Picture this: you approach a pedestrian crossing and wait for cars to stop to let you pass. The cars freeze, and a moving arrow appears right at the zebra crossing, inviting you to cross the road at complete safety. Where does this image come from? Is there a secure display built into the road, a projector mounted on a lamp post?
No, the animation is shown by the headlights of a car that has stopped to let you pass. This and many other promising technologies were demonstrated to Popular Mechanics by Audi specialists, who are convinced that headlights are for a car what eyes are for a person, a means of communication, and a mirror of the soul.
Using a device with DMD micromirrors, similar to those used in video projectors, the engineers gave the laser headlight almost limitless capabilities, including the creation of an unlimited number of shadow zones and the projection of graphics onto the road.
Road cinema
About how they are arranged laser headlights, we wrote in detail in July last year. Such a spotlight already flaunts, albeit rare, but still serial sports car Audi R8 LMX. Four laser LEDs, each just 0.3 mm in diameter, produce a single monochrome blue beam with a wavelength of 450 nm. The laser beam is not a light source, but only serves as an energy supplier for the phosphorus converter. Its fluorescent composition emits visible light.
We appreciated the advantages of laser headlights in the tunnel: their low beam literally flooded the entire space, while LED headlights only showed the outlines of distant objects in the twilight. The range of laser headlights is twice as long as that of traditional analogues, and can reach 600 m. It is important that their light in color temperature (5500 K) is as close as possible to daylight, is pleasant to the eye and does not cause fatigue.
It is obvious that such a powerful spotlight can only be used in conjunction with automatic system management high beam: blinding oncoming drivers due to inattention must be completely excluded. On the Audi R8 LMX, a video camera constantly monitors the presence of oncoming and passing traffic and, if necessary, instantly dims the lights.
Creating promising technology matrix-laser headlights, engineers went further and combined the designs of a laser spotlight and a video projector. From the latter, the headlight received a DMD (digital micromirror device) - a device with digital micromirrors. It is a matrix of hundreds of thousands of microscopic mirrors, each several hundredths of a millimeter in size. The mirrors are mounted on a semiconductor chip substrate using micro-loops. Using an electrostatic field, they can rotate to different angles up to 5,000 times per second, reflecting more or less light from the phosphor corrector into the focusing lens.
By turning the headlight into a video projector, Audi engineers killed two birds with one stone. Firstly, they the best way solved the problem of blinding other road users. Matrix laser headlight can create an unlimited number of shadow zones for them, while continuously illuminating the road with the brightest high beams.
The light sphere is made using volumetric molding technology printed circuit boards M.I.D. It contains 52 integrated LEDs and all the necessary conductors for powering and controlling them. Also in the photo are OLED plates, light fibers, fiber optic fabric.
Secondly, DMD turns the headlight into a means of communication and assistance to the driver. Powerful laser high beam required only outside the city at speeds above 60 km/h. In the city, it can serve as a hint. In narrow construction zones and tight parking lots, the headlight can project the vehicle's dimensions directly onto the road, making it easier to match the width of the body to the available space. At dusk she will illuminate road signs so that they do not go unnoticed.
Perhaps in the future, such headlights will project a contrasting pattern onto the road directly in front of the car to warn of its appearance around the corner. And the moving arrows on the zebra crossing will tell the pedestrian that the car has completely stopped and you can safely cross the road.
Light stroke
It turns out that not only musicians, but also artists can give live concerts. The head of the lighting design department, Cesar Muntada Roura, having gathered journalists around his table, takes a large sheet of textured black cardboard and with a white pencil, with emphasized sweeping movements, recreates the dynamic image of the Audi TT. He explains how no more than a dozen flowing lines define an aggressive and recognizable style sports car. And then for the final touch, Cesar adds just a couple of touches, demonstrating how fully the same values can be conveyed through headlight design.
