Patents by Inventor Remus Nicolaescu
Remus Nicolaescu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11879979Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system can generate improved ranging data one or more regions of three-dimensional (3D) images generated by the system. The images can be segmented, and global or local optical characteristics (e.g., power, illumination duration, bandwidth, framerate frequency) of the light can be modified to increase the 3D image quality for the segments of the image.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2020Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Pointcloud Inc.Inventors: Alexander Yukio Piggott, Alexander Alexeevich Gondarenko, Steven Andrew Fortune, Andrew James Compston, Robert Francis Wiser, Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20230140940Abstract: Examples of a three-dimensional (3D) optical sensing system for a vehicle include a modular architecture. Light can be transmitted to an optical signal processing module, which can include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that can create one or more signals with tailored amplitude, phase, and spectral characteristics. The plurality of optical signals processed by the optical signal processing module can be sent to beam steering units distributed around the vehicle. The steering units can direct a plurality of optical beams towards targets. The return optical signal can be detected by a receiver PIC including an array of sensors and using a direct intensity detection technique or a coherent detection technique. The return optical signal can be converted into an electrical signal by the array of sensors, which can then be processed by the electronic signal processing unit, and information about the location and speed of the targets can be quantified.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 11585899Abstract: Examples of a three-dimensional (3D) optical sensing system for a vehicle include a modular architecture. Light can be transmitted to an optical signal processing module, which can include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that can create one or more signals with tailored amplitude, phase, and spectral characteristics. The plurality of optical signals processed by the optical signal processing module can be sent to beam steering units distributed around the vehicle. The steering units can direct a plurality of optical beams towards targets. The return optical signal can be detected by a receiver PIC including an array of sensors and using a direct intensity detection technique or a coherent detection technique. The return optical signal can be converted into an electrical signal by the array of sensors, which can then be processed by the electronic signal processing unit, and information about the location and speed of the targets can be quantified.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Pointcloud Inc.Inventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20210382142Abstract: An integrated light detection and ranging (LiDAR) architecture can contain a focal plane transmitter array, and a focal plane coherent receiver for which the number of receiving elements is the same as the number of emitting elements. A microlens array may be used to achieve parity between the number of receiver and transmitter elements. The integrated LiDAR transmitter can contain an optical frequency chirp generator and a focal plane optical beam scanner with integrated driving electronics. The integrated LiDAR receiver architecture can be implemented with per-pixel coherent detection and amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Christopher Martin Sinclair Rogers, Alexander Yukio Piggott, Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20210257396Abstract: A single and dual path light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system can transmit and receive light through a silicon substrate backside of a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The PIC can be interface with an electrical integrated circuit (EIC) using a front side that connects to the EIC using electrical contacts and a backside that faces away from the EIC. High density coupler elements (e.g., pixels, gratings) can emit and receive infrared light that propagates through the PIC layers and the backside towards objects to detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Alexander Yukio Piggott, Alexander Alexeevich Gondarenko, Steven Andrew Fortune, Andrew James Compston, Robert Francis Wiser, Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20210141058Abstract: A dual path configuration Integrated LiDAR architecture can contain a focal plane transmitter and a focal plane coherent receiver. The integrated LiDAR transmitter can contain an optical frequency chirp generator and a focal plane optical beam scanner with integrated driving electronics. The integrated LiDAR receiver architecture can be implemented with per-pixel coherent detection and amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Inventors: Alexander Yukio Piggott, Alexander Alexeevich Gondarenko, Steven Andrew Fortune, Andrew James Compston, Robert Francis Wiser, Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20210096259Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system can generate improved ranging data one or more regions of three-dimensional (3D) images generated by the system. The images can be segmented, and global or local optical characteristics (e.g., power, illumination duration, bandwidth, framerate frequency) of the light can be modified to increase the 3D image quality for the segments of the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Alexander Yukio Piggott, Alexander Alexeevich Gondarenko, Steven Andrew Fortune, Andrew James Compston, Robert Francis Wiser, Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20190391243Abstract: Examples of a three-dimensional (3D) optical sensing system