Side-emitting infrared LED targets VR/MR/AR applications

Rohm Semiconductor has extended its PICOLED family with the launch of the CSL1501RW ultra-compact side-emitting (side view) infrared LED (IR LED). Target applications include head-mounted displays, industrial headsets, and virtual reality/mixed reality/augmented reality (VR/MR/AR) gaming systems.

VR/MR/AR technology has increasingly been adopted in headsets and head-mounted displays in a variety of gaming systems. With the ability to simulate 3D space and project data in the real world, these xR (extended reality) applications have expanded into the industrial sector, said Rohm, and at the same time, increasing application functionality has led to the use of infrared LEDs for eye tracking, together with accelerometers, which are used for detecting body movement.

Rohm’s new ultra-miniature IR LED is designed for these compact devices and wearables in a small 1.0 x 0.55 mm (t=0.5 mm) package that is optimized for the high-intensity LED die. It serves as a light source for eye tracking in VR/MR/AR applications that require greater performance.

The CSL1501RW offers a peak wavelength of 860 nm in a side-view design that emits light parallel to the mounting surface. By leveraging its LED die manufacturing expertise, the IR LED offers reduced power consumption by more than 20% (from 0.24 W to 0.18 W at 1 mW/sr) by increasing both the radiant intensity and luminous efficiency versus conventional products, according to the company.

Samples are available now, followed by mass production in March 2021. The CSL1501RW is priced at $0.36/unit (samples, excluding tax). Click here (PDF) for the datasheet.