Audi's lighting signature concept suggests that each of the company's models will sport its own unique daylight pattern. running lights, revealing the character of the car, from the aggressive diagonals of the TT to the solid parallels of the Q7. The evolution of daytime running lights on Audi models recent years clearly demonstrates how quickly lighting technologies are developing: if in 2008 running lights consisted of several clearly visible LEDs, today they are absolutely uniform (or, as experts say, homogeneous) luminous stripes.
To diffuse light in such cases, a polymer material is used that looks like plexiglass, which contains many air bubbles inside. The characteristics of the light element - homogeneity, brightness, efficiency - depend on the diameter and number of these cavities. Modern diffusers make it possible to use much fewer LEDs, placing them at a distance of more than ten centimeters from each other. Foamed polymers are considered a promising material for diffusers, captivating with their low weight and complete freedom in the manufacture of complex shapes.
The sculpture “Audi OLED Matrix” is intended to clearly demonstrate what the company’s specialists mean by 3D design of lighting devices. As the viewer moves around, it constantly changes, and in just one perspective, dozens of small plates form a clear Audi lettering.
It is likely that the next generation of daytime running lights will use light fibers - flexible threads made from polymer materials or quartz glass. They are convenient in terms of layout, as they allow the light source to be placed deep inside the headlight housing. Fibers can emit light from the end (fiber optic conductor) or along the entire length. From them you can create woven luminous fabrics.
Audi experts consider three-dimensionality to be one of the main trends in the design of lighting devices: from different angles they should look different, creating a bizarre play of complex shapes. MID (molded interconnected device) technology will help you realize complex artistic ideas. The three-dimensional MID frame is cast from metal coated with a polymer. Electrical diagram applied to it using a laser: the polymer evaporates, exposing the metal. The resulting metal circuits are strengthened through galvanization and can now power high-power LEDs.
New sports car The Audi R8 received laser headlights as standard equipment. They are equipped with both laser and LED high beam modules. Depending on the traffic situation Light of different intensities is used.
The most important headlight technology of the future is silicon lenses. They allow you to create very small radii of curvature, which, in turn, means the small size of the lens itself compared to its glass counterpart. Silicon is lighter than glass and withstands high temperatures better.
The blue dream of Audi engineers and designers is a car entirely covered with a layer of OLED organic light-emitting diodes, all glowing and showing high-resolution video effects. This is theoretically possible, since the individual OLED light-emitting elements are microscopic in size and can be applied to a substrate in a very thin layer. However, this will not be possible to achieve in practice in the foreseeable future: organic LEDs are too sensitive to temperature changes and cannot tolerate contact with water. Therefore, for now they require protection with a thick layer of glass, which can only be bent in one plane.
Laser fog light(pictured) is likely to hit the market very soon - as soon as it is approved by regulatory authorities. Three-dimensional parking lights based on curved OLED plates are also very close to the series. But the eccentric animation in full back door it simply simulates, using projection, a flexible OLED coating that may appear in the distant future.
Hi-tech under supervision
In addition to conceptual lighting devices, which, if they go into production, will only be in a dozen years or so, Audi laboratories are developing ingenious solutions that are ready for this tomorrow. One of the most impressive examples is the laser fog light. It is a red scanning laser that draws a thin transverse stripe on the road behind the car. That's all.
In clear weather, this strip is practically invisible to other road users. Unlike a traditional rear fog light, it does not blind drivers or distract them, even if a careless owner forgot to turn it off. But in the fog the laser beam itself becomes visible, and a bright red triangle appears behind the car.
Lighting engineering is a very conservative industry. The operation of lighting devices is directly related to traffic safety, therefore their structure and characteristics are strictly regulated government agencies. Lobbyists work in close contact with designers and technologists to demonstrate new developments to officials and justify their benefits for safety. traffic.
For some developments, such as a laser fog lamp, legislation is the main or only obstacle to introduction into the series. Fortunately, experience shows that this obstacle is temporary. Otherwise, we would not see Audi cars on our roads, sporting dynamic direction indicators and brake lights flickering during sudden braking.
