75W high optical output laser diode supports long distances, says Rohm
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and service robots in industrial equipment can incorporate the LD90QZW3 for distance measurement and spatial recognition. The high optical output laser diode can also be used in lidar (light detection and ranging) systems in consumer products, such as robot vacuum cleaners, says Rohm.
As lidar becomes more commonly used, there is a need to improve the performance of laser diodes used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption. Rohm has patented technology to achieve narrower emission width, contributing to a longer range and higher accuracy in lidar applications.
The RLD90QZW3 75W infra red, high optical output laser diode is designed for lidar used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D time of flight (ToF) systems. The company says its technology achieves an emission width of 225 micron at equivalent optical output. This is 22 per cent narrower than conventional products, says the company, to improve beam characteristics. Uniform emission intensity together with low temperature dependence of the laser wavelength ensure stable performance contribute to higher accuracy and longer distances in lidar applications. Power conversion efficiency (which is a trade-off between narrow emission width) of 21 per cent, which is the same as standard products at a forward current of 24A and 75W output, for use without increased power consumption.
Rohm also offers optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design on its website to integrate and evaluate the diode.
The company introduced a 25W laser diode in 2019 for consumer electronics products and is working on developing higher output 120W laser diodes for the automotive sector (AEC-Q102 qualified).
The 75W diode is available now, via online distributors Digi-Key, Mouser and Farnell, initially, with other online distributors to be announced.
Rohm Semiconductor develops and manufactures a large product range from SiC diodes and MOSFETs, analogue ICs such as gate drivers and power management ICs (PMICs) to power transistors and diodes to passive components. Production is in manufacturing plants in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China.
