Patents Assigned to Princeton Optronics, Inc.
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Patent number: 11916355Abstract: Narrow beam divergence semiconductor sources are operable to generate a beam having a substantially narrow beam divergence, an emission wavelength, and a substantially uniform beam intensity. The presence of an extended length mirror can help suppress one or more longitudinal and/or transverse modes such that the beam divergence and/or the spectral width of emission is substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Francois Seurin, Robert Van Leeuwen, Chuni Ghosh
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Patent number: 11728620Abstract: Semiconductor devices, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, and methods for manufacturing the same, are disclosed. The semiconductor devices include contact extensions and electrically conductive adhesive material, such as fusible metal alloys or electrically conductive composites. In some instances, the semiconductor devices further include structured contacts. These components enable the production of semiconductor devices having minimal distortion. For example, arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers can be produced exhibiting little to no bowing. Semiconductor devices having minimal distortion exhibit enhanced performance in some instances.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Guoyang Xu, Qing Wang
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Patent number: 11527868Abstract: A multilayer interconnect is described which enables electrically connecting a complex distribution of VCSEL or other light emitter elements in a large high density addressable array. The arrays can include many groups of VCSEL elements interspersed among each other to form a structured array. Each group can be connected to a contact pad so that each group of light emitter elements can be activated separately.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Laurence Watkins, Guoyang Xu
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Patent number: 11394175Abstract: A proximity sensor which uses very narrow divergent beams from Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) for the illumination source is disclosed. Narrow divergent beams in the range 0.5 to 10 degrees can be achieved to provide high proximity sensing accuracy in a small footprint assembly. One approach to reducing the beam divergence is to increase the length of the VCSEL resonant cavity using external third mirror. A second embodiment extends the length of the VCSEL cavity by modifying the DBR mirrors and the gain region. Optical microlenses can be coupled with the VCSEL to collimate the output beam and reduce the beam divergence. These can be separate optical elements or integrated with the VCEL by modifying the substrate output surface profile or an added a transparent layer. These methods of beam divergence reduction are incorporated into various embodiment configurations to produce a miniature proximity sensor suitable for cell phones and tablets.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin
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Patent number: 11258234Abstract: A miniature illuminator is described which is suitable for assembly into mobile electronics devices such as cell phones and computer tablets. Features of the invention overcome the complexity of current miniature illuminators by using single molded structure which includes all the electrical feedthrough connections and has the features necessary for accurate mounting of optical components. The molded structure includes laser safety connections which provide an electrical interrupt signal when the illuminator is damaged in a way that could result in propagation of non-eye safe illuminator beams. In an alternate operation the illuminator provides a signal when a subject gets too close to the illuminator and would receive unsafe VCSEL illuminator beam. The laser safety feature is integrated into the molded Illuminator package so that separate electrically connected structures to achieve this function are eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Qing Wang
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Patent number: 11195721Abstract: Ohmic contacts, including materials and processes for forming n-type ohmic contacts on n-type semiconductor substrates at low temperatures, are disclosed. Materials include reactant layers, n-type dopant layers, capping layers, and in some instances, adhesion layers. The capping layers can include metal layers and diffusion barrier layers. Ohmic contacts can be formed on n-type semiconductor substrates at temperatures between 150 and 250° C., and can resist degradation during operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Guoyang Xu, Jean-Francois Seurin, Chuni Ghosh
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Patent number: 11128100Abstract: A VCSEL illuminator package includes one or more VCSELs in a substrate. The one or more VCSELs are operable to generate a VCSEL output radiation beam. An encapsulant covers the one or more VCSELs, and an optical structure is integrated in the encapsulant. The optical structure is disposed in a path of the VCSEL output radiation beam and is operable to change at least one of a propagation characteristic or intensity distribution of the VCSEL output radiation beam exiting the encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Baiming Guo, Qing Wang, Laurence Watkins, Jean-Francois Seurin
