- Proven technology developed at TSMC now ready for mass production 
- Innovative GeSi photonics-based approach overcomes current 3D image sensor 
limitations and enables operation at safer laser wavelengths (1050-1550nm) than 
existing solutions

Artilux, an innovator in optical and electronics technology, announces its new 
Artilux Explore Series for wide spectrum 3D sensing. By operating at longer 
wavelength light than conventional solutions, the new Explore Series delivers 
exceptional accuracy, reduces the risk of eye damage and minimizes sunlight 
interference, enabling a consistent outdoor-indoor user experience. The 
breakthrough is based on a new GeSi technology platform developed by Artilux in 
cooperation with TSMC.

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190827/2562462-1
(photo caption: Artilux has realized 3D depth sensing at longer wavelength. 
Pictured is the real 3D imager captured by Artilux’s sensor that operates at 
1310nm)

Through a series of technological breakthroughs, ranging from advanced 
material, sensor design to system and algorithm innovation, Artilux has 
redefined the performance of 3D sensing. With its new GeSi Time-of-Flight (ToF) 
technology, the company has managed to overcome a critical industry bottleneck 
– the limited ability to absorb light across a broader spectrum for safety and 
minimum sunlight interference -- and is now set to fundamentally transform 3D 
sensing technology and applications.

Current 3D sensing technology from other companies usually works at wavelengths 
less than 1µm, typically 850nm or 940nm. These wavelengths have two major 
drawbacks: firstly, poor outdoor performance due to interference from sunlight, 
and secondly a potential risk of irreparably damaging eyesight with misused or 
malfunctioning lasers, since the human retina can easily absorb laser energy at 
such wavelengths. Existing attempts to extend the spectrum to wavelengths above 
1µm have suffered from poor quantum efficiency (QE), falling drastically from 
around 30% at 940nm to 0% for wavelength 1 micrometre and above. 

The new Artilux technology integrates GeSi as the light absorption material 
with CMOS technology on a silicon wafer. It eliminates existing physics and 
engineering bottlenecks by significantly increasing QE to 70% at 940nm, as well 
as further extending the available spectrum up to 1550nm by achieving 50% QE at 
this wavelength. Combined with modulation frequency at 300 MHz and above, it 
delivers higher accuracy and better performance in sunlight and greatly reduces 
the risk of eye damage -- all at a competitive price. It is now ready for mass 
production.

Erik Chen, CEO at Artilux, said, "Intelligence is shaped by connecting the dots 
among experiences originating from how we perceive our surroundings. At 
Artilux, we believe intelligence and technology evolution start with 
observation and connections, and by exploring and expanding the frontiers of 
advanced photonic technology for sensing and connectivity, we aim to be an 
integral part of the infrastructure for future AI and technology evolution to 
be built upon. The Explore Series is named after this pioneering spirit and 
sets out to unleash the full potential of wide spectrum 3D sensing."

The new wide spectrum 3D sensing technology will enable numerous new 
opportunities from short range applications such as 3D facial recognition, with 
sub-mm depth accuracy in both indoor and outdoor environments, to mid-long 
range applications, including augmented reality, security cameras, as well as 
robotics and autonomous vehicles. 

The first wide spectrum 3D ToF image sensors of the new Explore Series, with 
multiple resolutions and ecosystem partners, will be announced in Q1 2020.

About Artilux:

Artilux is a deep tech company that focuses on pioneering advanced photonic 
technology for wide spectrum 3D sensing and communication. With the fundamental 
technology breakthrough and collaboration with TSMC, Artilux has not only 
developed a unique wide spectrum 3D image sensor that acts as a new gateway to 
many perception AI applications, but also provides a comprehensive and 
cost-effective solution in the field of high-speed optical communications. 
Artilux aims to be a vanguard for future technology evolution in mobile, 
autonomous driving, industry 4.0 and many more. See www.artiluxtech.com. 

Reader contact: info@artiluxtech.com

Source: Artilux