Osram Firefly SFH 4030 and SFH 4060 infrared LEDs for virtual and augmented reality

As virtual and augmented reality applications become part of our everyday lives, some users are developing feelings of discomfort and dizziness when the virtual and real perceptions do not match. Osram’s Firefly SFH 4030 and SFH 4060 infrared LEDs help to prevent these side effects by enabling eye-tracking solutions that provide a targeted point of reference, allowing users to safely immerse in other worlds.

Eye-tracking systems register the user’s viewing angle and the movements of their eyes. The systems illuminate the eyes with infrared light and register the reflections with a camera sensor. Software then determines the exact position of the eyes and the viewing direction of the user to derive relevant information for the imaging elements of the system.

The Firefly SFH 4030 and SFH 4060 feature compact dimensions of only 1 x 0.325 mm. Due to their low height of only 0.55 mm, the side-emitting components can be easily installed. A special feature is the black cap, which makes the two IREDs ‘invisible’ when installed.

Users can choose between the 940 nm version (SFH 4030) or the 850 nm version (SFH 4060), depending on the requirements of their target application. With the SFH 4060, users benefit from the high sensitivity of the sensors in this wavelength range. On the other hand, the SFH 4030 avoids the disturbing ‘red glow’ effect, where users see a red light.