[News] New LiDAR Laser for the Next Generation of Vehicles

Autonomous driving demands sensor technology that delivers precision, reliability, and long-range performance every second. LiDAR systems capture the environment in three dimensions, regardless of lighting conditions, and enable safe, real-time decision-making. With its new 5-junction edge-emitting laser, ams OSRAM introduces a key component that elevates these systems to a new level of performance.

Compared to the previous 3-junction technology, the new laser offers significantly higher optical peak power while consuming less electrical current. The 3-junction laser already enabled a 50% increase in range compared to conventional emitters, but the 5-junction laser goes even further: by integrating five vertically stacked emitter layers in a monolithic structure, it not only extends range but also improves energy efficiency. Lower ohmic losses result in reduced heat generation, simplifying thermal design – a critical advantage in compact vehicle architectures.

“With our new 5-junction laser, we’re enabling automotive manufacturers to build LiDAR systems that are not only powerful and precise, but also efficient and scalable. The combination of range, stability, and ease of integration makes this technology an enabler for the future of autonomous driving,” says Tobias Hofmeier, Product Marketing Manager at ams OSRAM.

For LiDAR system developers, this means more performance with less complexity. The laser operates at lower currents, easing the demands on driver electronics. At the same time, integrated wavelength stabilization ensures consistent measurement results – even under changing temperatures or challenging environmental conditions. The result is a robust, efficient, and scalable building block for next-generation automotive sensor systems. The new 5-junction laser is delivered as a bare die. This approach not only provides system developers with more flexibility but also saves space, allowing for even smaller and more efficient LiDAR modules.

For automotive manufacturers, the benefits are strategic and far-reaching. Greater range means earlier object detection – whether it’s a pedestrian crossing at night or a broken-down vehicle around a bend. Higher precision improves object classification and reduces false alarms. Improved efficiency enables more compact, cost-effective system designs and simplifies thermal management. The SMT-compatible form factor supports fast and flexible integration into existing platforms and shortens development cycles – a key factor for scaling autonomous technologies into mass production.

LiDAR is no longer reserved for premium vehicles. Whether it’s robotaxis navigating urban environments, automated delivery vehicles, or highway-level driver assistance systems – the range of applications is expanding rapidly. The increased range and precision not only enhance object detection and classification – they also enable OEMs to increase the speed for autonomous driving. This opens up new possibilities for highway driving and advanced driver assistance systems, without compromising safety or system reliability.

(Photo credit: ams OSRAM)

TrendForce 2025 Infrared Sensing Application Market and Branding Strategies

Release: 01 January 2025

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