Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, systems and methods of optical sensing that use destructive interference to suppress retro-reflected light during generation of sensing beams. Described, among other things, is a system to produce a transmitted (TX) beam and collect a received (RX) beam. The RX beam can include a reflected beam caused by interaction of the TX beam with an object, and a retro-reflected (RR) beam caused by interaction of the TX beam internal components of the system. The system is further to combine the RX beam with a phase-controlled beam to obtain a combined beam, control a phase of the phase-controlled beam to cause destructive interference of the phase-controlled beam and the RR beam, and determine, using the combined beam, one or more of the characteristics of the object.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, systems and methods of optical sensing that use carrier extraction from waveguides that can support propagation of high-power sensing beams. Described, among other things, is a system that includes one or more waveguides that include a semiconducting material with a temperature-dependent refractive index. The system further includes a plurality of extraction electrodes configured to extract from the waveguide(s), charge carriers generated by an electromagnetic wave propagating in the waveguide(s). The system further includes a heating electrode configured to cause a change of a temperature of the waveguide(s).

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, systems and methods of optical sensing for pixel multiplexing and polarized beam steering. Described, among other things, is a system that includes a light source configured to generate a light and one or more optical devices, integrated on a photonic integrated circuit, configured to impart modulation to the generated light and deliver the modulated light to an interface coupling device. The interface coupling device can include a plurality of interface couplers (ICs), each IC configured to scatter the modulated light in a direction that makes at least 5 degrees with an optical axis of lens configured to transmit the light scattered by each IC along a respective direction of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.

Abstract: Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.

Abstract: Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.

Abstract: Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Described are various configurations for transmitting and receiving optical light using a shared path ranging system. The shared path ranging system can include an optical router (e.g., an optical coupler) coupled to a grating to transmit light to a physical object and receive light reflected by the physical object. The shared path ranging system can include rows of routers and gratings in a two-dimensional configuration to transmit and receive light for ranging purposes.