ams and Osram launch two new infrared LEDs for facial recognition

ams and Osram launch two new infrared LEDs for facial recognition, enabling narrow-border display designs

• SFH4171S and SFH4181S support biometric authentication on laptops;

With these two compact IREDs, ams and OSRAM expand their facial recognition portfolio;

• Small size enables ultra-narrow bezel designs on laptop monitors.

China, May 27, 2021 - ams Semiconductor and OSRAM, a leading global supplier of optical solutions, today announced the launch of two infrared LEDs (IREDs) specifically developed for 2D facial recognition systems: SFH4171S and SFH4181S.

When these two IREDs are used, they emit infrared light to the user's face, and the infrared camera captures the face. If the captured image matches the image stored in the system, the device is unlocked. The two products have the obvious advantage of ultra-small size, which can realize the ultra-narrow frame design of laptops, which is also the popular trend of laptops.

The main optics of the SFH4171S and SFH4181S focus the infrared light into a very concentrated beam, enabling the infrared camera to capture high-quality images (Image courtesy of ams and Osram).

“With these two infrared LEDs, we are continuously simplifying the integration of security applications in laptops and offering manufacturers new design options for future models,” said Bianka Schnabel, Product Manager for Optical Semiconductors at ams and OSRAM. Unlocking the laptop via biometrics eliminates the need to enter a password, ensuring that users can quickly and easily access their laptop after a break.

ams and OSRAM offer two IRED wavelengths: the SFH4171S at 850 nm and the SFH4181S at 940 nm . In the SFH4171S wavelength range, customers can clearly experience the high sensitivity of infrared cameras. The SFH4181S avoids the "red-exposure" effect visible to the human eye, which is generally required in consumer electronics applications. Both products are packaged in an extremely compact Oslon P1616 package. Even including the optical lens, the product requires only 1.6mm×1.6mm×1.71mm of mounting space. Despite the small size, these two IREDs can provide an excellent optical power of 1150mW and a beam intensity of 680mW/sr at 1A. Special primary optics condense the beam at a 35° beam angle to improve performance, making it easier for infrared cameras to capture high-quality images.

In addition to enabling laptop unlocking via facial recognition, these two compact IREDs can also enable ultra-narrow bezel display designs (Image courtesy of ams and Osram).

For more technical information, to inquire about an evaluation kit or to request samples