Firefly Ired Upgrade Enhances AR VR Eye-Tracking Performance

ams OSRAM has introduced a new generation of FIREFLY infrared LEDs — the SFH 4030B and SFH 4060B — designed to meet the rising performance demands of next-generation AR and VR devices. As immersive systems continue to push for higher efficiency, reduced power consumption, and more compact sensing components, these new IREDs aim to give designers fresh options for integration without compromising performance, the company notes.

For eeNews Europe readers working in AR/VR hardware development, optical sensing, or wearables, the launch offers timely insight into key component-level innovations that directly impact system efficiency, tracking reliability, and industrial design flexibility.

According to ams OSRAM, the FIREFLY SFH 4030B and SFH 4060B devices leverage the company’s IR:6 thin-film chip technology to deliver up to 50% brighter IR illumination and 33% higher efficiency compared to previous generations. For manufacturers battling thermal constraints and battery-life limitations in compact headsets and smart glasses, these gains could translate into longer operating time and more stable illumination for eye-tracking and biometric sensing.

A new 930-nm wavelength option has also been added to the lineup. Tailored specifically for eye-tracking applications, it aligns with the peak sensitivity of typical camera sensors while reducing visible red glow, a key benefit for user comfort and the discreet operation expected in consumer-grade wearables.

The company notes that both IREDs now come in a fully black package. This design choice enables nearly invisible integration into AR/VR frames and housings, helping product designers maintain sleek, unobtrusive hardware without compromising optical performance.

We are currently witnessing several defining shifts in AR and VR development. As wireless headsets become lighter and fully mobile, system designers are prioritizing low-power devices that extend battery life without compromising sensing quality. Eye-tracking and biometric recognition are increasingly standard, forming the basis for intuitive interfaces, foveated rendering, and advanced analytics.

The rise of cloud-connected VR is particularly applicable for enterprise, healthcare, and education applications. This heightens the need for reliable, high-performance illumination hardware capable of supporting real-time rendering and AI-powered user-interaction features.

ams OSRAM notes that the FIREFLY SFH 4030B and SFH 4060B maintain long-term availability and robust qualification for extended lifetimes, making them suitable not only for AR/VR wearables but also for optical sensing in mobile devices, industrial systems, and smart-glasses platforms.

For additional technical details, visit the product pages for FIREFLY SFH 4030B and FIREFLY SFH 4060B at ams OSRAM.