A new attempt to use semiconductor laser technology in automotive headlights has begun: the partnership between Valeo and Appotronics has the potential to dramatically improve the safety and comfort of next-generation mobility.
Valeo and Appotronics announce strategic partnership for next-generation front lighting system
🟦 Valeo and Appotronics partner up! Next-generation headlights created by semiconductor laser displays
Valeo has announced that it has partnered with Appotronics, a Chinese laser display manufacturer, to develop all-in-one full-color headlights using the company’s ALPD® semiconductor laser technology.
The headlights go beyond the traditional Low Beam High Beam (LH/HB) and are smart lighting systems with Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) capabilities. In addition, it is equipped with high-definition road surface information projection using a DLP chip and an outdoor movie projection function, making it both entertaining.
Appotronics’ ALPD technology is 10 times brighter than traditional automotive LEDs and offers 200% more luminous flux while reducing power consumption.
This evolution is due to the crystallization of the latest semiconductor technology: “semiconductor laser diode” + “DLP chip that applies MEMS technology”.
🟦 Why is semiconductor laser technology attracting attention in automotive lighting now?
LED technology has dominated conventional automotive lighting, but the physical limits of further miniaturization and high brightness of LEDs are beginning to be seen. On the other hand, semiconductor lasers are in the spotlight as next-generation lighting because they are smaller, have higher directivity, and have better energy conversion efficiency.
In addition, as the linkage with the vehicle’s safe driving support system (ADAS) progresses, laser illumination, which enables detailed light control, is indispensable for the realization of new functions such as road surface indication and alerting other vehicles and pedestrians.
The partnership between Valeo and Appotronics is a response to the need for smarter mobility and accelerates the growing demand for laser technology for automotive applications in the semiconductor market.
🟦 Summary
Valeo and Appotronics have partnered to develop the next generation of automotive headlights using semiconductor laser technology, which is a pivotal milestone in the evolution of automotive lighting.
The new headlights have the potential to outperform traditional LED lighting in terms of brightness, energy efficiency and adaptive features.