In 2008 year Audi R8 became the first in the world serial car a mobile with all-LED headlights, then in 2012 innovative dynamic direction indicators appeared. A new chapter in history automotive industry Audi was opened in 2013, when the updated Audi models The A8 features Matrix LED headlights. Now the brand with four rings on the Audi R8 LMX model shows a laser emitter that forms the high beam. This technology improves the illumination range, which is ideal solution For Audi sports car R8 LMX.
When developing lighting technology, Audi engineers work together with colleagues from sports division. For example, the combination of LED and laser sources to form the high beam beam will be used for the first time on the new Audi R18 racing prototypes e-tron quattro during the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14-15. This continues the brand's four-ring tradition: sporting events become a testing ground for new technologies intended for use in production vehicles.
In a laser high beam headlight, the laser module emits a beam of light that reaches twice as far as LED headlights. Each module consists of four high-power laser diodes. With a diameter of just 300 micrometers, they generate a blue laser beam with a wavelength of 450 nanometers. The phosphorus converter converts this radiation into traffic-use white light with a color temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, creating ideal conditions for the human eye to perceive.
It allows the driver to perceive contrasting details more easily and prevents fatigue. The light beam, which is activated at speeds from 60 km/h, complements the LED high beam modules of the Audi R8 LMX and significantly increases visibility and safety. Intelligent system with a video camera, monitors the presence of other traffic participants and automatically adjusts the distribution of light flux, eliminating the possibility of dazzling them.
Audi R8 is the flagship sports model, similar in design to racing cars. The Audi R8 LMX is offered as a coupe and will be limited to 99 units. With a power of 570 hp. and developing a torque of 540 Nm, its 5.2-liter V10 engine is capable of accelerating the car to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
The new flagship model attracts attention thanks to its exclusive Ara Blue color with a crystal effect. Large rear spoiler with fixed geometry increases downforce by rear axle. It is made of reinforced carbon fiber with a matte finish. The lower front spoiler, side air intake linings, and cover are made from the same material engine compartment, exterior mirror housings, side fairings, rear wing and diffuser.
Folding sports seats Finished in fine Fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching in Sepang Blue. The harmony of the interior is emphasized by light touches. In the finishing of the central tunnel and lever parking brake Matte carbon is used.
The Audi R8 LMX will hit European roads in the summer of 2014. In Germany, prices will start from 210,000 euros. The quota for Russia is limited to a few cars; the price will be announced at the start of sales - in the 4th quarter of 2014.
True, BMW is challenging Audi's leadership in laserization. The Munich residents can understand: the Vision ConnectedDrive concept roadster, equipped laser optics debuted back in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. In addition, sales will start soon serial BMW with progressive high beam - advanced “spotlights” will be installed as an option on the i8 hybrid sports car. The car is planned for sale in Russia and will be shown at the Moscow Motor Show.
Over the past century, the evolution of automotive lighting has gone from acetylene torches and Ilyich bulbs to modern optics built on LEDs. Adaptive headlights Today, many automakers can boast of headlights to one degree or another, but few of them do not copy each other, but offer something truly breakthrough. Audi companies and BMW almost simultaneously began working on so-called laser light technologies (and even had a little fight over who was first), and both managed to translate their ideas into standard cars.
Minimum price
RUB 4.49 million
Maximum price
RUB 13.97 million
True, if Audi equipped only 99 copies of the R8 LMX supercar with laser optics, then in the case of BMW there is no exclusivity. Go to the configurator of the new generation 7 Series, check the box BMW options Laserlight, you pay 251,200 rubles for this option and get a little bit of the automotive future, if, of course, you can afford it. What is the difference between laser lighting and conventional LED lighting, since they ask for so much money for it?
Firstly, it is more correct to call such optics not laser, but laser-phosphor. The design is designed in such a way that several laser diodes illuminate the phosphor - a special component that converts energy into light radiation. As a result, a super-powerful light beam is formed, which is directed onto the road through refractions and a system of reflectors. So the laser itself does not illuminate the road, but only produces the necessary energy.
