Coherent Introduces VCSEL-Based Illumination Module Platform for Short- and Mid-Range Automotive and Industrial LiDAR
- None.
- None.
Insights
The introduction of Coherent Corp's new illumination module platform for LiDAR systems signifies a strategic move to capitalize on the expanding market for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and robotic vision. The trend towards integrating more sophisticated safety features in vehicles and the push for automation in industrial sectors are key drivers behind the growing demand for LiDAR technology. Coherent's focus on developing a cost-effective, high-efficiency solution addresses a significant barrier to entry for many manufacturers, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue growth.
Moreover, the ability to customize the platform for specific use cases presents an opportunity for Coherent to establish long-term partnerships with automotive and industrial companies. This customization, coupled with the demonstrator for various depth sensing modalities, suggests that Coherent is not only selling a product but also offering a collaborative development experience, which can lead to a stronger competitive position in the market.
Coherent Corp's announcement is likely to be received positively by investors, given the product's potential to disrupt the current LiDAR market with its cost and efficiency advantages. The emphasis on power conversion efficiency exceeding 30% and a compact form factor indicates that the company is addressing two critical concerns in the automotive and industrial sectors: energy consumption and space constraints. From a financial perspective, the focus on lowering costs while maintaining performance could translate into higher profit margins.
Furthermore, the introduction of such innovative technology could be a precursor to new revenue streams and possibly an expansion in Coherent's customer base. It's important to monitor the company's production capacity and supply chain efficiency, as these will be critical in meeting the anticipated increase in demand.
The integration of Coherent's LiDAR technology into ADAS and the broader automotive safety domain is particularly significant given the industry's stringent reliability and performance standards. The module's ability to perform in extreme environments is a testament to its robustness, which is crucial for automotive applications where safety cannot be compromised. The use of eight 940 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) modules, which offer a lower-cost alternative to large addressable VCSEL arrays, demonstrates an innovative approach to reducing the cost of LiDAR systems without sacrificing quality.
The mention of selectively addressable horizontal slices of the field of illumination (FOI) suggests a level of precision and control that is highly desirable in autonomous vehicle navigation and industrial robotics. This precision, combined with the module's ability to function in bright daylight up to 30 meters, positions Coherent's product as a potentially disruptive force in the LiDAR market, which could have long-term implications for the automotive industry's approach to sensor technology.
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in semiconductor lasers for depth sensors, today announced the introduction of an illumination module platform for short- and mid-range light detection and ranging (LiDAR) in automotive safety and robotic vision in industrial applications.
The growing adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in vehicles and of depth sensing in industrial robots is accelerating the demand for compact and flexible LiDAR systems that perform efficiently and reliably, even in the most extreme environments. Using eight 940 nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) modules, Coherent has demonstrated a solution with several selectively addressable horizontal slices of the field of illumination (FOI). In addition to offering a compact form factor and excellent power conversion efficiency, the module is a much lower-cost alternative than using large addressable VCSEL arrays. Coherent has a demonstrator available for its customers to explore multiple VCSEL module positioning configurations and scanning algorithms for various depth sensing modalities and types of scenery.
“A powerful aspect of the module platform is the ability to customize an optimized solution for use cases requiring up to 30 meters of depth sensing in bright daylight. Our illuminators exceed
Customers of Coherent will be able to adjust the duration of the driving pulses to achieve both short- and mid-range LiDAR sensing. The FOI slices are dynamically selectable depending on the number of VCSEL modules and the order in which they are scanned. A voltage supply of only 21 V is required, which is much lower, and therefore more efficient, than existing LiDAR technology.
Coherent offers a broad portfolio of active and passive products for LiDAR designs. The portfolio of active devices includes VCSELs, edge-emitters, laser bars, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) sources, and pulsed fiber-based sources. The portfolio of passive devices includes laser optics, polygons, galvo mirrors, lenses, ultra-narrowband filters, wide-incidence-angle mirrors, gratings, and thermoelectrics.
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/be5d7d4a-eab1-49ea-92fd-2726c1d1569c
FAQ
What did Coherent Corp (COHR) announce?
What is the ticker symbol for Coherent Corp?
What technology does the new platform use?
What is the power conversion efficiency of the illuminators?
What is the range of depth sensing the platform can handle?
What does the demonstrator provided by Coherent Corp offer?
