Audi is lighting the way forward with announcement of the development of new Matrix Laser headlights as part of a sponsored project called“intelligent laser light for compact and high-resolution adaptive headlights” (iLaS). Audi will collaborate with specialist partners like Bosch, Osram and the Lighting Technology Institute (LTI) for a period of three years.

Audi Matrix Laser Technology

High-resolution Matrix Laser technology will improve illumination on the road while offering higher levels of flexibility and versatility. The system is based on LaserSpot for high beam lamps, which was first introduced in the Audi R8 LMX and lasers now allow for the integration of projector technology to make a compact, powerful headlight.

Matrix Laser technology uses a fast moving micro-mirror which re-directs the laser beam. When travelling slowly, the light is distributed over a larger, wider area, while at higher speeds, the aperture angle is reduced and the intensity and range of the light is increased significantly.

The system works using a blue laser diodes which radiate light onto a fast-moving mirror three millimeters in size. The mirror redirects the blue laser light to a converter which converts the light into white light which is then projected on the road.If all goes well, we should see this technology introduced within the next five years.

We already know what Audi is capable of with its headlights as its cars have demonstrated over the years:

2004: Audi A8 W12 with LED daytime running lights

2008: Audi R8 with all?LED headlights

2010: Audi A8 in which the headlights are networked with the navigation data

2012: Audi R8 with dynamic turn signal lights (these turn signal lights now feature in the 2015 Audi TT)

2013: Audi A8 with Matrix LED headlights

2014: Audi R8 LMX with LaserSpot for the high beam lamps

Audi Matrix Headlights in Action Video