Laser headlights hit the road

Audi is fitting laser headlights as standard on its limited-edition Audi R8 LMX.

Lasers are away of adding intensity to the centre of a headlight main beam, allowing solid-state front lighting to beat ‘xenon’ HID (high-intensity discharge)-based lamps which were continuing to out-shine LED headlamps.

In a laser headlight, a blue laser is directed through a phosphor, resulting in a narrow cone of ‘white’ light.Laser headlights hit the road

In the Audi case, there is one laser module per headlight, and within each module are four 450nm laser diodes producing 300µm beams. Post-phosphor, the firm has selected a colour temperature of 5,500K.

The strategy is to add the laser to the main beam to increase down-the-road illumination – in the Audi case above 37mph. A camera based sensor system detects other road users and actively adjusts the light pattern to avoid dazzle.

Last year Audi fitted matrix LED headlights to the updated A8 – switching on and off leds in an array to shape the headlight beam.

The A8 LMX is Audi’s supercar, with a 570PS 5.2 litre V10 engine giving 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.4s, and a 198mph top speed. There are only going to be 99 of them, and the UK debut will be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

BMW is going to offer laser-enhanced main beam as an option on its i8 car at the end of 2014.

The reason lasers are better than LEDs in adding ‘punch’ to a headlight is light intensity – the term to google is ‘etendue’ if you are keen.

 

 

For more detail: Laser headlights hit the road


About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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