BMW will introduce the next generation of head lights – laser lighting on its BMW i8 – that could cut energy use in half compared to LED lights.
The laser beam headlights will be twice as efficient as LEDs, and can be up to 1,000 times stronger.
BMW will use miniscule 10-micron long laser diodes, which is 100 times smaller than LED units, in the vehicle.
The small size of the laser diodes will also allow engineers to experiment with new positioning of the headlights
In their press release on the subject, BMW emphasizes that the laser lights would be safe for both drivers and wildlife.
The laser diodes are not facing forward shining out on the road. Instead, the light would be diffused using a ”fluorescent phosphor material” inside the headlight.
BMW’s laser lighting will get its first airing in the BMW i8 concept. With a production model of that vehicle set to launch in 2013.
