That much smaller focal spot means that a much less powerful, less expensive, laser can be used. As the laser is the most expensive component in the sensor, the overall cost falls 50%, or more.
We call this unique polymer Polycalc. Its benefit of radically reducing laser cost, in combination with its own low cost, is especially attractive in autonomous driving applications. “Eyes off the Road” Level 3 Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) has the potential to eradicate the 30% of automobile fatalities that result from vehicles at high speed not able to stop in time.
For Level 3 ADAS to take off, depth sensor costs must be cut in half. Given that our technology places this possibility within reach, depth sensors using Polycalc lenses are regarded as the most promising approach. Think of the countless lives that can be saved.
The features of Polycalc optics are unique in the near infrared (800 to 1600 nm), where 3D imagers operate. These features – which are highly attractive to automotive optics and Tier 1 ADAS sensor companies – include the following:
- High refractive index, resulting in low f/# lenses
- High optical efficiency
- Low material and molding costs
- Ease of incorporating mounting features that reduce lens assembly costs
- Integration of multiple elements on a single substrate
Future generations of Polycalc with refractive index >2 will enhance these benefits as well as provide new approaches.
Polycalc can be molded into a wide variety of optics. Of course, discrete lenses can be made, but unlike glass elements, these can include integrated mounting features, such as flanges.
Moreover, multiple elements can be molded into a single substrate. This capability is highly attractive in optical assemblies that incorporate, for example, sources and detectors side by side, or many optoelectronic devices in an array configuration. In such cases, alignment can be performed in just a single step, saving time and improving yield.
Altogether, lower f/# and moldability means that Polycalc optics provide optical designers with greater flexibility to design more compact, highly integrated light engines with greater functionality and lower cost.