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Publication number: 20200333131Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques to improve the resolution and reduce the distortion of structured light projection in miniature wide-angle VCSEL array projection modules used for 3D imaging and gesture recognition. The projector module includes a chief ray corrector optical element, which directs the VCSEL beams along the projector lens chief ray paths. The VCSEL structured illumination projector using the chief ray optical element corrector can create a high resolution, low distortion structured light pattern over an extended distance range greater that the projector lens image focal range. The corrector element is placed close to the VCSEL array. The corrector element can be implemented in various ways including, for example, a refractive lens, diffractive lens or microlens array, depending on the specific application requirements and optical configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2018Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Baiming GUO, Jean-Francois SEURIN, Chuni GHOSH, Laurence WATKINS
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Patent number: 10707650Abstract: A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) includes a reflecting surface of the VCSEL. A gain region is positioned on the distributed Bragg reflector that generates optical gain. The gain region comprises a first and second multiple quantum well stack, a tunnel junction positioned between the first and second multiple quantum well stack, and a current aperture positioned on one of the first and second multiple quantum well stack. The current aperture confines a current flow in the gain region. A partially reflective surface and the reflective surface forming a VCSEL resonant cavity, wherein an output optical beam propagates from the partially reflecting surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Delai Zhou, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20200052466Abstract: A miniature illuminator is described which is suitable for assembly into mobile electronics devices such as cell phones and computer tablets. Features of the invention overcome the complexity of current miniature illuminators by using single molded structure which includes all the electrical feedthrough connections and has the features necessary for accurate mounting of optical components. The molded structure includes laser safety connections which provide an electrical interrupt signal when the illuminator is damaged in a way that could result in propagation of non-eye safe illuminator beams. In an alternate operation the illuminator provides a signal when a subject gets too close to the illuminator and would receive unsafe VCSEL illuminator beam. The laser safety feature is integrated into the molded Illuminator package so that separate electrically connected structures to achieve this function are eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Qing Wang
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Patent number: 10353215Abstract: A coded pattern projector apparatus comprises a surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters where each of the plurality of emitters generates one of a plurality of optical beams in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. A first optical element projects each the plurality of optical beams generated by the surface-emitting array of emitters. A second optical element collimates the plurality of optical beams in a first dimension and diverges the plurality of optical beams in a second dimension such that the plurality of optical beams form at least one stripe patterns. A controller has electrical outputs, each of the electrical outputs is connected to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. The controller generates electrical drive signals that produce a coded stripe pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Laurence Watkins
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Patent number: 10290993Abstract: A VCSEL illuminator module includes a module forming a physical cavity having electrical contacts positioned on an inner surface of the module that feed through the module to electrical contacts positioned on an outer surface of the module. A VCSEL device is positioned on the inner surface module and includes electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the inner surface of the module. The VCSEL device generates an optical beam when current is applied to the electrical contacts. An optical element is positioned adjacent to an emitting surface of the VCSEL device and is configured to modify the optical beam generated by the VCSEL device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Qing Wang, Alexey Kovsh, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20190067909Abstract: A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) includes a reflecting surface of the VCSEL. A gain region is positioned on the distributed Bragg reflector that generates optical gain. The gain region comprises a first and second multiple quantum well stack, a tunnel junction positioned between the first and second multiple quantum well stack, and a current aperture positioned on one of the first and second multiple quantum well stack. The current aperture confines a current flow in the gain region. A partially reflective surface and the reflective surface forming a VCSEL resonant cavity, wherein an output optical beam propagates from the partially reflecting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Delai Zhou, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20180203247Abstract: A coded pattern projector apparatus comprises a surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters where each of the plurality of emitters generates one of a plurality of optical beams in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. A first optical element projects each the plurality of optical beams generated by the surface-emitting array of emitters. A second optical element collimates the plurality of optical beams in a first dimension and diverges the plurality of optical beams in a second dimension such that the plurality of optical beams form at least one stripe patterns. A controller has electrical outputs, each of the electrical outputs is connected to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. The controller generates electrical drive signals that produce a coded stripe pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2018Publication date: July 19, 2018Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Laurence Watkins
