Osram Opto Semiconductors Launches a New Infrared LED for Iris Scanners

New Oslux IRED offers even illumination, simplifying identification of unique iris patterns

Germany: Osram Opto Semiconductors is set to present a new Infrared LED (IR LED) for iris scanners at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The SFH 4787S illuminates the eyes so evenly that the software identifying the iris pattern hardly needs to correct artefacts. Like its predecessor, its direction of emission is slightly angled rather than vertical, thus simplifying the design process by eliminating the usual mechanical aids.

Iris recognition is among the most reliable biometric identification methods. In brief, iris scanners illuminate the eyes with infrared light and a camera takes a photograph. Special software then uses this to detect the iris pattern, which is unique to each individual.

Osram Opto Semiconductors is a technology leader in this field. Two years ago, the company was first to market an infrared LED that brought this technology to smartphones and other mobile devices. This was followed by a version with a slightly angled direction of emission, which meant that designers no longer need mechanical aids to tilt the entire LED. The angle of emission aligns with the camera’s field of view.

TechSci Research depicts that the company’s continuous innovation and product launches in Infrared LED segment is set to benefit the company in the long run as the market for these products is currently at a nascent stage

According to a recent report published by TechSci Research, “Global Infrared LED Market, By Function, By Application, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2012 - 2022”, the global market of infrared LED is forecast to exhibit a CAGR of over 22% during 2017-2022. Infrared imaging held the highest market share in global infrared LED market over the past few years, and this trend is anticipated to continue during the forecast period as well. Moreover, Asia-Pacific dominated global infrared LED market during 2012-2016, and the region is anticipated to continue dominating the market through 2022.