Kyocera has come up with an innovation in lighting that could open up design opportunities while also making advanced driver assistance features even better.
The industrial giant announced this week at CES through its KYOCERA SLD Laser subsidiary that it is the first in the world to introduce a headlight module that provides bright laser light for both high and low beams, and Infrared light from a single unit. That means a single headlight system can provide illumination for the driver and any infrared cameras the vehicle may have.
Kyocera claims its LaserLight headlight modules provide drivers with high-brightness, long-range illumination and sharp cut-off illumination, allowing them to see more of the road without dazzling oncoming drivers. It said that would lead to better safety scores from testing agencies like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which often complains about headlight problems, especially on taller vehicles like pickup trucks.
At the same time, infrared light provides better visibility for night vision cameras. Additionally, it supports new forward-facing lighting features, including 3D flash and LiDAR sensing, which could help enable autonomous driving features. The company calls this ability to simultaneously emit white and infrared light “dual emission,” and says it’s not possible with LED lighting elements because they can’t be modulated at a high enough speed.
One light source emitting two types of light means that the actual headlight module can be smaller, giving automotive designers more packaging freedom. The LaserLight elements for each headlight are arranged in groups of four: two for low beam and two for high beam. Emission patterns can be calibrated according to SAE or ECE/CCC regulations. In addition, Kyocera says its laser illumination can also be built into the fiber. It shows that it’s available to automakers looking to light up their logos or grilles in creative ways.
This technology has been used in podium vehicles in the Baja 1000 and other forms of motorsports. However, applications can be extended to avionics, rail or marine industries. Now, though, it says it’s ready to supply headlights to OEMs and their suppliers.
