Infrared LED from Osram enables mobile devices to be unlocked for the first time by scanning the iris of the user

Fujitsu_ARROWS NX F-04G_smartphone_irisOsram is making smartphones even smarter: Infrared technology enables mobile devices to be unlocked for the first time by scanning the iris of the user. Iris scanning is being used in the ARROWS NX F-04G smartphone from Fujitsu. This smartphone, which is currently only available in Japan, is the first in the world with this extremely secure functionality for consumers. Infrared light emitting diodes (IREDs) from Osram Opto Semiconductors are used as the light source. These IREDs are the only ones capable of the high power needed for iris scanning from a compact package. This new biometric unlocking method involves illuminating the eye with infrared light. The camera on the smartphone simultaneously takes a picture of the iris in which characteristic features are then identified.

Osram_Oslux SFH 4780S_light_emitting_diodeThe Oslux SFH 4780S light emitting diode from Opto Semiconductors is only 2.4 millimeters high and achieves a typical radiant intensity of 2900 milliwatts per steradiant – a combination that at present only this infrared LED can provide. The Oslux SFH 4780S has a wavelength of 810 nanometers (nm). This enables the iris scanner to identify iris patterns for all eye colors – brown, blue, green and gray – with a high degree of reliability. The light source is also extremely efficient so does not involve an unnecessary drain on mobile device batteries.
Fujitsu_ARROWS NX F-04G_smartphoneSecure methods for unlocking cell phones and tablet computers are gaining in importance because these devices are being used more and more for sensitive applications such as online banking and online shopping. Manufacturers are therefore turning more and more to biometric identification. In addition to fingerprint scans, many manufacturers are now considering iris scanning.

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