Osram LED is a first for iris scanning
The Oslux SFH 4780S infrared LED (IRED) from Osram Opto Semiconductors is believed to be the first to market for unlocking smartphones by iris recognition.
Fujitsu is using iris scanning in its ARROWS NX F-04G smartphone, which is being marketed by the Japanese telecommunications company NTT DOCOMO. This smartphone, which is currently available only in Japan, is the first in the world with this functionality for consumers, using infrared LEDs (IREDs) from Osram Opto Semiconductors as the light source.
"We are delighted that once more an innovation from our company has made its way into an everyday application and has set new standards for the entire industry," said Bodo Ischebeck, VP, infrared components at Osram Opto Semiconductors.
Secure methods for unlocking cell phones and tablet computers are gaining importance because these devices are being used increasingly for sensitive applications such as online banking and online shopping.
Manufacturers are therefore turning to biometric identification as a secure and convenient solution. In addition to fingerprint scans, many manufacturers are now considering iris scanning. With this new biometric unlocking method, an infrared light illuminates the user's eye, and the camera on the smartphone simultaneously takes a picture of the iris in which characteristic features are then identified.
The Oslux SFH 4780S light emitting diode from Osram's subsidiary Opto Semiconductors is claimed to offer the best size-to-performance ratio and for the first time opens up compact and reliable iris scanning for mobile devices. It is 2.4mm high and achieves a typical radiant intensity of 2900mW per steradian - a combination that is currently available only from this infrared LED.
The Oslux SFH 4780S has a wavelength of 810nm. This enables the iris scanner to identify iris patterns for all eye colors - brown, blue, green and grey - with a high degree of reliability. The light source is also extremely efficient, minimising drain on mobile device batteries. Osram Opto Semiconductors was recently presented with the 2015 Kaiser Friedrich Research Award for its work in developing the Oslux SFH 4780S IRED.
