Coherent Introduces Dot Projector Modules for Depth Sensing in Consumer Electronics, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles
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Insights
The introduction of Coherent Corp's new dot projector modules represents a significant advancement in the field of optical sensing technology. These modules cater to the burgeoning demand for sophisticated 3D cameras across various industries, including consumer electronics, robotics and autonomous vehicles. The versatility offered by the range of 600 to 13,000 dots allows for customization based on specific application requirements, which is a key factor in the technology's adaptability and potential market penetration.
From a market perspective, Coherent's ability to offer a customizable and integrated solution is likely to strengthen its competitive position. The emphasis on low power consumption and high contrast ratios under various lighting conditions indicates a product designed with end-user efficiency in mind. This efficiency could translate into increased adoption rates as manufacturers seek to enhance the performance of their devices while maintaining or reducing energy costs.
Furthermore, the company's vertically integrated U.S.-based production platform could be a strategic advantage in terms of supply-chain security, an increasingly critical concern for manufacturers. This may lead to stronger partnerships and potentially higher sales volumes for Coherent, assuming their claims of scalability and quality are validated by market performance.
Coherent Corp's announcement regarding the launch of new dot projector modules can be seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the expanding applications of 3D sensing technologies. Financially, the focus on economies of scale and the reference to their established 6-inch laser technology platform suggests that Coherent is well-positioned to manage costs effectively. This could have a positive impact on their margins, particularly if the product gains traction in the high-volume consumer electronics market.
Their existing delivery of over 200 billion VCSEL emitters indicates a strong track record in production, which may instill confidence in investors and customers alike. However, it is essential to monitor the adoption rate of these new modules and the company's ability to maintain quality at scale, as these factors will be crucial determinants of financial success.
As Coherent prepares to showcase its offerings at Photonics West 2024, investors should look for signals of industry reception and potential partnerships or contracts that could arise from this exposure. Such developments would be indicative of the company's growth trajectory and could influence stock performance in the near term.
The technical aspects of Coherent's new dot projector modules are noteworthy for their potential impact on the advancement of 3D camera technologies. The use of 940 nm VCSELs is a strategic choice, as this wavelength is less visible to the human eye and offers better performance in outdoor lighting conditions, which is critical for applications in autonomous vehicles and robotics.
The modular approach to the dot projectors, allowing for a wide field of illumination, is indicative of a design philosophy that prioritizes flexibility and performance. This could lead to increased adoption in a range of products where depth sensing is critical. The integration of surface-mount technology (SMT) for the modules also suggests a seamless manufacturing process that could reduce the time and cost associated with camera production.
Given the technical specifications, these modules appear to be at the forefront of current sensing technology and their impact on the development of new consumer electronics and autonomous systems could be substantial, provided they deliver on the promised performance metrics.
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in optical sensing for consumer electronics, today announced the introduction of dot projector modules for depth sensing in consumer electronics, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
As the number of use cases for 3D cameras continues to increase, the demand is growing rapidly for sensor technology that can be configured for a wide range of applications and optimized for performance and cost. To meet the growing demand, Coherent is introducing dot projector modules based on 940 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with designs ranging from 600 to 13,000 dots, to match various depth range and spatial resolution requirements of spot-assisted time-of-flight (TOF) 3D cameras. Dot projector modules from Coherent enable customers to design cameras that capture an entire scene at a broad angle and extended depth range even in bright outdoor lighting conditions, all while maintaining low power consumption. The miniature dot projector modules are based on surface-mount technology (SMT) for seamless integration.
“Our customizable dot projector module is a breakthrough product that our customers appreciate for its ability to project a sharp dot pattern with high contrast ratio, enabling excellent depth resolution at the system level,” said Dr. David Ahmari, Vice President & General Manager, Optoelectronic Devices & Modules Business. “This product lowers the burden of optics design and system integration, which shortens time to market. By leveraging the economies of scale of our vertically integrated U.S.-based 6-inch laser technology platform that has delivered more than 200 billion VCSEL emitters to date, we also offer our customers scalability, supply-chain security, and leading quality.”
Each dot pattern is configured to match a specific TOF depth sensing application simply by optimizing the optics design for the required number of dots and field of illumination (FOI). The dot projectors offer a high contrast ratio with FOI from 60°x45° to 130°x110°, including 100°x20° to enable high image contrasts for vacuum cleaner robots working over highly reflective floor surfaces. The dot projector modules can be combined with the flood illuminator modules from Coherent for long- and short-range imaging.
Coherent also offers a broad portfolio of components for sensing, including semiconductor laser diodes in the near-, shortwave-, and mid-infrared wavelength ranges; photodiodes; diffractive meta-optics; and laser driver integrated circuits, as well as optoelectronic assemblies and illumination modules.
Coherent will showcase its broad range of products and innovations for sensing at Photonics West 2024 in San Francisco, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Booth #4805.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Contact
Mark Lourie
Vice President, Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@coherent.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15eae12f-7ddf-4451-88ea-e20aa7bfa8e5
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