Osram to Target VR & AR Markets

Infrared component maker, Osram Opto, plans to target Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality markets

Germany: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH is looking forward to focus towards the rapidly growing VR & AR markets by developing an 850nm-wavelength laser diode specifically for time-of-flight cameras and structured light applications. The laser diode is available in both multi-mode and single-mode versions and is used for 3D sensors in VR and AR systems.

Specially developed LEDs for near-to-eye projection use, such as the Osram Ostar Projection product family, provides two-channel projection with green as well as red and blue light combined in one package, yielding a very small light engine design. As part of the portfolio in the mobile device market, Osram Opto also offers a variety of LEDs suitable for different types of applications and designs including backlighting as well as sensors for bio-monitoring and biometric identification methods.

Initially driven by the gaming industry, virtual reality is expected to serve a wide range of industrial applications, for example healthcare, construction, real estate and urban planning as well as the automotive sector. Augmented reality has already risen considerably in industries as well, and last year entered the consumer market with Pokemon Go.

TechSci Research depicts that the company’s plans to increase its infrared LED product portfolio for applications such as AR & VR will to benefit the company in the long run as these markets have been growing at a significant rate since past five years. The company’s long experience in developing optoelectronic components would also benefit the company in development of products suitable for these applications.

According to a recently published report by TechSci Research, “Global Infrared LED Market By Application (Imaging, Lighting, Surveillance, Automotive & Others), By Region (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and Competition Forecast and Opportunities, 2010 – 2020’’, the global infrared LED market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during 2015-2020. Major factors propelling growth in the global infrared LED market include rising use of infrared LEDs in smartphones for iris recognition, and increasing use of these LEDs in CCTVs and surveillance systems. Asia-Pacific is the largest regional market for infrared LEDs in the world, due to the increasing penetration of these LEDs in smartphones, automotive, surveillance systems and other segments. Epistar Corporation, Nichia Corporation, Everlight Electronics, High Power Lighting, etc. are among the major Infrared LED companies involved in manufacturing infrared LEDs for various end user applications.