Rohm develops 1kW class IR laser diode
Rohm has developed a high output infrared laser diode - RLD8BQAB3 - for use in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) equipped with LiDAR for distance measurement and spatial recognition.
The 125W, 8 channel (1kW class) array-type product is the latest in a range of devices based on patented technology to achieve the narrow emission width of lasers, enhancing long-distance, high accuracy LiDAR. Previous chips include the 25W output RLD90QZW5 introduced in 2019 and the high-power 120W RLD90QZW8 in 2023.
Rohm will initially start supplying samples for consumer and industrial applications such as drones, robot vacuum cleaners, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), and service robots.
LiDAR is seeing growing adoption in recent years across a variety of applications that require automation. But to detect information at greater distances with more accuracy, there is a need for laser diodes that serve as light sources to achieve high kW-level output while allowing multiple light sources to emit light at close intervals.
The RLD8BQAB3 is an ultra-compact surface mount device designed for LiDAR applications that use 3D ToF systems to carry out distance measurement and spatial recognition. The optimised design features eight emission areas (each 300µm wide) per element, installed on a submount affixed to a high heat dissipation substrate.
The package’s emitting surface incorporates a clear glass cap - an industry first for a surface mount laser diode - eliminating the risk of light scattering caused by scratches during dicing that tends to occur with resin-encapsulated products, ensuring high beam quality.
Each emission area is wired with a common cathode, enabling the selection of the irradiation method based on application needs - ranging from individual emission that increases the number of light-emitting points to industry-leading* simultaneous emission at ultra-high outputs of 1kW class.
