ROHM Releases a 1kW-Class Infrared Laser Diode for High-Power Applications

Featuring a 125W × 8ch high-power array, the new infrared laser diode improves measurement distance and resolution in LiDAR applications.

ROHM Semiconductor has introduced the RLD8BQAB3, a high-power laser diode designed for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) utilizing LiDAR technology for distance measurement and spatial recognition. Initially, ROHM will provide samples targeting consumer and industrial applications, including drones, robotic vacuum cleaners, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), and service robots.

In recent years, LiDAR has been increasingly adopted across various automation-driven applications, including automotive ADAS, AGVs, drones, and robotic vacuums. It enables precise distance measurement and spatial recognition. Achieving greater detection range and accuracy requires laser diodes capable of delivering high kW-level output while supporting the emission of light from multiple sources positioned closely together.

ROHM has developed proprietary patented technology that reduces the emission width of lasers, improving long-distance and high-accuracy LiDAR performance. This began with the release of the 25W RLD90QZW5 in 2019 and the high-power 120W RLD90QZW8 in 2023. Building on these advancements, ROHM has now introduced a new 125W 8-channel (1kW-class) array-type product to meet the demand for high-output, high-performance laser diodes.

The RLD8BQAB3 is a compact surface-mount infrared laser diode designed for LiDAR applications utilizing 3D ToF systems for distance measurement and spatial recognition. This high-output device delivers 125W across 8 channels, with an optimized design featuring eight 300µm-wide emission areas per element, mounted on a submount attached to a high heat dissipation substrate.

The package features a clear glass cap on the emitting surface—an industry first for surface-mount laser diodes—preventing light scattering caused by dicing scratches common in resin-encapsulated products and ensuring superior beam quality. Each emission area is wired with a common cathode, allowing flexible irradiation options to suit application needs, from individual emissions for increasing light-emitting points to industry-leading simultaneous emissions at ultra-high outputs of 1kW class.

The new product preserves the core features of ROHM’s conventional laser diodes, such as uniform emission intensity across the emission width and a low wavelength temperature dependence of 0.1nm/°C (compared to 0.26–0.28nm/°C in standard products). Additionally, the array configuration reduces areas of decreased emission intensity between channels, while the integrated bandpass filter minimizes ambient light noise from sources like sunlight. These enhancements enable long-distance detection and high-definition LiDAR performance.