Secondly, laser lighting does not work at city speeds - for such lighting scenarios, the BMW 7 Series has the usual high and low beam led light, which already works effectively. The laser mode is activated in addition to the main sources during long-term movement at speeds above 70 km/h, when there are no other light sources, oncoming traffic or passing traffic nearby. At the same time, the laser module does not illuminate the road in a fan-like manner - in addition to the usual beam, a narrow light tunnel is created, which “shoots” forward for more than half a kilometer. Ideal mode for driving high speed along the highways!
This is how he describes it BMW work Laserlight manufacturer itself:
In high beam mode, BMW laser headlights illuminate an area of up to 600 metres, which is almost twice the beam range of conventional LED headlights. This mode automatically turns on when the speed reaches 70 km/h. The headlights include LED low beam and LED high beam with a laser module. Thanks to BMW's anti-dazzle High Beam Assist and integrated Cornering Lights, BMW Laser Headlights make night driving even more enjoyable and safe. BMW's Anti-Dazzle High Beam Assist recognizes the presence of other road users and specifically prevents them from being dazzled.
From BMW marketing materials.
In other words, BMW really sells to customers useful technology, which directly improves traffic safety. The rule works great here - there is never too much good lighting (there can be little money). And we, in turn, simply have to find out how much such laser light costs in real life. Not installed from the factory, but purchased from the shelf of a Russian BMW seller. For example, when restoring a car even after a minor accident or in case of banal vandalism. Car thieves have learned to have an excellent understanding of expensive and sought-after parts.
Top-end BMW Laserlight optics are easily distinguished by their horizontal curtains of blue color.
Calculate how much it will cost new optics, we traditionally asked official dealers BMW brand in Moscow as an example BMW sedan 2017 730Ld with matching optional lighting. News first: just one BMW Laserlight headlight will cost a crazy 339,560 rubles, that is, this figure will have to be multiplied by two. The second news: if you have problems with optics, you will have to travel blindly for some time, since the waiting period for parts from Germany is about 3 weeks. Let's add here the cost of installing and adapting headlights by the official service - 6,800 rubles, and we get a final figure of 685,920 rubles!
Audi recently introduced a new version supercar R8. She received the designation LMX. The new product was equipped with headlights, the design of which contains laser LEDs. According to brand representatives, the LMX coupe can be considered the world’s first production car equipped with laser optics “from the factory.”
The BMW i8 hybrid supercar, the prototype of which was presented back in 2011, is also due to be released soon. This car will also receive laser headlights, but only as an option. The question arises whether it is dangerous new technology for the eyes, and whether it is advisable to use it in practice. We will try to answer such questions further.
Design
Each Audi LMX headlight contains an array of four LEDs. The laser beam coming from each LED hits the phosphor, which emits visible light with a temperature of 5500 K. The luminous flux emitted by the phosphor is more like light halogen lamps, and has nothing to do with laser radiation. This means that innovative optics do not pose any danger to human eyes, despite the fact that the main source of energy in it is a laser.
The question arises: why are all these complexities needed, such as lasers, a phosphorescent screen, and so on? In fact, the lighting range obtained using laser modules is twice that of LED or xenon.
Which is a good argument for using the technology in question specifically in automotive optics. Of course, the long-range laser light cannot be used when the low-beam mode is used. This can be considered another guarantee that the new technology is harmless.
Only in supercars It is unlikely that the technology discussed here will actually become widespread. Laser headlights in Audi car LMX activates at speeds of 60 km/h, but the supercar has a system that detects oncoming cars and turns off the laser module if necessary. Surely such a cybernetic system is expensive, and without the presence similar systems
It would be illegal to use laser optics.
I waited until it was dark, drove the Audi R8 LMX supercar onto the German country roads away from Ingolstadt, let everyone oncoming pass, turned on the high beams - and... where is the promised laser light? It works only after 60 km/h, and the illuminated area is almost doubled - up to six hundred meters! It just shines... not quite a laser.
