New infrared laser for position tracking and 3D sensing

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Motion positioning in 3D space

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors introduced the first high-power single-mode infrared laser SPL TR85 with an emission wavelength of 850 nm, which is well matched to camera sensors and silicon photodetectors. Potential applications for this new laser include position tracking in virtual reality systems and a variety of 3D sensors.

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to fully enter and interact with the virtual world. In order to respond responsively to user actions, the VR system needs to determine the position and motion of the user within the space as accurately as possible. Infrared sensors are often used to track users in VR systems. One method is to scan the space using an infrared laser. This light is recorded by photodetectors mounted around the VR helmet and on the controller. The SPL TR85 has sufficient optical power to scan up to 2 to 3 meters of active area and provide suitable wavelengths for linkage with standard photodetectors.

The SPL TR85 is a single-mode edge-emitting 850 nm laser diode in a TO56 package. 200 mW output power is produced in 225 mA continuous wave operation mode. Another significant advantage is the 10,000 hours of long life. This result is due to the long-standing high quality and reliability of OSRAM in laser diode products. The company supplies laser diodes to the automotive industry for more than 15 years, and today the product portfolio extends to the consumer market.

3D sensor and projection touch screen

3D sensing is another fast-growing consumer product application using infrared lasers such as the SPL TR85. These systems use sensors to record 3D gestures, allowing users to interact with the software system in an intuitive manner. The 850 nm laser is a popular choice because it emits light that is barely visible to the human eye and matches the spectral sensitivity of the camera sensor. The SPL TR85 is ideal for ToF cameras and is ideal for measuring the time it takes for a laser pulse to travel from a source to a target and back to the camera. As a single-mode laser, the SPL TR85 meets the requirements of another 3D sensing technology called structured light. These systems project a predefined spot pattern into the scene and measure the displacement of these points as the target moves.

In addition, infrared lasers such as the SPL TR85 are also the core components of innovative projectors that create virtual touch screens on the surface of any object. This type of projector uses an infrared laser beam to scan the area where the finger is moving to record the position of the user's finger on the screen.

About Osram

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, OSRAM is a global light source manufacturer with a history of about 100 years.

Its product portfolio covers high-tech applications based on semiconductor technology such as infrared or laser lighting.

Products are used in a wide range of applications, from virtual reality, autonomous driving or mobile phones to smart and connected lighting solutions in buildings and cities.

In the field of automotive lighting, OSRAM is a global market and technology leader.

Through continuing operations (excluding Ledvance), as of the end of FY2016 (September 30), OSRAM has a global total of approximately 24,600 employees, with revenues of nearly 3.8 billion euros in the fiscal year.

Osram is listed on the Frankfurt and Munich stock exchanges (ISIN: DE000LED4000; WKN: LED 400; transaction code: OSR).