Abstract: An optical transceiver for detecting an incoming light beam and for transmitting an outgoing light beam along a common optical axis is provided. Such an optical transceiver provides a compact optical transceiver that is suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: Multiple laser optical sensing systems and methods for detecting target characteristics are disclosed. The present invention detects the presence of an object in a monitored area using an laser-based object detection system and may selectively cause a controlled response when an object is detected. At least two laser signals may be emitted into a monitored area using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser structure. At least one detector receives any laser signals not blocked by an object. The system determines the presence or absence of an object in the environment using a microprocessor and determines the objects characteristics by comparing received laser signals associated with it to object characteristics stored in a memory. The system may selectively causing a controlled response in accordance with the determination of object characteristics and/or correlating response criteria.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring the power level of a multi-wavelength optical signal are provided. Also provided are methods and apparatus for adjusting the power level of selected optical emitters to compensate for the changes in power levels.

Abstract: A multiband wavelength multiplexed optical device for bidirectional communication over one light path. The device may use dichroic filters or reflectors, or other mechanisms for wavelength or bandwidth separation or discrimination of sent or received light signals. It may have a multitude of light sources and detectors for sending and receiving light signals such as those for optical-based communications, controls and so forth. For instance, the optical device may be utilized in transceiver systems.

Abstract: A multiple laser optical sensing system and method for detecting target characteristics are disclosed. The system includes a laser source with at least two emission apertures from which laser signals are emitted. The system also includes at least one detector, which is operationally responsive to the laser source. Finally, the system includes a microprocessor that is operationally coupled to the detector(s). In operation, the laser source emits into an environment at least two laser signals, one from each emission aperture. The detector detects the laser signals after the signals pass through the environment, which is occupied by a target and the microprocessor determines target characteristics based on the laser signals received by the detector(s).

Abstract: An oxide-confined VCSELs having a distributed Bragg reflector with a heavily doped high Al content oxide aperture forming layer disposed between a low Al content first layer and a medium Al content second layer. Between the first layer and the oxide aperture forming layer there may be a thin transition region wherein the Al content changes from a higher Al content to a lower Al content. In some embodiments, the Al concentration from the oxide aperture forming layer to the second layer may occur in a step. The oxide aperture forming layer may be disposed at or near a null or a node of the electric field produced by resonant laser light. During the oxidization of the oxide aperture forming layer, all or some of the other aluminum bearing DBR layers may also become oxidized, but to a substantially lesser degree. The junction between the oxidized portion and un-oxidized portion of these layers is believed to reduce the stability and/or reliability of the device.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling a laser (e.g., vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) to an optical fiber is disclosed. A plurality of optical modes associated with a laser, e.g., a VCSEL, are scrambled, and radiation from the VCSEL can be focused on a fiber facet associated with the optical fiber. Thereafter, the VCSEL can be coupled to the optical fiber to thereby improve coupling repeatability while reducing mode selective coupling of the VCSEL to the optical fiber. The optical modes can be scrambled utilizing an optical scattering surface. Such an optical scattering surface can produce a Lambertian-like scattering source such that optical modes thereof are combinable to form a plurality of optical modes. The VCSEL can be coupled to said optical fiber by butt-coupling said optical fiber to the multimode VCSEL through a receiver formed in a housing for the VCSEL and/or by utilizing at least one lens for imaging radiation/signals onto a particular spot.

Abstract: An optical transceiver for detecting an incoming light beam and for transmitting an outgoing light beam along a common optical axis is provided. Such an optical transceiver provides a compact optical transceiver that is suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring the power level of a multi-wavelength optical signal are provided. Also provided are methods and apparatus for adjusting the power level of selected optical emitters to compensate for the changes in power levels.

