Laser Transmitter for LiDAR: Specifications and Selection Guide

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Laser Transmitter

Definition

The laser transmitter is a critical sub-component of a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor system. Its primary function is to generate coherent, high-intensity pulses of laser light, which are then emitted into the environment. The emitted light reflects off objects, and the returning signals are captured by the sensor's receiver to calculate precise distances and create detailed 3D maps of the surroundings. This component is typically used in automotive, industrial, and surveying applications where accurate spatial awareness is required. The transmitter operates by converting electrical energy into optical pulses, with the wavelength, peak power, pulse width, and repetition rate being key parameters that influence the sensor's performance. For instance, a wavelength of 905 nm is common, while 1550 nm is available for improved eye safety. Peak power ranges from 20 to 75 watts, with higher power extending range but increasing eye hazard. Pulse width is typically 5 to 10 nanoseconds, with shorter pulses improving resolution. The repetition rate ranges from 10 to 100 kHz, affecting point density. Beam divergence is controlled between 0.1 and 0.5 milliradians to enhance angular resolution. The transmitter is designed to operate within a temperature range of -40 to 85 °C, with storage from -40 to 105 °C, and relative humidity of 5 to 95% non-condensing. It is available with ingress protection ratings from IP54 to IP67 per IEC 60529, and is classified as Laser Class 1 per IEC 60825-1 for eye safety. The component's weight varies from 5 to 20 grams, and its dimensions (diameter of TO-can package) range from 5.6 to 12.0 mm. Materials typically include semiconductor materials like Gallium Arsenide, optical glass, and an aluminum alloy housing. When selecting a laser transmitter, it is essential to verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier, as these specifications are reference ranges and may vary by application.

Working Principle

The transmitter typically uses a laser diode or fiber laser. An electrical current is applied to the laser source, stimulating the emission of photons. This light is then collimated and directed through optical elements (like lenses) to form a controlled beam. The system is pulsed at high frequencies, with precise timing controlled by the LiDAR's processing unit to correlate outgoing pulses with returning echoes. The operating voltage is typically 3.3 to 5 V DC, and the driver circuit must be designed to handle the peak current requirements. The beam divergence is minimized to ensure accurate targeting, and the pulse characteristics are optimized for the intended range and resolution. The transmitter's performance is influenced by temperature, so thermal management may be necessary for extended range operation, potentially requiring a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). The component's interface includes electrical connections for power and control signals, and it must be integrated with the LiDAR's optical and mechanical systems.

Common Materials

Semiconductor (e.g., Gallium Arsenide), Optical Glass, Aluminum Alloy (housing)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Wavelength	905 nm	Typical for LiDAR; 1550 nm available for eye safety
Peak Power	20–75 W	Higher power extends range but increases eye hazard
Pulse Width	5–10 ns	Shorter pulses improve resolution
Repetition Rate	10–100 kHz	Higher rate increases point density
Beam Divergence	0.1–0.5 mrad	Lower divergence improves angular resolution
Operating Voltage	3.3–5 V DC	Typical for laser diode driver
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Extended range may require TEC
Storage Temperature	-40–105 °C	Non-operating limit
Relative Humidity	5–95 % RH	Non-condensing
Ingress Protection	IP54–IP67	Higher rating for outdoor useIEC 60529
Laser Class	1	Eye-safe for consumer productsIEC 60825-1
Weight	5–20 g	Depends on package and heatsink
Dimensions	5.6–12.0 mm	Diameter of TO-can package

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Laser Diode
The semiconductor device that generates the laser light when electrically pumped.

Material: Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) or similar III-V compound semiconductor
Collimating Lens
Optical element that shapes the divergent light from the diode into a parallel or low-divergence beam.

Material: Optical glass (e.g., N-BK7)
Driver Circuit
Provides the precise, high-current electrical pulses needed to drive the laser diode.

Material: Printed Circuit Board (PCB) with semiconductor components
Thermal Sink / Housing
Dissipates heat generated by the laser diode and provides mechanical protection and alignment.

Material: Aluminum alloy

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Laser Transmitter.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

LiDAR Sensor

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Laser Transmitter

Manufacturer profiles associated with Laser Transmitter.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 6 September 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical wavelength of a LiDAR laser transmitter?

The typical wavelength is 905 nm, but 1550 nm is available for improved eye safety. The exact wavelength depends on the application and must be confirmed with the manufacturer.

What is the operating voltage range for this component?

The operating voltage is typically 3.3 to 5 V DC. This is a reference range; the actual requirement may vary based on the specific model and driver circuit.

What ingress protection ratings are available?

The component is available with IP54 to IP67 ratings per IEC 60529. The appropriate rating depends on the intended environment, such as outdoor use requiring higher protection.

Is the laser transmitter eye-safe?

The component is classified as Laser Class 1 per IEC 60825-1, indicating it is eye-safe under normal use. However, always verify compliance with the manufacturer for the specific model.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	0 to 1 atm (standard atmospheric)
other spec:	Wavelength: 905nm or 1550nm typical, Pulse Energy: 1-100 μJ, Pulse Width: 5-20 ns
temperature:	-40°C to +85°C

Laser Transmitter

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards