In recent years, LiDAR technology has been increasingly adopted in a wide range of applications that require automation for accurate distance measurement and spatial recognition. To meet these market trends, it is necessary to improve the performance of laser diodes when used as light sources to increase detection distance and accuracy while reducing power consumption.
ROHM addresses this market demand by creating an original, patented technology for a narrower beamwidth. This contributes to greater range and accuracy in LiDAR applications. In 2019, ROHM launched the 25W laser diode, the RLD90QZW5 , which has been primarily adopted in the consumer electronics sector. This latest product expands the application to the industrial sector by providing higher optical power.
The new RLD90QZW3 is a 75W high-power infrared laser diode designed for LiDAR and used in distance measurement and spatial recognition in 3D time-of-flight (ToF) systems. Leveraging original device development technology, ROHM achieves an unprecedented beamwidth of 225 µm with equivalent optical power. This is 22% narrower than conventional products, improving beam characteristics. Simultaneously, uniform emission intensity, combined with the laser's low temperature dependence on wavelength, ensures stable performance, contributing to greater accuracy and extended distances in various LiDAR applications. Furthermore, a power conversion efficiency of 21% (compensated by the narrow beamwidth)—the same as standard products (with a forward current of 24 A and a power of 75 W)—allows for operation without increased power consumption.
ROHM's website also offers a wide range of free design support data, including optical circuit simulation models and application notes on drive circuit design. This is essential for integration and evaluation, facilitating rapid market entry.
ROHM is currently developing even higher-power laser diodes, specifically 120W, for the automotive sector (with AEC-Q102 certification). And in the future, ROHM will continue to contribute to safer and more practical LiDAR-equipped applications.
Range of high-power laser diodes for LiDAR
(see table)
Online Sales Information:
The RLD90QZW3-00A was released in July 2021. Online retailers include Digi-Key, Mouser, and Farnell, but the product is expected to be released through other online retailers as well.
