ROHM Semiconductor has developed a breakthrough 125W 8-channel infrared laser diode (RLD8BQAB3) specifically designed for advanced LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles and robotics. The new array-type product delivers industry-leading 1kW-class output while maintaining compact surface-mount packaging, addressing the growing demand for high-performance distance measurement in next-generation ADAS and automation applications.
Pushing LiDAR Performance Boundaries
Building on its successful 25W (2019) and 120W (2023) laser diodes, ROHM’s latest innovation achieves unprecedented power density through proprietary emission width control technology. The RLD8BQAB3 features eight 300µm emission areas per element mounted on high-efficiency thermal substrates, enabling both individual channel operation for precision scanning and simultaneous emission for maximum detection range.
Innovative Packaging Enhances Reliability
The diode incorporates several engineering advancements:
- Clear glass cap packaging (an industry first for surface-mount lasers) prevents light scattering from machining marks
- Common cathode wiring enables flexible emission patterns
- Advanced bandpass filtering reduces solar interference
- Maintains ROHM’s signature 0.1nm/°C wavelength stability
Optimized for Demanding Applications
Designed for 3D Time-of-Flight systems, the laser diode delivers:
- 125W per channel (1kW total) pulsed output
- Uniform intensity across emission width
- Minimal dead zones between channels
- Compatibility with automotive, drone, and robotic LiDAR
Initial samples target consumer and industrial applications including autonomous guided vehicles, service robots, and smart vacuum cleaners, with potential expansion to automotive ADAS systems.
Advancing Spatial Recognition Technology
ROHM’s latest development significantly enhances LiDAR capabilities for long-range, high-resolution environmental mapping. By combining kW-class output with precision beam control, the RLD8BQAB3 enables more accurate spatial recognition in challenging lighting conditions while maintaining the compact form factor required for modern autonomous systems.
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