A recent video shared on Reddit demonstrates the risks of pointing a phone camera directly at a lidar sensor. The camera’s sensor is permanently damaged, resulting in colorful burn marks and loss of function.
Lidar sensors are used in self-driving cars to “see” their surroundings by shooting infrared laser beams at nearby objects. However, cameras are sensitive to these powerful beams and can be damaged if they’re brought too close or if a long lens is used. This is why backup cameras are usually unaffected, as they use an ultra-wide angle lens.
Volvo explicitly warns about lidar damage on its support page and owner’s manual, but some owners have still learned about it the hard way. A self-driving car engineer even discovered that their $2,000 camera was permanently fried after attending a CES show where lidar-equipped cars were being exhibited.
To avoid this risk, Volvo advises against pointing a camera directly at a lidar sensor and suggests using filters or protective covers on the lens to reduce exposure. Some cameras are designed with built-in protections against high-intensity light sources.
Experts confirm that lidar beams used in cars are harmless, but it’s still not recommended to stare at them. The 1550-nanometer lasers used in Volvo’s lidar system cannot reach the retina, making them safe for human eyes.
Source: https://futurism.com/video-lidar-damage-smartphone