The prototype laser has an extremely short pulse length and four parallel output channels and will be used in scanning LIDAR sensors based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

The 4-channel LIDAR laser produced by Osram consists of a laser bar with four individually controllable laser diodes and a control circuit integrated in the module. The entire module is surface-mountable, which reduces assembly costs and the time needed for fine adjustment at the customer. Because the four laser diodes are produced next to one another in a single production step, they are precisely aligned to each other and can be individually controlled.

For the new laser Osram says it has improved its pulse laser diodes with a wavelength of 905 nanometers. The nanostack laser diodes now deliver a maximum optical output of 85W at 30 amperes, which is approximately 10W more than before.

The pulse length of less than 5ns represents a four-fold reduction compared to the previous figure of 20ns. The short pulse length and the small duty cycle of 0.01% ensure that even at such high outputs the requirements of the relevant eye safety standards are met. With an operating voltage of 24V the laser also meets the requirements for use in vehicles.