25 January 2017

Excelitas launches 1x4 pulsed laser diode array for LiDAR in autonomous vehicles

Excelitas Technologies Corp of Waltham, MA, USA (which provides customized photonic solutions to OEMs) has launched the 1x4 Pulsed Laser Diode Array for LiDAR applications.

The new laser array combines the firm's field-proven high-efficiency, multi-cavity laser chip technology with small-form-factor surface-mount device (SMD) packaging for applications requiring high reliability such as autonomous vehicles and drones.

The 1x4 Pulsed Laser Diode Array constitutes a key building block of LiDAR systems, which have become an indispensable detection technology for autonomous vehicles. Unlike single-pixel lasers, the 1x4 linear configuration enables each pixel to be situated in very close proximity to its neighbour, minimizing space requirements in the assembly and enabling the use of smaller, less costly optical components. It is fully compatible with SMD pick & place and reflow soldering equipment, allowing it to integrate into high-volume, low-cost assembly lines.

Each laser pixel can have up to four emitting stripes, enabling per-channel optical power levels in excess of 85W for long-range detection with minimal power consumption. The lasers can sustain large reverse voltage levels, with rise times of less than 5ns that can be achieved with appropriate drive electronics (which can also be provided by Excelitas).

The standard 1x4 Pulsed Laser Diode Array can be customized to meet each customer's optical system requirements. Variables such as the number of elements, element spacing, stripe width, channel power output and package footprint can be adjusted to enable minimized losses, longer-range detection and reduced power consumption.

"Excelitas is actively involved in LiDAR for autonomous vehicles," says product leader Denis Boudreau. "This new laser array combines multi-cavity lasers and SMD packaging capabilities to address OEM design engineers' need for a high-performance, customizable solution that enables the development of next-generation LiDAR systems."

The new 1x4 Pulsed Laser Diode Array is debuting in booth 1423 at SPIE Photonics West 2017 in San Francisco (31 January – 2 February).

Tags: Excelitas

Visit: www.excelitas.com