Only 99 of these coupes will go on sale, which differ from the production version V10 plus (AR No. 19, 2013) in a forced engine (570 hp instead of 550 hp), carbon fiber body parts (spoilers, wing, mirror housings and etc.), sports attributes in the interior and a special blue color. In Germany, the Audi R8 LMX is sold for 210 thousand euros - 35 thousand more expensive than the original V10 plus version. And about half of this additional payment is just for the “laser” light!
Comparison of light beams Audi headlights R8 LMX
Why in quotes?
What is a laser? In short, this is a quantum generator that produces radiation in the optical range with monochromaticity and coherence unattainable for other light sources.
Monochromaticity, that is, the constancy of the color of the beam, is a consequence of a fixed wavelength. That is, the laser beam can be either red, or blue, or... But not white, since white light, which is needed to illuminate the road, is achromatic. U white light there is no own wavelength, and it is obtained as a result of mixing at least three monochromatic radiations (for example, red, green and blue - as in TV picture tubes).
And coherence is the synchronism of wave oscillations at different points in space and at different times. Think of laser pointers that run on regular batteries. The power of such a laser is no more than 5 milliwatts, but the beam hits a distance of a couple of kilometers, while only a small illuminated spot is visible on the “targeting” surface.
But for car headlights, on the contrary, you need a source of diffused light to illuminate a large space in front of the car!
Moreover, even cheap laser pointers are dangerous for the eyes: the beam concentrated at one point irreversibly damages the retinal cells. And with increasing power, both leather and even inorganic materials fall into the “risk group”.
So how can engineers German company Osram, which developed new headlights for both Audi and BMW, managed to adapt a laser to illuminate the road?
Indirectly. There are lasers in the headlights of the Audi R8 LMX, but their beams do not extend beyond the housings!
See the "laser" light section? And she is! The barrel of the laser-phosphor “gun” (shown by the arrow) is only 2 cm in diameter and is covered with miniature blinds that open on command electronic unit when turned on
Firstly, head optics here, first of all, LED: semiconductor light sources are responsible for both low beam and high beam. But in addition, each headlight also contains four miniature laser diodes with a power of 1.6 W each (in BMW headlights i8 there are three such diodes - and this is the only one fundamental difference from Audi). Lasers generate hair-thin blue rays (wavelength 450 nm). With the help of lenses, these rays are collected into one and... fall on the phosphor - a yellow phosphor plate with an area of only 0.5x0.5 mm. This is the true source of light! Absorbing the energy of laser radiation, it emits a beam of almost white light (color temperature - 5500 K), which falls onto the road through a system of reflectors.
A multi-stage safety system prevents “clean” laser beams from escaping outside, cutting off the power at the slightest damage or “suspicion” of damage. emergency situation. The blinds in the headlights are also part of this system.
That is, the laser here is only a source of energy, and it would be more correct to call such headlights laser-phosphor. And if you consider that the “laser” section automatically connects to the LED section only after 60 km/h, then... Shame, Osram? But who cares about technical correctness these days? You can’t call these headlights “LED-laser-phosphor”. Long and unclear. If you say “laser” - and the wow effect is guaranteed!
Which technology is better?
Today it’s matrix,” Stefan Berlitz, Audi’s chief headlight specialist, answers without a shadow of a doubt.
Herr Berlitz means LED optics Audi Matrix LED, which is installed, for example, on the Audi A8 (AR No. 21, 2013): 25 powerful computer-controlled LEDs automatically adjust the shape of the light beam, avoiding dazzling oncoming drivers. Laser phosphor optics cannot do this. But it hits 500-600 meters! And the standard LED headlights of the Audi R8 have a declared range of only about 300 m.
But LED matrix headlights on updated Mercedes CLS (AR No. 15-16, 2014) “according to the passport” shines at 485 m, only slightly inferior to Audi laser headlights.
Both we and our colleagues from Mercedes have already learned how to make good LED headlights,” explains Stefan Berlitz. - And “laser” light can only boast of long range and miniature size. But we have just started working on it, it will get more interesting!
No doubt. After all, xenon headlights At first they were extremely expensive, but now it’s a thing of the past. And the future is either LED or phosphor. And definitely bright.
