Ams introduces new highly integrated laser floodlight modules

     Ams has announced the introduction of a new (IR) laser floodlight module, the Merano Hybrid, which is an ultra-compact package and integrates all the optoelectronic components of the (IR) laser floodlight and the VCSEL Driver of the vertical cavity surface emitting laser. Oems (original equipment Manufacturers) use this module to make it easier to implement popular 3D features. This is the latest innovation and portfolio expansion for AMS to meet the market needs of customers around the world, and is a demonstration of AMS 'leadership in 3D recognition technology.

     The high photoelectric conversion rate 2W Merano-Hybrid is suitable for the latest 3D sensing technologies, including time-of-flight and structured light schemes. Face recognition, augmented reality, 3D object scanning, 3D image rendering and other industrial and automotive applications will all benefit from the use of Merano Hybrid.

     Lukas Steinmann, General Manager of AMS '3D Sensing, Modules and Solutions business line, said: "Thanks to AMS' unique expertise in advanced optoelectronics technologies, the Merano Hybrid module is the world's smallest laser flood lighting system with integrated VCSEL drives and is already in production. "Today, mobile phone manufacturers can significantly reduce the time and risk required to develop 3D capabilities and leverage this market-proven, high-performance flooding lighting solution to achieve the functionality they need."

     The AMS flood illuminator includes a laser emitter, a driver to control the laser, an optical lens, and a levelling sheet to shape the beam, as well as a variety of safety and protection features, and provides a regulated output of reflected light. Previously, Oems had to assemble multiple discrete optoelectronic components into a dedicated subsystem when producing flood illuminators. This is a difficult design and production engineering task.
Now, with the introduction of the Merano Hybrid, Oems can use only this one device to replace previous subsystems based on multiple discrete optoelectronic devices. With a thickness of only 3.7mm and an area of 5.5mm x 3.6mm, the module can be mounted directly and saves significant space, making it easier to place the floodlight system in a mobile device.

     Ams also has a dedicated photodiode and interlock loop built into the Merano Hybrid module for eye safety monitoring. This significantly reduces the amount of additional work required for Oems to achieve Level 1 eye safety certification.
The Merano Hybrid integrates an advanced vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and precision on-chip optics for beam shaping and scattering, thereby achieving ultra-low power performance that reduces battery consumption in mobile devices and further simplifies system power management.