In search of the next-generation high-resolution headlight

While automakers are offering digital micromirror device (DMD)-based headlights for high-resolution road illumination and ground light projection, micro-LED technology promises more at a much lower cost.

LED was adopted as the light source in a vehicle’s front lighting nearly two decades after it was introduced in a rear light application in the mid-1980s. In front lighting, LED was first used for daytime running light (DRL) applications in 2004, and shortly thereafter as a light source for low beam and high beam headlights. Then, automakers began providing full-LED headlights.