Abstract: An optical encoder and detector system is disclosed, comprising a lateral photodiode configured to receive monochromatic light and a linear variable optical filter positioned in the optical path between the light source and the photodiode. The system enables precise detection of the optical wavelength of the incident light, with embodiments utilizing multi-lane lateral photodiodes to improve wavelength resolution and detection speed. The encoder may include a cooling element, such as a thermoelectric cooler, to reduce noise and enhance measurement accuracy. Additional embodiments provide reference diodes for further accuracy and support both front side and backside illumination. The system can also detect the position, including angular position, of a moveable light source using current differences between anodes of the photodiode. These features allow for high-resolution, high-bandwidth, and robust optical wavelength and position detection across a range of applications.

Abstract: An optoelectronic package for measuring distance, tip, and tilt of an object relative to a detector. The optoelectronic package comprises a carrier; a photodiode element (photodiode elements) located on the carrier and having a center opening; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) located in the center opening and directing light rays toward the object; and an interference generating optical element positioned between the photodiode element and the object. Light passes through the optical element from the VCSEL creating a ring of measured light which reflects off the surface of the object and combines with a ring of reflecting reference light to produce interference fringes on the photodediode elements with varying light intensity, which correspond to displacement and angular tip and tilt of the surface of the object. The measurement of these variations will be interpreted by a computational element to produce a value of distance, tip, and tilt of the object.

Abstract: An optical detector system providing electrical output signals. The system includes an apertured surface and a transparent window, with a metasurface on the window's opposite side. The metasurface imparts spatially varying phase delay and/or amplitude or polarization modulation to deflect ILR based on their angle of incidence, producing exiting light rays. These rays are detected by a two-dimensional tetralateral position-sensing detector (TLD) with a single resistive photo-absorption layer and four electrodes. The TLD generates X-Y position signals proportional to the azimuth and elevation of the incoming ILR. A computer may be included to calculate these angular values from the position signals.