SLD Laser launches production of LaserLight sources for automotive and specialty lighting applications

At the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (8–11 January), SLD Laser of Goleta, CA, USA (a spin-off from LED lighting firm Soraa Inc that is commercializing visible laser light sources for automotive, specialty lighting and display applications) is demonstrating real-world applications for its high-brightness light source technology and its vision for intelligent illumination.

It is reckoned that LaserLight can deliver more than 10 times the brightness of LEDs, extended range illumination of up to 1km, minimal power consumption, long lifetime, and highly directional output not possible with LEDs. SLD Laser has achieved the first UL safety certification for laser lighting, and its technology can be found in a growing range of products including portable lights such as flashlights and drone lights, entertainment and architectural lighting, and automotive headlights and interior lights.

At the 2018 SCORE Baja 1000 off-road race, the first and second place finishers in the Trophy Truck category utilized Baja Designs LaserLight powered by SLD Laser components (available this year for the first time). “This new SLD LaserLight technology gives you more penetration and confidence when racing in the dark because you can count on being able to see deep down the course when you are going 110 or even 120mph,” commented winner Cameron Steele. The Baja Designs LaserLight bar throws light to over 1km range (more than 3.5 times further than premium LED offerings, it is reckoned).

LaserLight will hit the streets for the first time with the arrival of select premium car models deploying LaserLight Fiber for high-beam boost functionality, complemented by a conventional LED unit for low-beam. This signals SLD Laser’s production launch in the automotive category, with units shipping now for cars to be delivered to customers in Europe in third-quarter 2019.

At CES, SLD Laser is unveiling the smallest LaserLight headlight concept, measuring just 1.5cm high with low-beam and high-beam functionality, together with a 1.5mm daytime running light (DRL). Using the same fiber-based technology, the compactness of these lighting sources is inspiring new ideas in headlamp designs, says the firm, which has partnered with mechatronics company HSL Italia.

In addition to headlamps, the same versatile light source can be used for interior or exterior fiber-based accent lighting. The sources couple efficiently into fiber optics, making the replacement of a light source as simple as connecting a headphone jack.

SLD Laser expects that in the future LaserLight technology will enable new lighting functions in next-generation autonomous driving applications using a 1mm mirror based on micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) technology to steer the light to the road. For connected cars, LaserLight sources can enable LiFi data communications – high-speed, networked, wireless communications using light – that eclipse the capabilities of conventional WiFi communications, with vastly increased data transmission rates (in excess of 5GB per second) and extended range.

Beyond automotive applications, LaserLight sources can deliver high-luminance performance for consumer products related to portable lighting, as well as professional products in entertainment, architectural, security, search & rescue and outdoor lighting. New products being launched include handheld, battery-powered flashlights that allow 1km visibility and power-efficient, light-weight modules that can be drone-mounted to provide better visibility than can be achieved with alternative lighting technology.

See related items:

SLD Laser achieves first UL certification for laser lighting

SoraaLaser demonstrating new dynamic laser light source technology for specialty lighting

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Visit: www.SLDLaser.com