to higher accuracy in distance measurement and spatial recognition systems.
Pricing: $75.0/unit (samples, excluding tax)
Availability: October 2021 (In mass production) Online Sales Information
Sales Launch Date: July 2021
Online Distributors: Digi-Key, Mouser, and Farnell
Scheduled to be released at other online distributors as well.
Products: RLD90QZW3-00A
Terminology
LiDAR
Short for Light Detection and Ranging, an application that uses the ToF (Time of Flight) system (comprised of a light source and ToF or image sensor) to sense ambient conditions.
AGV
Abbreviation for Automated Guided Vehicle. A type of automated vehicle often used in industrial applications; a transport vehicle that can run automatically without human operation.
3D ToF System
A spatial measurement system that measures the Time of Flight of a light source. This system uses ToF to perform 3D spatial recognition and distance measurement.
VCSEL
Short for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser. Although conventionally used for communication, it is increasingly being adopted in recent years as a light source for the optical block in sensing systems.
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