Test drive Audi introduced a new generation of laser lights

Matrix laser technology optimally illuminates the road, enables new types of light assist functions and was developed in collaboration with Osram and Bosch.

Matrix laser technology is based on the LaserSpot technology for high beam light sources introduced by Audi in production in the Audi R8 LMX *. For the first time, bright lasers have allowed projector technology to be integrated into compact and powerful headlights.

The new technology is based on a fast moving micromirror that redirects the laser beam. At low travel speeds, the light beam spreads over a large projection area and the road is illuminated in a very wide range. At high speeds, the opening angle is smaller, and the light intensity and range are significantly increased. This is a particularly important advantage when driving on the highway. In addition, the beam of these lamps can be spread more precisely. This means that the brightness in different lighting areas can be changed by precisely controlling the dimming time and lighting in them.

Another novelty is the intelligent and fast activation and deactivation of laser diodes depending on the position of the mirror. This allows the light beam to expand and contract dynamically and very quickly. As with current Audi Matrix LEDs, the road is always brightly lit without dazzling other road users. The essential difference is that the matrix laser technology offers even more precise and excellent dynamic resolution and therefore a higher degree of light utilization, which improves road safety.

In the new technology, OSRAM's blue laser diodes project a 450 nanometer beam onto a XNUMX-millimeter fast-moving mirror. This mirror redirects blue laser light to a transducer, which converts it into white light and directs it onto the road. The mirror used for this purpose, supplied by Bosch, is an electromechanically controlled micro-optical system based on silicon technology. It is extremely durable and has a very long service life. Similar components are used in accelerometers and controls in electronic stability control systems.

In the three-year iLaS project, Audi is working closely with Bosch, Osram and the Lichttechnischen Institut (LTI), which is part of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The project is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Science.

Audi has played a leading role in automotive lighting technology for many years. Some of the key brand innovations:

• 2003: Audi A8 * with adaptive headlights.

• 2004: Audi A8 W12 * with LED daytime running lights.

• 2008: Audi R8 * with full LED headlights

• 2010: Audi A8, in which the headlights are controlled using data from the navigation system.

• 2012: Audi R8 with dynamic turn signals

• 2013: Audi A8 with matrix LED headlights

• 2014: Audi R8 LMX with LaserSpot high beam technology

2020-08-30