Abstract: A semiconductor assembly having a submount with a plurality of conductive traces. A semiconductor array, such as a VCSEL array or a detector array, is attached to the submount. A plurality of conductive vias pass through the submount's body, or a conductive trace is disposed between a lower portion and an upper portion of the submount. Bonding wires electrically connect the individual semiconductor elements to conductive traces, while the conductive vias (or the conductive trace between the lower and upper portions) can provide additional electrical connections. The submount is beneficially of a ceramic material, and the conductive traces can include conductive pads for connecting to a printed circuit board or to a flex board. Locating features can extend from the submount, and an optical element can mount to the locating features. Alternatively, the locating features can be used to arrange the semiconductor assembly relative to an external structure.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling a laser (e.g., vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) to an optical fiber is disclosed. A plurality of optical modes associated with a laser, e.g., a VCSEL, are scrambled, and radiation from the VCSEL can be focused on a fiber facet associated with the optical fiber. Thereafter, the VCSEL can be coupled to the optical fiber to thereby improve coupling repeatability while reducing mode selective coupling of the VCSEL to the optical fiber. The optical modes can be scrambled utilizing an optical scattering surface. Such an optical scattering surface can produce a Lambertian-like scattering source such that optical modes thereof are combinable to form a plurality of optical modes. The VCSEL can be coupled to said optical fiber by butt-coupling said optical fiber to the multimode VCSEL through a receiver formed in a housing for the VCSEL and/or by utilizing at least one lens for imaging radiation/signals onto a particular spot.

Abstract: A method and system for the communication of data between data systems and through an optical interface is disclosed. A multi-component optical package (photonic package) and at least one optical fiber are coupled to create an optical data interface, thereby permitting data communications between devices, for example CPUs and display units, through the optical interface. The photonic package thus provides a highly integrated and flexible high bandwidth communications package suitable for data communications. At least one electro-optical data component is mounted on a multi-element leadframe. The photonic components and multi-element leadframe is then overmolded with an encapsulant to create an integrated multi-photonic-device package. The light source may be configured as a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) and/or detectors. The light source may be coupled with a plurality of optical fibers to create an optical fiber interface.

Abstract: Multiple laser optical sensing systems and methods for detecting target characteristics are disclosed. The present invention detects the presence of an object in a monitored area using an laser-based object detection system and may selectively cause a controlled response when an object is detected. At least two laser signals may be emitted into a monitored area using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser structure. At least one detector receives any laser signals not blocked by an object. The system determines the presence or absence of an object in the environment using a microprocessor and determines the objects characteristics by comparing received laser signals associated with it to object characteristics stored in a memory. The system may selectively causing a controlled response in accordance with the determination of object characteristics and/or correlating response criteria.

Abstract: A laser optical sensing system and method for detecting target characteristics are disclosed. The system includes a laser source with at least two emission apertures from which laser signals are emitted. The system also includes at least one detector, which is operationally responsive to the laser source. The system includes a microprocessor that is operationally coupled to the detector(s) for processing signal data, a memory accessible by the microprocessor for storing target characteristics (e.g., unique signals), and a software module accessible by the microprocessor for enabling system training and detection operations. In operation, the laser source emits into an environment at least two laser signals, one from each emission aperture.

Abstract: Optical sensing systems and methods for detecting target characteristics are disclosed. An optical sensing system can detect target motion within a known environment. A laser source, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, has at least two laser signal emission apertures. At least one detector is operationally responsive to laser signals. A motion analysis module cooperates with a microprocessor to determine motion characteristics of an objected detected within said environment. A laser source emits at least two laser signals into an environment occupied by a target, said at least one detector detects changes in said at least two laser signals after said signals pass through said environment and interfere with a detected object, and said microprocessor determines target characteristics based on said signals received by said detector and input from said motion analysis module, at least one detector, which is operationally responsive to the laser source.

Abstract: The present invention further relates to methods and systems for sensing and identifying objects/objects. The present invention is also related to personnel identification methods using object recognition for personal identification objects (e.g., badge reader). For example, a personnel badge can contain a small piece of exposed film that is unique to the individual, such that upon inserting the badge into a badge reader, the reader can not only grant access to the individual, but also be able to identify to whom it granted access. A multiple laser optical sensing system and method for detecting object characteristics are disclosed. The system includes a laser source with at least two emission apertures from which laser signals are emitted. The system also includes at least one detector, which is operationally responsive to the laser source.