Osram enters the 3D sensing market with two new VCSEL lasers

     Osram Opto-Semiconductors has announced the latest VSCEL(direct-cavity surface-emitting laser)PLPVCQ 850 and PLPVCQ 940 in the Bidos family. The applications of these two latest VSCEls include not only machine vision and face recognition, but also object or building scanning, which can save a lot of time and cost for space design by drawing 3D Spaces and placing virtual homes or other objects in them.

     VCSEL technology is best known for face recognition on mobile devices such as phones and tablets. The VCSEL uses infrared light to illuminate the face, which can solve the problem of low light in visible light environments and help the camera take clear images in a variety of scenes. The device then compares the captured image with the pre-stored image, and unlocks the device when the match is successful. With this technology, users can easily unlock their phones and use them even in complete darkness.

     This technology offers the benefits of both the IRED (infrared LED) and the laser - the high power density and simple package of the IRED, and the narrow spectrum and switching speed of the laser. At the same time, the effect of temperature fluctuation on VCsels is much less than that of edge-emitting laser diodes. Such 3D sensing applications are now available for Time of Flight (ToF) measurements using the PLPVCQ 850 and PLPVCQ 940.

     The two new VCESL models come in a compact black package, measuring just 2.40mm x 3.30mm x 1.20mm. Depending on the application, customers can match 2 W components to the desired wavelength, available at 850 nm(PLPVCQ 850) or 940 nm(PLPVCQ 940). The infrared beam is shaped with the help of a special microlens array to provide a highly uniform illumination of the Field of View (FOV). At the same time, the two VCSEL chips provided by OSram subsidiary Vixar are very simple to install, which is another big advantage.

     Nina Reiser, Market Manager for Opto-Semiconductors at OSram, said: "OSram is very pleased to see this significant innovation in the VCSEL product range. With these new products, we set a new standard in pioneering applications such as 3D sensing, and with OSram's expertise, we aim to make an even greater impact in this market."