Würth Elektronik launches infrared laser

Würth Elektronik reports that its newly-released WL-VCSL Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser performs to “a high efficiency of 35% and almost two Watts of radiant power”. 

Designed to emit short, high-energy pulses, the new IR laser is described as ideal for 3D environmental recognition solutions – for example, in industrial automation or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

Robust housing

“The Würth Elektronik experts make use of high-quality materials in the 3.5 × 3.5 × 1.8 mm very robust housing of the WL-VCSL,” says the company, while a thermally conductive ceramic substrate, gold-plated contacts and a high-quality quartz diffuser ensure a highly homogeneous radiation pattern. 

Two variants are available: 60° × 45° and 110° × 85° beam angles. The laser with a wavelength of 940 nm is aimed at applications in which precision is essential.

The possible areas of use range from 3D recognition, LiDAR and distance measurement (time of flight) to solutions in industrial automation and robotics, through to applications in the field of biometric recognition. 

Würth Elektronik adds that it will soon make a tested reference design available for pulsating controls, free of charge.