Osram launches VCSEL product to power 3D facial recognition in mobile devices

Optical technology maker Osram Opto Semiconductors is targeting the 3D facial recognition market, particularly for mobile devices, with the launch of its first Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), after acquiring U.S. VCSEL specialist Vixar in May.

The Bidos PLPVQ 940A is the first in a new line of optical technologies Osram is pitching to device manufacturers, and its surface emission makes it appropriate for 3D sensing. The company says that compared to traditional edge-emitting laser diodes, VCSELs like Bidos are much less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and are easier to integrate, as they can be glued onto a surface like an LED chip or configured as an array. In addition to facial recognition, it can be used for robotics, drone, AR and VR applications.

“Compared with other infrared technologies, VCSEL offer better beam quality, excellent focusing and a very small footprint”, said Bianka Schnabel, Marketing Manager for the Emitter Laser Sensor segment at Osram Opto Semiconductors. “Customers can now choose the best solution for their specific application from our extended infrared portfolio – whether it’s IRED, laser or VCSEL.”

The Bidos PLPVQ 940A measures 1.90 mm x 2.20 mm x 0.85 mm, and produces an output of 300 mW and a wavelength of 940 nm at a maximum efficiency of 27 percent.

A range of technology providers have been introducing 3D sensing technology in a bid to keep up with Apple’s Face ID, including most recently IDEMIA, which launched new 3D facial recognition software.

Article Topics

3D face recognition  |  biometrics  |  mobile device  |  Osram Opto Semiconductors