Precise lidar sensors play a key role for autonomous vehicles. ams OSRAM has launched an eight-channel SMT pulse laser with a wavelength of 915 nm. The diode is housed in an AEC-Q102-qualified QFN package.

Powerful laser diodes are necessary for precise Lidar applications. ams OSRAM has launched a 915 nm SMT pulse laser diode.
(Image: ams Osram)

A Lidar sensor must be able to map its environment very precisely. ams OSRAM has now introduced the SPL S8L91A_3 A01, a special laser diode that can be integrated into Lidar systems. The SMT pulse laser diode offers eight channels and 918 nm and is built in a QFN package. This makes the laser diode particularly suitable for long-range applications in a Lidar system.

Thanks to its simplified system design and significantly higher performance, this laser enhances the effectiveness and reliability of Lidar systems, particularly for use in autonomous vehicles such as cars, trucks, and self-driving taxis (robotaxis). This integration will significantly improve the operation, navigation, and data processing capabilities of these vehicles.

With the AEC-Q102 qualified, edge-emitting 8-channel laser diode (Edge Emitting Laser) in the QFN package, system developers have the opportunity to choose from an even larger variety of infrared components from ams OSRAM. The diode offers a performance of 1,000 watts of optical power with an efficiency of about 30 percent. The integration of the laser diode in Lidar systems captures the environment of a semi-autonomous/autonomous vehicle, which is crucial for the navigation and safety of the vehicles.

The technical details of the laser diode

Autonomous driving is one of the most discussed topics of the future. The majority of system providers are convinced that Lidar is leading the way in the further development of autonomous driving. ams OSRAM has been developing pulse infrared laser diodes for Lidar systems in vehicles for more than 20 years. Now, more than 20 million units are in use.

The laser diode is housed in an AEC-Q102-qualified QFN package.
(Image:ams Osram)

The SPL S8L91A_3 A01 is an SMT infrared laser with a monolithically integrated 8-channel design specifically designed for Lidar applications. This configuration achieves a power of 125 W per laser channel, which corresponds to a peak optical output of 1,000 W in total. The laser has four individually addressable anodes, each anode connected to two parallel operating laser channels.

The use of a single laser housing enables a more compact and efficient design. The need for alignment between multiple components is eliminated, simplifying the design and manufacturing process. This integration not only shortens development and production times, but also significantly increases the reliability and performance of the end product. The design of the new laser includes a proprietary wavelength stabilization technology. This minimizes temperature-related wavelength shifts, improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and expands the detection range.

Less temperature-related wavelength shifts
A single laser housing allows for the development of more compact and efficient Lidar applications. The need for alignment between multiple components is eliminated, simplifying the design and manufacturing process. This integration not only shortens development and production times, but also increases the reliability and performance of the end product. The design of the new laser includes a proprietary technique for wavelength stabilization. This minimizes temperature-related wavelength shifts, improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and expands the detection range. (heh)

TrendForce 2024 Infrared Sensing Application Market and Branding Strategies
Release: 01 January 2024
Format: PDF
Language: Traditional Chinese / English
Page: 172