- Photonic innovation improving eye safety, sensing accuracy and performance 
under sunlight 
- The first CMOS-based ToF sensor that can work with optical wavelengths up to 
1.55um 
- Safety for consumers boosted by use of longer NIR wavelengths 

At CES 2020, Artilux, an innovator in photonics and electronics technology, 
will be unveiling its Explore Series, the world's first wide spectrum 3D ToF 
(time-of-flight) sensor based on GeSi (germanium-on-silicon) photonic 
innovation. Operating at longer NIR (near infared) wavelengths, the sensor can 
be used in the area of the spectrum that is more than 10 times safer than the 
currently-used 940nm wavelength, as well as improving sensing accuracy and 
performance under sunlight. 

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191210/2659688-1-a
(Artilux GeSi Wide Spectrum 3D sensor works at zone 2 and zone 3 to boost 
safety for consumers.)

The demo, being shown live for the first time, will include a RGB-D camera for 
logistics applications and robot vision, and a 3D camera system that can 
operate at a longer wavelength. The sensor is projected to enter mass 
production in Q1 2020 and targets applications that will benefit from the 
improved 3D sensing performance such as mobile devices, automotive LiDAR, and 
machine vision.

In contrast to existing 3D sensors, which typically operate at 850nm or 940nm, 
the new sensor from Artilux can effectively cover the range from 850nm to 
1550nm. By utilizing this capability, the new Explore Series sensor 
substantially reduces the potential risk of eye damage, since longer NIR 
wavelength radiation causes less or even no harm to the retina. According to 
the most recent findings(https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.07972), the power of the 
laser can safely be at least 10 times greater at 1200-1400nm than at 940nm, 
which improves performance without compromising on safety for long range and 
highly accurate 3D imaging; it also means that the safe minimum distance of the 
laser from the eye can be further reduced to sub-centimeter, following the 
international standards IEC 
60825-1:2007(https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/17996) and IEC 
60825-1:2014(https://webstore.iec.ch/publication/3587).  

The use of longer NIR wavelengths also minimizes interference from sunlight and 
enables better performance in outdoor environments. All the breakthroughs are 
brought about by a new GeSi technology platform developed by Artilux in 
cooperation with TSMC, enabling it to be the first CMOS-based ToF solution to 
work with light wavelengths up to 1.55µm. A paper that addresses the sensor 
design based on a GeSi platform has recently been accepted by ISSCC 
(International Solid-State Circuits Conference) 2020, the foremost global forum 
in solid-state circuits and systems-on-a-chip.

CES is held at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC) and will 
run from January 7 to January 10, 2020. For more information on CES, see 
https://www.ces.tech.

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191209/2659688-1-b
(Eye Safety is boosted by use of longer NIR wavelengths. This is an image of a 
point cloud taken with Artilux's sensor technology that operates in zone 2.)

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