Abstract: A wide field-of-view sensor or projector includes a transparent substrate with one or more apertures on one side, and one or more chip stacks joined to the opposite side. Each chip stack includes a flat optics layer (e.g., metasurface), at least one spacer layer, an optional filter layer, and either an image sensor or a light source. In one example, two apertures and two corresponding chip stacks are provided; both chip stacks include image sensors but different metasurfaces and filters to capture different information from the scene. In an alternative embodiment, the two chip stacks include a light source and an image sensor, to function as a light projector and a light receiver, respectively. In other examples, two apertures and a single chip stack are provided, where the single chip stack include two metasurface and/or two filters corresponding to the two apertures.

Abstract: Photonics has benefited immensely from advanced silicon manufacturing. By leveraging mature complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process nodes, unprecedented device uniformity and scalability have been achieved at low cost. However, some functionalities, such as optical memory, Pockels modulation, and magneto-optical activity, are challenging or impossible to provide with group-IV materials alone. Heterogeneous integration promises to expand the range of capabilities within silicon photonics. Unfortunately, existing heterogeneous integration protocols are incompatible with the active silicon processes offered at most photonic foundries. Here, we by disclose a heterogeneous integration platform that enables waferscale, multi-material integration with active silicon-based photonics, with no change to the existing foundry process.

Abstract: Methods for transferring optically active features, such as meta-atoms and diffractive elements, formed on a planar surface to a non-planar surface with high precision are described. Optical devices having meta-atoms or other diffractive features located on non-planar and/or planar surfaces can be fabricated using the described methods. Related optical systems and components are described.

Abstract: A micro-optical structure for a micro-scale light source having an emitting surface for emitting light is described. The micro-optical structure comprises a reflective portion formed on the emitting surface of the micro-scale light source, where the reflective portion is adapted to reflect light emitted from the micro-scale light source out of the micro-optical structure. A method for forming a micro-optical structure is also described.

Abstract: In one aspect, an integrated photonic device is disclosed, which comprises a waveguide through which radiation having one or more wavelengths within a wavelength band can propagate, a phase shifter optically coupled to said waveguide. The phase shifter comprises a heat-actuable phase change material (PCM) optically coupled to the waveguide, and a heater having a layer of a two-dimensional material in thermal communication with the PCM and configured to receive a reset voltage pulse for causing heating of the graphene layer followed by cooling thereof, wherein the thermal communication between the heated graphene layer and the PCM causes at least a portion of the PCM to undergo a phase transition from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, thereby causing a change in a refractive index of the PCM and a resultant phase shift in the radiation propagating through the waveguide.

Abstract: A sensor system which integrates metasurface-enabled optical sensing and illumination functionalities for tactile sensing via a sensing interface. The sensor system includes an illumination module including a light source and flat optics for projecting an illumination light (e.g. a pattern) toward the sensing interface, and an imaging module including flat optics and photodetectors for receiving the illumination light reflected or scattered by the sensing interface and capturing related optical signals including images. The captured optical signals are analyzed to detect interactions of an external object with the sensing interface. The disclosed system allows high performance characteristics, including ultra-wide fields of view, high-resolution imaging, and a significantly reduced form factor compared to traditional optical systems.

Abstract: Flat optics systems, architectures, and methods that incorporate multi-zone design for enhanced performance and multifunctionality. The flat optics technology incorporates metasurfaces to leverage the pixelated, planar device architecture to integrate additional features such as beam shaping, modulation, testing, alignment, and adaptive functionality on a single platform, offering superior performance and small form factor. A disclosed multi-zone flat optical device includes multiple flat optics components such as metasurfaces formed on or in a substrate, forming primary and auxiliary functional zones, where the primary functional zone performs a primary optical function, and the primary functional zones are used for testing, alignment, calibration, recognition, etc. The multiple functional zones may be configured to operate under different incident light conditions including wavelength, incident angle, polarization, etc.

Abstract: A wide field-of-view sensor or projector includes a transparent substrate with one or more apertures on one side, and one or more chip stacks joined to the opposite side. Each chip stack includes a flat optics layer (e.g., metasurface), at least one spacer layer, an optional filter layer, and either an image sensor or a light source. In one example, two apertures and two corresponding chip stacks are provided; both chip stacks include image sensors but different metasurfaces and filters to capture different information from the scene. In an alternative embodiment, the two chip stacks include a light source and an image sensor, to function as a light projector and a light receiver, respectively. In other examples, two apertures and a single chip stack are provided, where the single chip stack include two metasurface and/or two filters corresponding to the two apertures.

Abstract: Meta-optic systems are described that include multi-function metasurfaces formed from a plurality of meta-atoms. A multi-function metasurface can exhibit two or more different optical functions for two or more different states of light incident on the metasurface. Different states of light include different polarizations, different wavelengths, and different angles of incidence. Different optical functions include distance sensing, converging, diverging, image formation, and patterned light formation. The multi-function metasurface can selectively impart different phase profiles to an incident beam depending on the incident beam's state of light.

Abstract: The present technology is related to optics and optical systems, particularly to photonic packaging, optical coupling, optical interconnects, micro-optics, and their fabrication. The present technology includes free-form micro-optical coupler architectures and systems with superb optical performance and a high-throughput method of fabricating large-area coupler arrays for scalable manufacturing. Embodiments include chip-to-fiber-array, chip-to-chip, chip-to-interposer, and chip-to-free-space couplers for applications including photonic packaging, optical communications, LiDAR, optical trapping and manipulation, augmented reality, virtual reality, and sensing.

