Ams introduces new laser flood illuminator modules

     Ams has announced the launch of its new (IR) laser flood illuminator module, MERANO, a photodiode (PD) that provides the uniform light output needed for mobile 3D sensing applications such as user face recognition. By using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) -based flood illuminator in an ultra-thin package, ams will advance 3D sensing applications in mainstream mobile phones. The highly energy efficient 2W Merano-PD is suitable for the latest 3D sensing technologies, including time-of-flight and structured light methods. Face recognition, augmented reality, 3D object scanning, 3D image rendering and other industrial and automotive applications will all benefit from the use of Merano-PD.

     Lukas Steinmann, General Manager of ams 3D Sensing, Modules and Solutions Business Line, said: "ams is the world's leading integrated manufacturer of VCSEL-type lighting modules for mobile phones, producing its own transmitters and micro-optical components. This means that AMS is able to match components to achieve optimal performance while helping new and improved products like MERANO-PD achieve competitive system costs and reduced time to market."

     Flexibility x3 - augmented reality, 3D object scanning and 3D image presentation, thanks to the optimized thermal design, the 2W-Merano-PD module measures only 2.4mm x 3.3mm and is only 1.2mm high. This size can be easily integrated into the design of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones.

     In a mobile optical sensing system operating on the principle of time flight, MERANO-PD can emit invisible IR burst pulses of light. A separate IR photodetector senses a sequence of reflections from objects in the illuminated area and renders these objects as a 3D depth map or scan. MERANO-PD can also be used in lattice recognition (structured light) 3D sensing systems, flood lighting for IR cameras, and industrial 3D sensors and scanners.

     MERANO-PD's VCSEL transmitter emits a high quality uniform beam that makes it easy to integrate into 3D sensing systems with minimal calibration. Thanks to ams' deep optical expertise and complete control of the entire design, production and test process, the module performs well in terms of far-field optical power distribution uniformity. Within predefined lighting areas, the module precisely controls the 940nm IR output as well as the lighting pattern for optimal system efficiency.

     MERANO-PD requires only lower power consumption from the main power supply. This advantage is crucial for battery-powered portable electronic devices, as consumers expect them to combine long range with high performance. MERANO-PD's integrated photodiodes also detect light damage reflected by the device's lens, allowing the end device to dynamically adjust the output power of the VCSEL when connected to a separate monitoring circuit, or turn off the transmitting light source to ensure user safety.