for a vehicle include a modular architecture. Light can be transmitted to an optical signal processing module, which can include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that can create one or more signals with tailored amplitude, phase, and spectral characteristics. The plurality of optical signals processed by the optical signal processing module can be sent to beam steering units distributed around the vehicle. The steering units can direct a plurality of optical beams towards targets. The return optical signal can be detected by a receiver PIC including an array of sensors and using a direct intensity detection technique or a coherent detection technique. The return optical signal can be converted into an electrical signal by the array of sensors, which can then be processed by the electronic signal processing unit, and information about the location and speed of the targets can be quantified.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20130340431Abstract: An energy conversion system includes a heat to power conversion unit to convert thermal energy of a high temperature fluid into electricity. A space heating element is connected to a heated fluid storage unit to provide heating. A heat driven cooling element is connected to the heated fluid storage unit to provide refrigerated fluid to provide cooling. An array of sensors is distributed to measure system parameters and collect data. A central processing unit is coupled to the array of sensors to process data from the array of sensors, electrical grid data from a utilities operator and data history on water, heat, and power used to calculate operation parameters for components of the energy conversion system. A memory unit coupled to the central processing unit to store processing instructions to be executed by the central processing unit and to store the data history on water, heat, and power used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Accendo Advisors, LLCInventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Publication number: 20120060500Abstract: A solar thermal panel is disclosed. An example evacuated flat solar thermal panel includes a first evacuated cavity enclosed between first and second layers of material. A second evacuated cavity is enclosed between third and fourth layers of material. A high temperature working fluid cavity is enclosed between the second and third layers of material. A plurality of pillars are disposed between the first and second layers of material, and disposed between the third and fourth layers of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: ACCENDO ADVISORS, LLCInventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 7437026Abstract: A device with optical switching between multiple layers of a semiconductor die is disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus includes a first semiconductor material layer of a semiconductor die. The first semiconductor material layer has a first optical waveguide. A second semiconductor material layer is also included in the semiconductor die. The second semiconductor material layer has a second optical waveguide. An insulating layer is disposed between the first and second semiconductor material layers such that there is an evanescent coupling between the first and second semiconductor material layers. There are modulated charge layers proximate to the insulating layer such that a coupling length of the evanescent coupling is controlled in response to the modulated charge layers.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario J. Paniccia
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Patent number: 7146068Abstract: A polarization beam splitter and combiner and a polarization insensitive modulating and switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus a first optical waveguide disposed in a semiconductor material layer. A second optical waveguide is also disposed in the semiconductor material layer. An insulating region is disposed between the first and second optical waveguides to provide a coupling region in the semiconductor material layer between the first and second optical waveguides. The coupling region has a first coupling length for a first polarization mode of an optical beam directed through one of the first and second optical waveguides into the coupling region. The coupling region has a second coupling length for a second polarization mode of the optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario J. Paniccia
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Patent number: 7088877Abstract: A tunable Bragg grating method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes directing an optical beam into a first end of an optical path having the first end and a second end disposed in a semiconductor substrate, reflecting a first portion of the optical beam having a first center wavelength back out from the first end of the optical path and tuning the optical path to reflect a second portion of the optical beam having a second center wavelength back out from the first end of the optical path. In one embodiment, the Bragg grating is tuned with a heater used to adjust a temperature of the semiconductor substrate. In another embodiment, charge in charge modulated regions along the optical path is modulated to tune the Bragg grating.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ansheng Liu, Mario J. Paniccia, Remus Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 7046714Abstract: A Raman ring resonator based laser and wavelength converter method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed method includes directing a first optical beam of a first wavelength and a first power level into a first ring resonator defined in a semiconductor material. Emission of a second optical beam of a second wavelength is caused in the first ring resonator by propagating the first optical beam around the first ring resonator. The first power level is sufficient to cause the emission of the second optical beam. The first optical beam is directed out of the first ring resonator after a round trip of the first optical beam around the first ring resonator. The second optical beam is recirculated around the first ring resonator to further stimulate the emission of the second optical beam in the first ring resonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario J. Paniccia