Abstract: Meta-optic systems are described that include multi-function metasurfaces formed from a plurality of meta-atoms. A multi-function metasurface can exhibit two or more different optical functions for two or more different states of light incident on the metasurface. Different states of light include different polarizations, different wavelengths, and different angles of incidence. Different optical functions include distance sensing, converging, diverging, image formation, and patterned light formation. The multi-function metasurface can selectively impart different phase profiles to an incident beam depending on the incident beam's state of light.

Abstract: The present technology is related to optics, optical systems, and optically induced micro-/nano-fabrication methods. It includes metasurface optics, direct laser writing, and microscopy. Flat optic devices, architectures, and methods can achieve superb optical performance and structural simplicity compared to traditional bulk optical systems.

Abstract: Wide-angle optical functionality is beneficial for imaging and image projection devices. Conventionally, wide-angle operation is attained by a complicated assembly of optical elements. Recent advances have led to meta-surface lenses or meta-lenses, which are ultra-thin planar lenses with nanoantennas that control the phase, amplitude, and/or polarization of light. Here, we present a meta-lens capable of diffraction-limited focusing and imaging over an unprecedented >170° angular field of view (FOV). The lens is integrated on a one-piece flat substrate and includes an aperture on one side and a single meta-surface on the other side. The meta-surface corrects third-order Seidel aberrations, including coma, astigmatism, and field curvature. The meta-lens has a planar focal plane, which enables considerably simplified system architectures for imaging and projection.

Abstract: Reversible phase-change materials (PCMs) can be added to or incorporated into meta-lenses, wave plates, waveguides, gratings, and other optical components to form active optical devices with controllable and adjustable optical characteristics. Local heating can be used to induce solid-state phase changes and large refractive index changes in the PCMs. The phase and index changes can provide large changes in the device's optical characteristics. Optical devices with PCM can be used for imaging applications, orbital angular momentum control, photonic integrated circuits and optical communication systems, beam steering, and other application.

Abstract: Meta-optic systems are described that include multi-function metasurfaces formed from a plurality of meta-atoms. A multi-function metasurface can exhibit two or more different optical functions for two or more different states of light incident on the metasurface. Different states of light include different polarizations, different wavelengths, and different angles of incidence. Different optical functions include distance sensing, converging, diverging, image formation, and patterned light formation. The multi-function metasurface can selectively impart different phase profiles to an incident beam depending on the incident beam's state of light.

Abstract: An optical pattern projection device includes a light emitter or light emitter array and one or more flat optics layers configured to project and split light beams from the light emitters to generate a projected light pattern including multiple sub-patterns each corresponding to one of the light emitters. The flat optics layers may include a single optical metasurface containing superposed beam shaping and/or projection phase profile and a beam splitting phase profile. Alternatively, the flat optics layers may include two optical metasurfaces each containing a light shaping and/or projection phase profile, which together produce a linear relationship between light emitter position and corresponding beam projection angle, and one or both of the metasurfaces further contains a superposed beam splitting phase profile. The light shaping and/or projection phase profile may have a function similar to a micro-lens array. A structured light camera combining optical pattern projection and detection is also provided.

Abstract: System for free-space light coupling between 2-dimensional light transmitter and receiver arrays using flat optics. The system includes: a transmitter array configured to emit one or more light beams; a first flat optic configured to receive the light beams from the transmitter array and generate one or more intermediate light beams; a first spacer disposed between the light transmitter array and the first flat optic; a receiver array; a second flat optic configured to receive the intermediate light beams and generate one or more output light beams toward the receiver array; and a second spacer disposed between the second flat optic and the light receiver array. The TX and RX portions of the light coupling system may be used in LiDAR systems as the light emitter (beam steerer) and detector, respectively. The flat optics are configured to provide a wide field of view for the LiDAR.

Abstract: Meta-lens based ocular imaging, near-eye display, and eye-tracking systems are described. The systems can include a single focusing optic and an integrated circuit that provides illumination light and includes an imaging array. The focusing optic includes meta-atoms formed on a substrate. The systems may have no moving parts and achieve imaging or image-projection fields-of-view approaching or exceeding 180 degrees. Because of their low part count, the systems can be robust and have a very small form factor.

Abstract: A wide field-of-view sensor or projector includes a transparent substrate with one or more apertures on one side, and one or more chip stacks joined to the opposite side. Each chip stack includes a flat optics layer (e.g., metasurface), at least one spacer layer, an optional filter layer, and either an image sensor or a light source. In one example, two apertures and two corresponding chip stacks are provided; both chip stacks include image sensors but different metasurfaces and filters to capture different information from the scene. In an alternative embodiment, the two chip stacks include a light source and an image sensor, to function as a light projector and a light receiver, respectively. In other examples, two apertures and a single chip stack are provided, where the single chip stack include two metasurface and/or two filters corresponding to the two apertures.

Abstract: We disclose an on-chip photonic spectroscopy system capable of dramatically improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), dynamic range, and reconstruction quality of Fourier transform spectrometers. Secondly, we disclose a system of components that makes up a complete on-chip RF spectrum analyzer with low-cost and high-performance.