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Rohm develops kilowatt-class infrared laser diode

08 Jan 2025

High-power 125W × 8-channel array boosts measurement distance and resolution in lidar ADAS applications.

Rohm, an electronic components manufacturer based in Kyoto, Japan, has developed a high-output “RLD8BQAB3” laser diode specified for lidar-equipped advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to enable precise distance measurement and spatial recognition.

The new device is also targeting consumer and industrial applications, including drones, robot vacuum cleaners, automated guided vehicles, and service robots.

Of the potential market, Rohm states, “Lidar adoption has increased across various automation-focused applications, driving demand for high-performance laser diodes capable of achieving kilowatt-level outputs. These diodes must emit light at close intervals for enhanced detection accuracy over longer distances.”

Rohm’s patented technology delivers narrow laser emission widths, supporting high-accuracy, long-distance lidar systems. Building on this, the new diode offers a 125W, 8-channel (1kW-class) array design to meet growing market demand for “compact, high-performance solutions”.

Specification and performance

This surface-mount infrared laser diode, which measures 3.3mm × 5.6mm, is optimized for time-of-flight systems. It features 8 emission areas (each 300 µm wide) per element, mounted on a high-heat-dissipation submount. A clear glass cap, an industry first for surface-mount laser diodes, ensures high beam quality by preventing light scattering caused by scratches, a common issue in resin-encapsulated designs.

The product also enables flexible irradiation options, including individual and simultaneous emissions, achieving what Rohm calls “industry-leading 1kW-class output”. Additional features include uniform emission intensity across the emission width and a low wavelength temperature dependence of 0.1nm/degrees Celsius (compared with 0.26 to 0.28 nm/degrees Celsius for standard products).

The array configuration reduces emission gaps between channels, while a bandpass filter, which allows only signals in a specific light wavelength band to pass through, minimizes ambient light interference, enhancing long-distance detection and high-definition lidar functionality.

Samples for the new product are now available. Rohm noted that preparations are underway to ensure this product complies with automotive standards AEC-Q102.

Iridian Spectral TechnologiesCHROMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.LASEROPTIK GmbHMad City Labs, Inc.Photon Lines LtdOptikos Corporation Changchun Jiu Tian  Optoelectric Co.,Ltd.
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