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Current generation of devices like smartphones, tablets, can now be unlocked in a jiffy through a fingerprint scanner or even an iris scan; rather than physically typing numeric lock codes. 2D facial recognition is another new method that was introduced recently. It involves illuminating the user’s face with an infrared light source and capturing the image with an IR camera. The system then compares the image with the images previously stored for the purposes of identification, focusing on characteristic two-dimensional features. If there is a match for the various data such as the width of the mouth, length of the nasal ridge and distance between the eyes then the device will be unlocked.

Leading the way, Osram Opto, has now introduced the Synios P2720 infrared LED for 2D facial recognition. By using a wavelength of 940 nm, the Synios P2720 reduces the red glow that can occur with infrared light sources in the short-wave infrared range. Up to now, the sensitivity of IR cameras was only good if the light source had a wavelength of 850 nm. The cameras have been further developed to give them greater sensitivity in longer wavelength ranges so 940 nm light sources can now be used – which in turn improves the overall performance of the system.

Bright and uniform illumination of the user’s face or eyes is particularly important for facial recognition and also for eye-tracking systems. The new Synios P2720 offers impressive performance with an output of 1,150 mW at 1 A. Thanks to this high overall output it has a radiant intensity of 360 mW/sr. It has the same footprint as the 850 nm version. Measuring only 2.0 mm x 2.75 mm x 0.6 mm, the IRED is therefore ideal for space-critical applications.

The IRED has no optics. Its compact dimensions mean that customers can install secondary optics in line with their requirements. The IRED for 2D facial recognition is the latest addition to Osram Opto Semiconductors’ existing portfolio for biometrics.