LiDAR and high-powered lasers, increasingly common in cars and entertainment venues, can cause permanent damage to smartphone cameras, even those that can withstand daily wear and tear. Users should be aware of this concern and avoid direct exposure to laser beams to protect their devices.

Modern smartphones can survive drops and even swims, but they may have a formidable enemy - and one that no one expects. LiDAR devices used in cars and stage performances can quietly and permanently damage camera sensors. Reddit user Jeguetelli experienced this firsthand.

Laser damage to mobile phone lens

When he filmed a new Volvo EX90 with his iPhone 16 Pro Max, the phone's camera captured more than just the sleek SUV. A laser beam from the roof-mounted LiDAR sensor (which emits near-infrared laser beams to detect its surroundings) hit the lens directly, leaving a permanent burnt patch of red, pink, and purple. Oddly, after switching lenses, the view returned to normal.

Jeguetelli wasn't too worried—he was covered by AppleCare—but not everyone will be so lucky. Volvo confirmed that this was not an isolated incident. In a statement to The Drive, Volvo warned against pointing the camera directly at the LiDAR, noting that the spotlight could damage the image sensor.

"It is generally recommended to avoid pointing the camera directly at the LiDAR sensor. The laser emitted by the LiDAR could damage the camera's sensor or affect its performance," the statement reads.

Laser hazards can damage mobile phone hardware

Volvo added that the beam is more focused and the risk is greater when shooting at close range. Shooting from a safe distance should prevent injury, and using filters or lens covers may provide additional protection.

Unfortunately, Volvo is not the only one at risk. Lidar is becoming more common across the automotive industry. Despite once dismissing the technology as "unnecessary," Tesla remains a major user of the technology even as it works to develop camera-only systems. Earlier this month, lidar supplier Luminar Technologies reported that Tesla had purchased more than $2.1 million worth of lidar hardware.

Lidar isn't the only device that can damage camera sensors — lasers are just as harmful. Another Reddit user reported that their Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra had strange lines on its screen after participating in a laser exposure event. The patterns appear in photos and videos, especially at certain zoom levels.

Experts say that active lasers are generally harmless to the eyes, but can easily damage camera sensors if the beam is directed at them. The International Laser Show Association has long warned about this particular risk.

They say that lasers emit a concentrated beam, which can heat sensitive surfaces (such as the retina of the eye) and cause damage. Camera sensors are generally more susceptible to damage than the human eye.

For large shows, such as TV concerts, laser show producers work with their clients to avoid using TV cameras and video projectors. However, laser show producers cannot be responsible for all cameras and video cameras in the show.

Therefore, if you are a spectator watching the show, you should take reasonable precautions to avoid direct laser beams into your camera lens.

• You can film the beam in the air, or make graphics on a screen. If you cannot see the laser source (projector output aperture or reflector) in the viewfinder, it means that your lens is not receiving the full beam power. Viewing indirectly like this should not cause damage. 

• Avoid direct beams into your lens. When the full beam power enters the camera lens, the possibility of damage is greater.

Reference link https://www.techspot.com/news/108045-lidar-great-cars-but-can-permanently-damage-cameras.html

Source: Content compiled from techspot

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