News: Optoelectronics
7 October 2021
ROHM launches 75W high-optical-output laser diode for LiDAR, AGVs, robots
Japan-based ROHM has launched a 75W high-optical-output laser diode, the RLD90QZW3, for applications such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and service robots in the industrial equipment sector and robot vacuums in the consumer field that incorporate LiDAR (light detection & ranging) for distance measurement and spatial recognition.
In recent years, LiDAR has been adopted increasingly in a wide range of applications that need to be automated to precisely measure distance and for spatial recognition. For such market trends, there is a need to improve the performance of laser diodes when used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption.
ROHM says that it has met this market requirement by establishing original patented technology to achieve narrower emission width. This contributes to longer range and higher accuracy in LiDAR applications. In 2019, ROHM released the RLD90QZW5 25W laser diode, which has been adopted primarily in the consumer electronics sector. The latest product expands applicability in the industrial sector by providing higher optical output.
The new RLD90QZW3 is a 75W infrared high-optical-output laser diode designed for LiDAR used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D ToF (time-of-flight) systems. Leveraging original device development technology allows ROHM to achieve an unprecedented emission width of 225µm at equivalent optical output. This is 22% narrower than conventional products, improving beam characteristics. At the same time, uniform emission intensity – together with low temperature dependence of the laser wavelength – ensure stable performance, contributing to higher accuracy and extended distances in various LiDAR applications. Moreover, a power conversion efficiency (which is a trade-off with narrow emission width) of 21% – the same as standard products (at a forward current of 24A and 75W output) – enables use without increased power consumption.
A broad range of design support data is also available on ROHM’s website free of charge, including optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design. This is necessary for integration and evaluation that supports quick market introduction.
ROHM is currently developing even higher-output 120W laser diodes for the automotive sector (AEC-Q102 qualified). Going forward, ROHM aims to continue contributing to achieving safer, more convenient LiDAR-equipped applications.
Online distributors for the RLD90QZW3-00A are Digi-Key, Mouser and Farnell, but the product is also scheduled to be released at other online distributors too.
