ams Osram debuts 5-junction edge laser to boost lidar systems

10 Nov 2025

Outputs higher optical peak power from less current than used by earlier 3-junction design.

Autonomous driving demands sensor technology that delivers precision, reliability, and long-range performance every second. Lidar systems capture the environment in three dimensions, regardless of lighting conditions, and enable safe, real-time decision-making.

ams Osram, based in Premstätten, Austria, has launched a new 5-junction edge-emitting laser, which the developer describes as a “key component that will elevate lidar-based vehicle management systems to a new level of performance.”

Compared to the previous 3-junction technology, the new laser offers significantly higher optical peak power while consuming less electrical current, the company states.

“The 3-junction laser already enabled a 50% increase in range compared to conventional emitters, but the 5-junction laser goes even further: by integrating five vertically stacked emitter layers in a monolithic structure, it not only extends range but also improves energy efficiency,” says this week’s annoucement. “Lower ohmic losses result in reduced heat generation, simplifying thermal design – a critical advantage in compact vehicle architectures.”

‘Future of autonomous driving’

Tobias Hofmeier, Product Marketing Manager, said, “With our new five-junction laser, we’re enabling automotive manufacturers to build lidar systems that are efficient and scalable. The combination of range, stability, and ease of integration makes this technology an enabler for the future of autonomous driving.”

For lidar system developers, this design means more performance with less complexity. The laser operates at lower currents, easing the demands on driver electronics. At the same time, integrated wavelength stabilization ensures consistent measurement results – even under changing temperatures or challenging environmental conditions.

The new 5-junction laser is delivered as a bare die. This approach not only provides system developers with more flexibility but also saves space, allowing for even smaller and more efficient lidar modules.

For automotive manufacturers, the small form factor supports fast and flexible integration into existing platforms and shortens development cycles – a key factor for scaling autonomous technologies into mass production.

Lidar is no longer restricted to “premium” vehicles, contends ams Osram. Whether for robotaxis navigating urban environments, automated delivery vehicles, or highway-level driver assistance systems – the range of applications is expanding rapidly.

Moreover, the increased range and precision enable OEMs to increase the speed for autonomous driving. This opens up new possibilities for highway driving and advanced driver assistance systems, without compromising safety or system reliability. The 5-junction laser will be available globally from the beginning of 2026.

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