Power-saving infrared LED for VR/MR/AR applications

ROHM has launched a new ultra-compact side-emitting (side view) infrared LED, CSL1501RW. The device is excellent for head-mounted displays, industrial headsets, and VR/MR/AR (xR, virtual reality) gaming systems.

Recently, VR/MR/AR technology, which has developed following the ongoing advancement of IoT, is being more frequently adopted in headsets and head-mounted displays inside many gaming systems. The capability to simulate 3D space and project data in the real world has opened the market for VR/MR/AR applications in the industrial sector as well.

At the same time, growing application functionality has directed to the use of infrared LEDs for eye-tracking together with accelerometers commonly installed for identifying body movement.

In response, the company now provides a new ultra-miniature side-firing infrared LED optimised for today's needs – expanding its PICOLED series of ultra-compact chip LEDs, excellent for compact mobile devices and wearables.

The new device delivers a peak wavelength of 860nm in an industry-small (1mm x 0.55mm, t=0.5mm) side-view design that emits light parallel to the mounting surface, giving outstanding design flexibility. Also, the company uses its strengths in element manufacturing to enhance luminous efficiency and decrease power consumption by over 20%. The device works as a light source for eye tracking in VR/MR/AR applications that need greater performance.