Abstract: An optical signal to be detected enters single photon avalanche diode cells (SPAD) in a SPAD array and triggers photo event currents. Optical waveguides in the sensor carry an internal optical signal and a 1xN splitter divides the optical power into waveguide branches 206, 206?, . . . 206N-1. At the coupling structure, comprising 207, 207?, . . . 207N-1 positive-intrinsic-negative diode photodetector/waveguide structures, photo event currents from SPAD cells are converted to a change in the internal optical signal, by modifying internal optical signals 208, 208?, . . . 208N-1. A waveguide combiner further integrates the modified internal optical signals resulting from the photo event currents from all the cells in the sub-array. After all waveguide branches' signals are combined, a photodetector detects the internal optical signal and outputs an electrical signal.

Abstract: An optical beam scanning semiconductor device includes 1×N electrically controlled, integrated optical switch matrix and specifically designed integrated optical grating output couplers at each of N output waveguides of 1×N switch. By selecting one of the N outputs of the 1×N switch as the output of the input optical signal, an optical output beam scans in free space. Variation in the grating output coupler design enables a smart scanning device with multiple controllable beam characteristics.

Abstract: A two-beam steering device comprising two single-beam steering devices and a motorized, rotating base stage, wherein each single-beam steering device is able to steer an electromagnetic wave beam in a full field of regard, wherein the two single-beam steering devices are fixed on top of the rotating base stage. The two-beam steering device can point the two individual beams into any direction pair in the entire field of regard with full flexibility.

Abstract: A large single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array is integrated with optical waveguide (WG) based devices. SPAD is a very sensitive optical detector fabricated on a semiconductor chip and WG structures are also built into the same chip. WG structures are configured to accumulate SPAD detection current. Together, they form an ultra-sensitive optical detector with high-speed response and a large aperture.

Abstract: An optical routing system for free space optical communication is disclosed. The system has a transmitter and a receiver that use free space optical communication, and includes an optical path based on waveguide where an optical signal is routed from the proximity of the transmitter to the proximity of the destination. This system has advantages in terms of mitigating line-of-sight issues, as well as potentially reducing the overall coupling loss that would be otherwise incurred due to beam divergence of free space propagation for long distance.

Abstract: An optical routing system for free space optical communication is disclosed. The system has a transmitter and a receiver that use free space optical communication, and includes an optical path based on waveguide where an optical signal is routed from the proximity of the transmitter to the proximity of the destination. This system has advantages in terms of mitigating line-of-sight issues, as well as potentially reducing the overall coupling loss that would be otherwise incurred due to beam divergence of free space propagation for long distance.

Abstract: A two-beam steering device comprising two single-beam steering devices and a motorized, rotating base stage, wherein each single-beam steering device is able to steer an electromagnetic wave beam in a full field of regard, wherein the two single-beam steering devices are fixed on top of the rotating base stage. The two-beam steering device can point the two individual beams into any direction pair in the entire field of regard with full flexibility.

Abstract: A system and method wherein electromagnetic radiation is used for free-space communication and wireless power transfer. The electromagnetic radiation used is preferably optical radiation. The optical free-space communication and wireless power transfer system includes an optical receiver device comprising an optical filter, a photodetector, and a photovoltaic cell, wherein a band of the incoming optical radiation is extracted by the optical filter and directed to the photodetector for communication data signal detection. The remaining optical radiation is converted by the photovoltaic cell into electrical power so that the harvested energy can be stored, used as the power source of the photodetector, or used as the power source of external devices.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) spectrometer for sensing the spectroscopic signature of airborne molecules, comprising a dispersive element to separate the spectral information spatially, and a tuning mechanism for said dispersive element to convert the spectral information to time-dependent information. The approach allows the PIC spectrometer to have a single (or a few) output pin(s), enabling sensing of the environment with a simple packaged chip that is compact, lightweight, energy efficient and low cost, making it suitable for platforms that have a small form factor, a small power budget, and are cost sensitive, such as mobile devices.

Abstract: An apparatus has a beam steerable laser emitter and a detector array with array elements. Electronics selectively enable first array elements corresponding to expected return signal paths and disable second array elements corresponding to unexpected return signal paths.

Abstract: An apparatus has an optical phased array producing a far field electro-magnetic field defining a field of view. Receivers collect reflected electro-magnetic field signals characterizing the field of view. A processor is configured to process the reflected electro-magnetic field signals to identify a selected area in the field of view as an area of interest. The processor is further configured to dynamically adjust control signals applied to the optical phased array to produce an updated far field electro-magnetic field with increased electro-magnetic field resolution for the selected area.

Abstract: An apparatus has a beam steerable laser emitter and a detector array with array elements. Electronics selectively enable first array elements corresponding to expected return signal paths and disable second array elements corresponding to unexpected return signal paths.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating thin membrane structures in localized surface regions of a single crystal substrate. In the method, ion implantation masks are patterned on the surface of the single crystal substrate with openings that define the localized surface regions. Foreign ions are implanted through the openings into the single crystal substrate to modify the chemical and/or structural properties of subsurface layers at predetermined depths underneath super layers of material. These subsurface layers are removed by selective etching. The removal of the subsurface layers leaves the super layers of material intact as membrane structures on top of openings or channels corresponding to the space of the removed subsurface layers. At least one portion or end of a membrane structure remains attached to the single crystal substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating thin membrane structures in localized surface regions of a single crystal substrate. In the method, ion implantation masks are patterned on the surface of the single crystal substrate with openings that define the localized surface regions. Foreign ions are implanted through the openings into the single crystal substrate to modify the chemical and/or structural properties of subsurface layers at predetermined depths underneath super layers of material. These subsurface layers are removed by selective etching. The removal of the subsurface layers leaves the super layers of material intact as membrane structures on top of openings or channels corresponding to the space of the removed subsurface layers. At least one portion or end of a membrane structure remains attached to the single crystal substrate.