KYOCERA SLD Laser Introduces World’s First Laser-based Automotive Headlight Modules with White and Infrared Dual Illumination for Increased Safety and Visibility

GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc. (KSLD), a world leader in commercialization of laser light sources, has announced the introduction of the world’s first LaserLight^TM Headlight Modules that deliver high brightness white and infrared (IR) dual illumination for night vision and sensing for increased safety and visibility in automotive and mobility applications. The company will demonstrate these new laser-based headlight modules and its entire award winning LaserLight product line, as well as its recent innovations in efficient optical power transfer and high speed LiFi communication at the Consumer Electronics Show January 5 – 8, 2023.

Following KSLD’s highly successful product launch of its white emitting LaserLight device into automotive high beam boost applications in 2019, the company is now introducing LaserLight Headlight Modules that deliver full feature, high brightness, high efficiency regulated low beam and high beam functionality with White and IR dual emission. The high brightness, long range white illumination provides a sharp cutoff, high contrast and precise beam patterns with minimum glare to maximize driver visibility and optimize IIHS scores. The IR illumination increases night vision camera visibility of pedestrians and of foggy or smokey roadways, while also enabling new forward lighting functions including ranging and 3D flash LiDAR sensing. The LaserLight Headlight Modules are arranged in a set of 4 per headlight: 2 modules for low beam and 2 modules for high beam, with either SAE or ECE/CCC regulated emission pattern. The LaserLight Headlight Modules are ultra-compact with a slim profile of less than 12.7mm lens height, and can be configured in a horizontal, 2x2, vertical, or offset layout, offering game changing design and styling freedom to Tier 1 headlight makers and OEM vehicle manufacturers.

The LaserLight Headlight Modules incorporate KSLD’s innovative LaserLight SMD White/IR dual emission devices, Winner of the prestigious 2021 Prism Award for Photonics Innovation, Transportation Category. These LaserLight SMD device products will be on display at CES, delivering high brightness, high visibility, eye-safe illumination for mobility applications including avionics, drones, railway, and marine. In the automotive aftermarket, KSLD’s LaserLight SMDs have illuminated podium finisher vehicles since 2018 at the BFGoodrich SCORE Baja 1000, the world’s most prestigious off-road motorsport race. In the consumer and professional product space, the dual emission sources are finding application in portable lighting products, night vision illuminators, and rangefinders for recreation and outdoor, search & rescue, and security applications. Until now, dual emission white/IR sources have not been possible because LEDs and legacy lamp-based light sources are unable to deliver high brightness white and IR emission from the same point source, and they are incapable of being modulated at the high speeds required for accurate sensing and fast data rates.

‍