Apple Inc.

Mingzhou Jin

Tong Chen

Ahmet Fatih Cihan

Fei Tan

Daryl I Vulis

An optical sensor module includes an interferometric sensor and a set of one or more optical elements. The interferometric sensor includes a coherent light source and at least one detector configured to generate an interferometric signal. The set of one or more optical elements is configured to simultaneously direct a first portion of light emitted by the coherent light source toward a first focus area within a first depth of focus; direct a second portion of the light emitted by the coherent light source toward a second focus area within a second depth of focus; and direct portions of the emitted light that are returned from one or more objects within the first depth of focus or the second depth of focus toward the interferometric sensor.

Optical sensor module including an interferometric sensor and extended depth of focus optics

An optical sensor system includes a set of epitaxial layers formed on a semiconductor substrate. The set of epitaxial layers defines a semiconductor laser having a first multiple quantum well (MQW) structure. Electromagnetic radiation is generated by the first MQW structure, emitted from the first MQW structure, and self-mixed with a portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation that is returned to the first MQW structure. The set of epitaxial layers also defines a second MQW structure operable to generate a first photocurrent responsive to detecting a first emission of the semiconductor laser, and a third MQW structure operable to generate a second photocurrent responsive to detecting a second emission of the semiconductor laser. The optical sensor system also includes a circuit configured to generate a self-mixing interferometry (SMI) signal by combining the first photocurrent and the second photocurrent.

Laser-integrated balance detection for self-mixing interferometry

Methods and systems concerning non-reciprocal sensing paths for a self-mixing interferometry operation are disclosed herein. Optical components may be used to direct light transmit from a light source along an illumination path. The optical components may additionally return light to the light source after being reflected from a target and may direct the returned light along a collection path. The illumination path and the collection path may be at least partially non-reciprocal so that the transmitted light and the returned light follow along partially different paths. Once the received light is received within a cavity of the light source, a self-mixing interferometry operation may be performed and may be used to detect a property of the target in relation to the light source.

Self-mixing interferometry device configured for non-reciprocal sensing

An optical sensor system including a semiconductor substrate; a self-mixing interferometry (SMI) sensor formed on the semiconductor substrate and including a semiconductor laser having a resonant cavity; and an array of photodetectors formed on the semiconductor substrate. The SMI sensor is configured to generate an SMI signal responsive to a retro-reflection of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the semiconductor laser and received into the resonant cavity. The array of photodetectors is configured to generate a set of angular-resolved scatter signals responsive to a scatter of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the semiconductor laser.

Hybrid interferometric and scatterometric sensing using in-plane sensors

An electronic device is described. The electronic device includes a housing, a set of one or more SMI sensors attached to the housing, and a processor. The set of one or more SMI sensors includes a set of one or more electromagnetic radiation emitters having a set of one or more resonant cavities and configured to emit a set of one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation. The set of one or more SMI sensors also includes a set of one or more detectors configured to generate indications of self-mixing within the set of one or more resonant cavities. The processor is configured to characterize, using the indications of self-mixing, an optical field speckle of a target. The processor is also configured to characterize, using the characterization of the optical field speckle, a surface quality of the target.

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Campbell, CA, United States of America

Mingzhou Jin