Laser headlights: the principle of operation and reviews
Laser headlights: the principle of operation and reviews
Anonim

Automotive lighting develops in strictly established directions that rarely change. Today, LED optics are of particular interest to most drivers. It has a lot of advantages that do not allow alternative solutions to approach this segment. And yet, technological developments do not stand still, a completely different concept of light supply is gradually gaining popularity. These are laser headlights that have brought fundamentally new qualities to the organization of the optical support of a modern car.

laser lights
laser lights

The principle of operation of laser optics

While traditional automotive light sources such as incandescent bulbs and standard LEDs provide somewhat dynamic radiation, the laser produces monochrome and coherent scattering. This is largely due to the advantages of technology. Despite this, the design is also based on diodes, due to which laser headlights function. The principle of operation of such optics is based on the fact that the laser is not a source of illumination, but an element of energy supply. Three LEDs with a phosphorus-containing substance are still responsible for the light. It is this group, supported by a laser, that forms a beam of light with the desired parameters.

During the operation of any headlights, the atoms of the active substance consume energy, giving off photons at the output. In particular, the classic incandescent lamp contains a tungsten filament that emits light as it is heated by electricity. Changing the energy consumption configuration has led to the fact that laser headlights can provide power that is tens of times higher than the potential of xenon lamps.

laser headlights
laser headlights

Positive feedback about laser headlights

New technology provides several advantages to automotive optics. As already noted, even with modern xenon, such a headlight will benefit from power. And the consumer confirms this. So, the practice of use suggests that the power of the laser system is many times higher than that of traditional halogens and LEDs. More accurate calculations indicate that laser headlights are capable of working 600m ahead. In comparison, the maximum potential of a regular high beam reaches 400m at best.

But even the basic working qualities are not the main advantage of laser light. Such a source, thanks to a special principle of operation, facilitated the processes of controlling the light beam. Few users in particular have been able to try out the latest dynamic laser light intelligent control system. However, according to experts, this direction of development of optics promises a lot of new opportunities. Suffice it to say that in the latest models of German cars, laser headlights are oriented towards the possibility of a spot beam. SoThus, the system automatically monitors dangerous areas, focusing the driver's attention on them.

DIY laser headlights
DIY laser headlights

Negative reviews

Obvious advantages still do not exclude the negative aspects of the operation of laser headlights. The disadvantages are due to the same features that LEDs have. So, users note that in some situations the light blinds oncoming drivers excessively and is generally unusual, which can distract other motorists. In addition, in existing modifications, laser headlights are very expensive and this is an important point, given that their advantages are far from always vital.

Producers

There are two categories of laser headlight manufacturers. On the one hand, such technologies are quite naturally mastered directly by car manufacturers. The most successful developments in the segment are demonstrated by Audi and BMW. True, laser optics rarely appears in mass models so far - such equipment is more often acquired as an optional solution. And on the other hand, laser headlights are produced by leading developers of LED technology. Philips, Osram and Hella companies can be noted, which occupy a leading position in the design of the latest lighting systems. What is particularly interesting is that companies in both categories occupy highly specialized niches, promoting unique technological solutions.

headlight laser
headlight laser

How to make DIY laser headlights?

About the full production of laser headlight withthe above-mentioned characteristics of speech cannot be, however, the partial introduction of diodes of this type into automotive optics can give some positive results. So, many home craftsmen offer a technique for making a laser pointer for a headlight, which will be based on a diode from a DVD-RW drive. The laser is integrated into the recess of the brake light or fog lamp with beam correction by cold welding. To limit the length of the stream, you can apply a stencil that will repeat the shape of the desired beam. Therefore, even before starting production, you should decide on what characteristics laser headlights should have. With your own hands, the correction base can be made of cardboard, leaving a window of a suitable size. Typically, headlights are made based on a beam delivery of 1.5 m, provided that a 4-meter projection is provided.

Conclusion

laser headlights working principle
laser headlights working principle

In various areas of technological improvement of cars, processes of active implementation of intelligent systems are taking place. The optical configuration, even in modern generations, is designed with great emphasis on providing basic light performance. Optimum emission properties have already been achieved with standard LEDs. In turn, laser headlights, along with an increase in the performance of optics, also allowed developers to master new principles of light control. Not yet in mass production, but on the examples of concept machines, leading companies demonstrate impressive examples of laser headlight automation. According tospecialists, work in this direction should not only improve the interaction of the driver with the headlights, but also generally improve the ergonomics of driving a car and the level of safety.

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