In this context, it is necessary to improve the performance and power of laser diodes when used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy.

To meet this demand, ROHM established an original patented technology to achieve a narrower emission width, contributing to greater range and accuracy in LiDAR applications. In 2019, ROHM launched the 25W RLD90QZW5 , followed by the 75W RLD90QZW3 in 2021. In response to growing market demand for even higher power, ROHM developed the new 120W laser diode.

The RLD90QZW8 is a 120 W high-power infrared laser diode developed for LiDAR, used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems. ROHM's original device development technology allows it to reduce the laser's wavelength temperature dependence by 66% compared to general-purpose products, down to just Δ11.6 nm (Avg. 0.10 nm/°C). This enables a narrower bandpass filter while extending the LiDAR's detection range. Simultaneously, it achieves 97% uniform light intensity across the industry's smallest emission width class* of 270 µm, representing a 264 µm range that contributes to higher resolution. Additional features, including high power-to-light conversion efficiency (PCE), enable efficient optical output, contributing to lower power consumption in LiDAR applications.

ROHM's website offers a variety of free design support materials necessary for integrating and evaluating the new product, facilitating its market introduction. To drive laser diodes at the high nanosecond speeds required for LiDAR applications, ROHM developed a readily available reference design that combines the 150V HEMT EcoGaN™ and ROHM gate drivers.

ROHM has also achieved IATF 16949 automotive quality management certification for its front-end and back-end manufacturing processes. As a result, the development of laser diode products for automotive applications (compliant with AEC-Q102) is underway, with commercial launch planned for the end of 2024.

Range of high-power laser diodes for LiDAR

Examples of applications
: Consumer: Robotic vacuum cleaners, laser rangefinders.
Industrial: AGVs (automated guided vehicles), service robots, 3D monitoring systems (sensors for detecting people/objects)
and much more...

Support Page:
A wide range of design data, including simulation models (SPICE), board development data, and application notes on drive circuit design necessary for integration and evaluation to facilitate rapid time to market, is available free of charge on the ROHM website. Click the following URL for more information.
Product Page RLD90QZW8

Reference Designs:

Reference designs for LiDAR incorporating these new products, along with ROHM's 150V EcoGaN™ and high-speed gate controller (BD2311NVX series), are now available on the ROHM website.
Reference Design Part Nos.
REFLD002-1<Circuito de onda cuadrada>
(Built-in 120W high-power laser diode [RLD90QZW8])
REFLD002-2<Circuito resonante>
(Built-in 75W high-power laser diode [RLD90QZW3])

EcoGaN™ is a trademark or registered trademark of ROHM Co., Ltd.