Surface mount dot projector module boosts ToF depth sensing
Coherent has developed a configurable miniature surface mount dot projector module for depth sensing in consumer electronics, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
The dot projector module developed by Coherent is 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.
The dot projector modules are part of the design of cameras that can capture an entire scene at a broad angle and extended depth range even in bright outdoor lighting conditions while maintaining low power consumption. The miniature dot projector modules are based on surface-mount technology (SMT) for integration into a ToF camera.
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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.
“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.”
Other ToF sensor articles
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- First 8×8 Time-of-Flight sensor for gesture recognition
- Software turns ToF sensor into low-cost gesture recognition
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