SCIVAX Corporation, headquartered in Kawasaki, Japan, and led by President Satoru Tanaka, has partnered with Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo and headed by President Yasuhiko Saitoh, to introduce Amtelus®, a groundbreaking light source device designed for 3D sensors, along with the technology for its mass production. Evaluation samples of Amtelus® will be available starting November 2024, with Shin-Etsu Chemical handling the sales of these innovative products.
Previously, SCIVAX has offered Platanus®, an optical lens that effectively diffuses and radiates light uniformly, serving as a light source for 3D sensors in automotive and other applications, thereby enhancing sensor performance. However, as the applications for 3D sensing technology have expanded, there is a growing need for more compact and high-performance light source devices. The conventional cavity structure posed challenges in reducing the device footprint, which has been a significant hurdle to overcome.
To address this challenge, Shin-Etsu Chemical has developed a high-hardness material that can be diced and possesses the necessary optical properties along with sealing capabilities to protect the devices. Leveraging this material, SCIVAX has successfully created Amtelus®, the world’s smallest light source device that integrates the functions of Platanus®. This innovative device boasts a mounting area of just 1 mm² or less, making it ten times smaller than conventional devices and significantly thinner, at half the thickness or less.
Key Features of Amtelus®:
- Compact Design: Amtelus® minimizes the mounting area of the light-emitting device, making it suitable for applications in devices such as AR glasses and smartphones, which have previously faced installation challenges. Additionally, multiple Amtelus® modules can be utilized for enhanced sensing precision.
- Flexible Light Emission: The Platanus® optical lens offers a range of irradiation fields with a high degree of design flexibility, enabling various types of light emissions, including a wide spread of over 140 degrees or a high aspect ratio (120 degrees by 30 degrees). This allows for the customization of Amtelus® modules to meet specific customer requirements.
- Cost-Effective Production: By employing advanced nanoimprint mass production technology, the lenses are integrated with the light source within a resin package, resulting in superior cost competitiveness compared to traditional products.
Looking ahead, Shin-Etsu Chemical and SCIVAX are exploring the potential to expand the applications of this innovative technology into various fields, particularly in next-generation life sciences, focusing on vital sensors.
