the present invention relates to a laser device for projecting a structured light pattern onto a scene . the device is formed of several arrays of semiconductor lasers , each array comprising an irregular distribution of emission areas of the semiconductor lasers . one or several imaging optics image said arrays to an imaging space and superpose the images of said arrays in the imaging space to form said light pattern . the proposed laser device generates a light pattern with high contrast and efficiency which may be used for 3d imaging systems , e . g . in automotive applications .