ROHM’s VCSELED: Revolutionizing Automotive Safety with Advanced Infrared Light Technology
ROHM has created a new VCSELED infrared light source that incorporates characteristics of both VCSELs and LEDs. This innovative technology offers low temperature sensitivity, wide-angle emission, and consistent light output, which is beneficial for advancing automotive driving assistance systems.
ROHM has developed VCSELED, a novel technology for infrared light sources that incorporates a VCSEL element within a resin optical diffusion material. This technology is being developed by ROHM for potential use as a light source in enhancing Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) and In-Cabin Monitoring Systems (IMS) in vehicles.
Automobile safety is being improved by the installation of driver monitoring systems in vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to identify signs of fatigue, drowsiness, and distracted driving. In Japan, guidelines have been set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) to outline the system's design and functions. In the EU, there are plans to make these systems mandatory in all new vehicles sold in Europe starting from July 2024. Manufacturers and suppliers are also working on developing monitoring systems that can detect occupants other than the driver, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of high-performance light sources to enhance the precision of detection systems.
ROHM has created VCSELED to enhance sensing accuracy. With minimal temperature variation in wavelength and a broad emission beam angle, it is suitable for in-vehicle monitoring systems and can improve the precision and efficiency of inspection systems for robots, industrial equipment, spatial recognition, and ranging systems.
VCSELED enhances the beam angle like LEDs do, by using a powerful VCSEL element and light diffusion material to improve sensing accuracy over a larger area compared to regular VCSELs. Additionally, the light emitter and diffuser are combined in a compact package, making it suitable for smaller and thinner devices.
The VCSEL component in VCSELED has a narrow emission wavelength bandwidth of 4nm, which is much smaller than that of LEDs. This helps improve resolution on the receiving end and eliminates the red glow commonly seen with LEDs. Additionally, it has a temperature variation of 0.072nm/°C, which is lower than that of LEDs at 0.3nm/°C, making it more accurate in sensing even with temperature changes. The response time for emitting light is 2ns, which is significantly faster than LEDs and is beneficial for applications like ToF (Time of Flight) that use infrared light for distance measurement.
ROHM is in the process of making VCSELED commercially available as a new technology brand for infrared light source components. Prototype samples are currently obtainable for purchase, with mass production samples for consumer use set to be released in October 2024 and for automotive use in 2025. To request samples, you can reach out to a sales representative or visit the contact page on ROHM's website. Moving forward, the company will keep advancing laser light source technology for in-vehicle monitoring and other systems.
Vocabulary
VCSEL stands for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser. While it has traditionally been used for communication purposes, it is now becoming more popular as a light source in sensing systems.
The DMS, or Driver Monitoring System, is a feature that helps ensure safe driving by monitoring the driver's facial and eye movements. It alerts the driver with sounds or text if it detects any signs that may compromise safe driving, aiming to prevent accidents proactively.
IMS, also known as ICMS, stands for In-Cabin Monitoring System. This system is designed to enhance safety and comfort by extending its detection capabilities to cover the front and rear passenger seats, recognize occupants, and use biometric sensing technology.
When powerful infrared LEDs are utilized in sensors and other equipment, there is a chance that light wavelengths similar to visible light may be produced and seen by humans. As a result, the sensor may have a faint red appearance, leading to the term "red glow".
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