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Patent number: 9946089Abstract: A coded pattern projector apparatus comprises a surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters where each of the plurality of emitters generates one of a plurality of optical beams in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. A first optical element projects each the plurality of optical beams generated by the surface-emitting array of emitters. A second optical element collimates the plurality of optical beams in a first dimension and diverges the plurality of optical beams in a second dimension such that the plurality of optical beams form at least one stripe patterns. A controller has electrical outputs, each of the electrical outputs is connected to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. The controller generates electrical drive signals that produce a coded stripe pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20170353004Abstract: A VCSEL illuminator module includes a module forming a physical cavity having electrical contacts positioned on an inner surface of the module that feed through the module to electrical contacts positioned on an outer surface of the module. A VCSEL device is positioned on the inner surface module and includes electrical contacts that are electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the inner surface of the module. The VCSEL device generates an optical beam when current is applied to the electrical contacts. An optical element is positioned adjacent to an emitting surface of the VCSEL device and is configured to modify the optical beam generated by the VCSEL device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Qing Wang, Alexey Kovsh, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20170256915Abstract: A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) includes a reflecting surface of the VCSEL. A gain region is positioned on the distributed Bragg reflector that generates optical gain. The gain region comprises a first and second multiple quantum well stack, a tunnel junction positioned between the first and second multiple quantum well stack, and a current aperture positioned on one of the first and second multiple quantum well stack. The current aperture confines a current flow in the gain region. A partially reflective surface and the reflective surface forming a VCSEL resonant cavity, wherein an output optical beam propagates from the partially reflecting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Chuni Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Delai Zhou, Laurence Watkins
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Publication number: 20170115497Abstract: A coded pattern projector apparatus comprises a surface-emitting array of emitters comprising a plurality of emitters where each of the plurality of emitters generates one of a plurality of optical beams in response to an electrical drive signal applied to a respective electrical input of each of the plurality of emitters. A first optical element projects each the plurality of optical beams generated by the surface-emitting array of emitters. A second optical element collimates the plurality of optical beams in a first dimension and diverges the plurality of optical beams in a second dimension such that the plurality of optical beams form at least one stripe patterns. A controller has a plurality of electrical outputs, each of the plurality of electrical outputs is connected to a respective electrical inputs of each of the plurality of emitters. The controller generating desired electrical drive signals that produce a desired coded stripe pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Applicant: Princeton Optronics, Inc.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni Ghosh, Laurence Watkins
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Patent number: 9574541Abstract: A high efficiency optical ignition device is provided in a two-part compact and robust package to be mounted directly on an internal combustion engine chamber. The ignition device ignites a combustion fuel with a high intensity plasma generated by a high power laser beam from a solid state laser operable in Q-switched, or non-Q-switched mode for producing short or long pulses, respectively. Multiple pulses are generated, and duration and frequency of the laser beam pulses are controlled by controlling an optical pump module to pump the solid state laser. The optical pump module comprises a semiconductor laser, preferably a VCSEL device. One or more laser beams are precisely directed, each one to a desired location anywhere within the combustion chamber for more efficient and near complete burning of the combustion fuel. The robust packaging is well suited to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: PRINCETON OPTRONICS INC.Inventors: Chuni L Ghosh, Qing Wang, Bing Xu, Robert van Leeuwen
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Patent number: 9553423Abstract: A miniature structured light illuminator is provided. The miniature structured light illuminator uses a semiconductor surface emitting array including VCSEL or RC-LED array and an array of microlens elements to generate a wide range of structured light illumination patterns. The emission beam from a surface emitter array may be selectively directed, steered, focused or expanded, by applying a lateral displacement of the microlens array, such that centers of the emission beam and microlens array are misaligned. Emitted beams may be directed through small optical components to project the structured light pattern to a distant plane. The surface emitting arrays may be configured in addressable form to be activated separately for continuous or pulsed operation with very fast pulses having <100 ps risetime. A compact structured light illuminator module with projection optics is provided in very small physical size (˜6×6×3 mm3) suitable to configure in a handheld device.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: PRINCETON OPTRONICS INC.Inventors: Tong Chen, Chuni L Ghosh, Jean-Francois Seurin, Laurence S Watkins