Osram shrinks infrared LEDs for facial recognition

Keeping with its new emphasis on “high-tech photonics” over general illumination, Osram has introduced two new infrared LEDs — which Osram calls IREDs — intended for use as facial recognition chips that unlock smartwatches. The Munich company said that its new 850-nm SFH 4170S and 940-nm SFH 4180S “require about 50% less space” than comparable products already on the market. Osram mounts the chips in its Oslon P1616 packaging, measuring 1.6×1.6×0.85 mm.