BMWs and Laser beams Light Cars |
BMW are all set to introduce Laser lighting technology to vehicular lighting, following the onset of the use of full LED headlights. Laser lighting is monochromatic i.e. the light waves all have the same length. They are near-parallel beams with an intensity 1000 times greater than that of conventional LEDs and they consume less than half the energy consumpted by LED headlights.
BMWs and Laser beams |
Laser lighting is not emitted directly, but is first converted into a form that is suitable for use in road traffic. With a length of just ten microns (µm), laser diodes are 100 times smaller than the square-shaped cells used in LED lighting. Possible it may be, but BMW engineers have no plans to reduce the headlight size instead they would retain their conventional dimensions and consequently play a key role in BMW styling. The size advantage may be used to reduce the depth of the headlight unit opening possibilities for headlight positioning and styling. LED lighting generates only around 100 lumens per watt whereas laser lighting generates approximately 170 lumens.