Abstract: A dual output laser diode may include first and second end facets and an active section. The first and second end facets have low reflectivity. The active section is positioned between the first end facet and the second end facet. The active section is configured to generate light that propagates toward each of the first and second end facets. The first end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the first end facet through the first end facet. The second end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the second end facet through the second end facet.

Abstract: A structured light projector for generating a far-field image of light dots in a defined pattern is proposed, where the structured light projector includes a light source providing as an output a non-collimated light beam and a specialized diffractive optical element disposed to intercept the non-collimated light beam. The specialized diffractive optical element is formed to exhibit a non-uniform pattern of grating features configured to compensate for the non-planar wavefront and phase retardation of the non-collimated output beam, providing as an output of the projector an interference pattern of light dots exhibiting the desired configuration.

Abstract: A dual output laser diode may include first and second end facets and an active section. The first and second end facets have low reflectivity. The active section is positioned between the first end facet and the second end facet. The active section is configured to generate light that propagates toward each of the first and second end facets. The first end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the first end facet through the first end facet. The second end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the second end facet through the second end facet.

Abstract: A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) may include an active region (e.g., one or more quantum wells) and a chirped pattern reflector. The active region may be configured to be electrically pumped such that the active region generates light having a fundamental mode and a higher order mode. The chirped pattern reflector may include a first portion presenting to the active region as a first portion of an effective mirror having a concave shape and a second portion presenting to the active region as a second portion of the effective mirror having a convex shape.

Abstract: A dual output laser diode may include first and second end facets and an active section. The first and second end facets have low reflectivity. The active section is positioned between the first end facet and the second end facet. The active section is configured to generate light that propagates toward each of the first and second end facets. The first end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the first end facet through the first end facet. The second end facet is configured to transmit a majority of the light that reaches the second end facet through the second end facet.

Abstract: A structured light projector for generating a far-field image of light dots in a defined pattern is proposed, where the structured light projector includes a light source providing as an output a non-collimated light beam and a specialized diffractive optical element disposed to intercept the non-collimated light beam. The specialized diffractive optical element is formed to exhibit a non-uniform pattern of grating features configured to compensate for the non-planar wavefront and phase retardation of the non-collimated output beam, providing as an output of the projector an interference pattern of light dots exhibiting the desired configuration.