| Suitable for the latest 3D sensing technologies including ToF and SL
| Provides beam control performance required by AR/VR apps
| 940nm IR output and lighting pattern, precisely controlled

ams announced on the 25th that it is launching the 'MERANO-PD (photodiode)', an infrared (IR) laser flood illuminator module that provides uniform light output for mobile 3D sensing applications such as user facial recognition.
ams has launched a slim illuminator based on Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), enabling mobile phone manufacturers to implement more advanced 3D sensing applications.

The new 2W MERANO-PD is suitable for the latest 3D sensing technologies, including time-of-flight (ToF) and structured light (SL) technologies, due to its high power efficiency. MERANO-PD can be used in a variety of applications including facial recognition, augmented reality, 3D object scanning and 3D image rendering, as well as other industrial and automotive applications.

“ams manufactures its emitters and micro-optical components in-house,” said Lukas Steinmann, General Manager of the 3D Sensing business line in ams’ Modules & Solutions business line. “This allows us to match the components for optimal performance and bring products like MERANO-PD to market quickly and at a competitive price.”

Thanks to its optimized thermal design, the 2W-MERANO-PD module has a footprint of just 2.4 mm x 3.3 mm x 1.2 mm. This small size allows for easy integration into front- or rear-facing camera applications in mobile phones.

In a mobile optical sensing system operating on the ToF principle, MERANO-PD emits pulsed bursts of invisible infrared light. A separate IR light detector detects light reflected from objects within the illuminated area and renders this into a 3D depth map or scan.

MERANO-PD can also be used for floodlighting of IR cameras in dot-pattern recognition (SL) systems for 3D sensing, and in industrial 3D sensors and scanners.

The consistent beam quality of the MERANO-PD's VCSEL emitter allows for easy integration into 3D sensing systems with minimal calibration. The module also provides uniform optical distribution characteristics, even at long distances. The 940nm IR output and illumination pattern are precisely controlled within a predefined illumination area to achieve high system efficiency.

The VCSEL emitter's minimal optical loss in the integrated diffuser means that MERANO-PD's low power consumption significantly limits the amount of energy consumed by the host device's battery. This is a crucial advantage, as consumers have high expectations for the performance and functionality of new mobile devices, yet also desire long battery life.

The MERANO-PD also includes an integrated photodiode that detects diffuser damage. Therefore, when connected to a separate monitoring circuit, the phone's illuminator can be disabled for eye protection.