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Publication number: 20060083465Abstract: A device with optical switching between multiple layers of a semiconductor die is disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus includes a first semiconductor material layer of a semiconductor die. The first semiconductor material layer has a first optical waveguide. A second semiconductor material layer is also included in the semiconductor die. The second semiconductor material layer has a second optical waveguide. An insulating layer is disposed between the first and second semiconductor material layers such that there is an evanescent coupling between the first and second semiconductor material layers. There are modulated charge layers proximate to the insulating layer such that a coupling length of the evanescent coupling is controlled in response to the modulated charge layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario Paniccia
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Publication number: 20060083457Abstract: A polarization beam splitter and combiner and a polarization insensitive modulating and switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus a first optical waveguide disposed in a semiconductor material layer. A second optical waveguide is also disposed in the semiconductor material layer. An insulating region is disposed between the first and second optical waveguides to provide a coupling region in the semiconductor material layer between the first and second optical waveguides. The coupling region has a first coupling length for a first polarization mode of an optical beam directed through one of the first and second optical waveguides into the coupling region. The coupling region has a second coupling length for a second polarization mode of the optical beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2005Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario Paniccia
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Patent number: 7013070Abstract: An optical switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus includes first and optical waveguides disposed in a semiconductor substrate layer. An insulating layer disposed between the first and second waveguides in a coupling region in the semiconductor substrate layer to isolate the first optical waveguide from the second optical waveguide. Modulated charge layers proximate to the insulating layer in the coupling region are employed to control an optical coupling strength between the first and second optical waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Remus Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 6999664Abstract: A polarization beam splitter and combiner and a polarization insensitive modulating and switching method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, the disclosed apparatus a first optical waveguide disposed in a semiconductor material layer. A second optical waveguide is also disposed in the semiconductor material layer. An insulating region is disposed between the first and second optical waveguides to provide a coupling region in the semiconductor material layer between the first and second optical waveguides. The coupling region has a first coupling length for a first polarization mode of an optical beam directed through one of the first and second optical waveguides into the coupling region. The coupling region has a second coupling length for a second polarization mode of the optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Remus Nicolaescu, Mario J. Paniccia
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Patent number: 6947616Abstract: A tunable Bragg grating method and apparatus. In one aspect of the present invention, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes directing an optical beam into a first end of an optical path having the first end and a second end disposed in a semiconductor substrate, reflecting a first portion of the optical beam having a first center wavelength back out from the first end of the optical path and tuning the optical path to reflect a second portion of the optical beam having a second center wavelength back out from the first end of the optical path. In one embodiment, the Bragg grating is tuned with a heater used to adjust a temperature of the semiconductor substrate. In another embodiment, charge in charge modulated regions along the optical path is modulated to tune the Bragg grating.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ansheng Liu, Mario J. Paniccia, Remus Nicolaescu
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Patent number: 6888667Abstract: A semiconductor-based optical amplifier using optically-pumped stimulated scattering includes an optical signal source (pump) and a wavelength selective coupler. The coupler is connected to receive an input optical signal and the pump signal and output the combined signals in a waveguide having a semiconductor core. The intensity of the pump signal is selected so that stimulated scattering occurs when the pump signal is propagated in the semiconductor core. Further, the wavelength of the pump signal is selected so that the stimulated scattering causes emission of a signal shifted in wavelength to be substantially equal to the wavelength of the optical input signal. Consequently, the input signal is amplified as it propagates with the pump signal. The amplifier can be disposed between reflectors to form a laser.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Remus Nicolaescu