Rohm, a leading Japanese semiconductor manufacturer, has recently made an exciting breakthrough in lidar technology with the development of a 120W 905nm infra-red laser diode. This diode, known as the RLD90QZW8, is equipped with an innovative technology that reduces the temperature dependence of the laser wavelength to just Δ11.6nm – 0.10nm/°C. As a result, the bandpass filter can be narrowed while extending the detection range, which greatly enhances the accuracy and reliability of lidar systems.
The RLD90QZW8 laser diode is capable of producing 120W of power at 38A. This output is achieved when the diode drops 13V within 50ns pulses and 0.05% duty. The base of the metal top hat package is 5.6mm in diameter, which makes it compact and convenient for a wide range of applications.
To help expedite the integration of the RLD90QZW8 laser diode into different systems, Rohm is offering an evaluation module that pairs the diode with a 150V GaN hemt and gate drivers. This will not only improve the performance of lidar systems but also make them more cost-effective and energy-efficient.
Rohm has taken the quality control of its manufacturing processes very seriously, and the company has acquired certification under the IATF 16949 automotive quality management standards for both front-end and back-end processes at its manufacturing facilities. This will open up new opportunities for Rohm's laser diodes to be used in AEC-Q102 compliant automotive applications, with commercialization planned by the end of 2024.
The RLD90QZW8 laser diode is suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications, including robot vacuum cleaners, laser rangefinders, automated guided vehicles, service robots, and 3D monitoring systems. These products will benefit from the improved accuracy, reliability, and range provided by the RLD90QZW8, resulting in better performance and increased efficiency.
In summary, the development of the RLD90QZW8 laser diode is a significant milestone in the lidar technology industry. Rohm's innovation in reducing the temperature dependence of the laser wavelength will greatly enhance the accuracy and reliability of lidar systems. The development of an evaluation module, coupled with Rohm's commitment to quality control, will enable the RLD90QZW8 to be widely adopted in a variety of industrial and commercial applications with excellent results.