Osram system partner for laser light in BMW i8

Laser light is the next big step forward in automotive lighting since introduction of the LED and the OLED.

The BMW i8 is said to be the first production vehicle in the world to use laser headlights on public streets, and lamps and lighting systems manufacturer Osram has made a contribution, as a system partner, in the development of this laser technology.

Osram has acquired the competence required in this field through its long-standing tradition with fluorescent materials and the experience it has accumulated in similar laser-based systems for applications in medical technology (endoscopic equipment) and in video projectors.

Laser technology opens up completely new directions in headlight design. Laser diodes are around 10 times smaller than LEDs and they offer a particularly strong luminance, which far exceeds that of existing light sources. This means that headlights can be made even smaller in the future - without having to compromise on light intensity. The primary benefit for drivers is that such headlights have the longest range provided by any current headlight technology. This gives the driver improved visibility, resulting in increased road traffic safety.

Laser light has the potential to create a new trend in automotive lighting. There is still a long way to go, however, before high beams emitted by laser modules have achieved the ubiquity of halogen or xenon lights. BMW is taking the first step in this direction by adopting laser headlight technology.