Patents by Inventor Klein L. Johnson

Klein L. Johnson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11894658
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: VIXAR, INC.
    Inventors: Klein L. Johnson, David Sandquist, Mary Brenner
  • Patent number: 11848538
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: VIXAR, INC.
    Inventors: Klein L. Johnson, David Sandquist, Mary Brenner
  • Patent number: 11462884
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventor: Klein L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200278426
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include an illumination module for 3D sensing applications. The illumination module may include an array of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting light, a driver configured to provide current to the array of VCSELs, and an optical element configured to receive the light emitted by the array of VCSELs and output a light pattern from the illumination module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Dummer, Klein L. Johnson, Mary Hibbs-Brenner, Dadi Setiadi, Benjamin Olson
  • Publication number: 20200259310
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Klein L. JOHNSON, David SANDQUIST, Mary K. HIBBS-BRENNER
  • Publication number: 20190296522
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaging approach for ensuring that high power optical modules incorporating VCSELs and VCSEL arrays remain eye safe. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured certifying an optical device as eye safe such that the device is able to survive a single failure mode. In other embodiments, a multiple lens array is arranged above the VCSEL, which scatters the light into a wide range of angles such that a higher percentage of light will reach the photodetector located beside the VCSEL. In other embodiments according to the present disclosure, one or more methods and circuits are provided to detect and correct errors or failures caused by one or more unsafe conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Klein L. JOHNSON, David SANDQUIST, Mary K. HIBBS-BRENNER
  • Publication number: 20190221997
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an approach for monitoring the output power of a VCSEL or VCSEL array in a relatively compact, low profile package. A VCSEL device or VCSEL package of the present disclosure may generally be configured with a photodiode for monitoring output power of one or more VCSELs. In some embodiments, one or more VCSEL devices may be arranged over or on a photodetector, such that the photodetector is configured to detect light emitted through a bottom of the VCSEL. In such embodiments, the VCSEL device may have a patterned bottom metal layer and/or an etched substrate to allow light to pass below or behind the VCSEL to the photodiode. In other embodiments, a photodetector may be arranged on a submount adjacent one or more VCSELs, and may be configured to detect light reflected via a diffuser in order to monitor output power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Klein L. Johnson, David Sandquist, Mary Brenner
  • Publication number: 20180301871
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous VCSELs and VCSEL arrays. In particular, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous VCSELs and VCSEL arrays having, or patterned in, unique shapes, including rectangular shapes, linear shapes, shapes having two or more segments, and other non-circular shapes. Additionally, VCSELs and VCSEL arrays of the present disclosure may be combined with optical elements. In some embodiments, optical elements may be monolithically integrated on the VCSEL dies, or may be monolithically integrated on standoff pedestals arranged on the VCSEL dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Vixar
    Inventors: Matthew M. Dummer, Klein L. Johnson, Mary K. Brenner
  • Publication number: 20180226768
    Abstract: VCSELs and methods having improved characteristics. In some embodiments, these include a semiconductor substrate; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) on the substrate; a first electrical contact formed on the VCSEL; a second electrical contact formed on the substrate, wherein the VCSEL includes: a first resonating cavity having first and second mirrors, at least one of which partially transmits light incident on that mirror, wherein the first second mirrors are electrically conductive. A first layer is between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a first aperture that restricts the path of current flow. A second layer is between the first layer and the second mirror and also restricts the electrical current path. A multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure is between the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the first and second apertures act together to define a path geometry of the current through the MQW structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Applicant: Vixar Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Matthew M. Dummer
  • Patent number: 10014661
    Abstract: VCSELs and methods having improved characteristics. In some embodiments, these include a semiconductor substrate; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) on the substrate; a first electrical contact formed on the VCSEL; a second electrical contact formed on the substrate, wherein the VCSEL includes: a first resonating cavity having first and second mirrors, at least one of which partially transmits light incident on that mirror, wherein the first second mirrors are electrically conductive. A first layer is between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a first aperture that restricts the path of current flow. A second layer is between the first layer and the second mirror and also restricts the electrical current path. A multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure is between the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the first and second apertures act together to define a path geometry of the current through the MQW structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Vixar, LLC
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Matthew M. Dummer
  • Publication number: 20150380901
    Abstract: VCSELs and methods having improved characteristics. In some embodiments, these include a semiconductor substrate; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) on the substrate; a first electrical contact formed on the VCSEL; a second electrical contact formed on the substrate, wherein the VCSEL includes: a first resonating cavity having first and second mirrors, at least one of which partially transmits light incident on that mirror, wherein the first second mirrors are electrically conductive. A first layer is between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a first aperture that restricts the path of current flow. A second layer is between the first layer and the second mirror and also restricts the electrical current path. A multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure is between the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the first and second apertures act together to define a path geometry of the current through the MQW structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Matthew M. Dummer
  • Patent number: 9088134
    Abstract: VCSELs and methods having improved characteristics. In some embodiments, these include a semiconductor substrate; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) on the substrate; a first electrical contact formed on the VCSEL; a second electrical contact formed on the substrate, wherein the VCSEL includes: a first resonating cavity having first and second mirrors, at least one of which partially transmits light incident on that mirror, wherein the first second mirrors are electrically conductive. A first layer is between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a first aperture that restricts the path of current flow. A second layer is between the first layer and the second mirror and also restricts the electrical current path. A multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure is between the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the first and second apertures act together to define a path geometry of the current through the MQW structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Vixar Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Hibbs-Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Matthew M. Dummer
  • Patent number: 8989230
    Abstract: VCSEL apparatus having a substrate, a solid-state gain medium, a reflective mirror on one side of the medium, a movable reflective mirror on an opposite side of the medium, and a mechanism configured to move the movable mirror to tune a characteristic wavelength. Also described is a VCSEL apparatus having a silicon substrate having a slot therethrough and electrical connections formed on a first face, a substrate having VCSELs thereon and mounted across the slot and electrically connected to the electrical connections on the silicon substrate, and a glass substrate affixed to a second face of the silicon substrate. Also described is a VCSEL apparatus having a graded-index lens array having GRIN lenses mounted adjacently in a staggered arrangement, a PCB mounted to the lens array, and VCSEL chips mounted adjacently on the PCB and arranged so as to emit laser light through the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vixar
    Inventors: Matthew M. Dummer, William Hogan, Mary K. Hibbs-Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Garrett D. Cole
  • Patent number: 8660161
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8494018
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Kent D. Choquette, Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20130034117
    Abstract: VCSELs and methods having improved characteristics. In some embodiments, these include a semiconductor substrate; a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) on the substrate; a first electrical contact formed on the VCSEL; a second electrical contact formed on the substrate, wherein the VCSEL includes: a first resonating cavity having first and second mirrors, at least one of which partially transmits light incident on that mirror, wherein the first second mirrors are electrically conductive. A first layer is between the first mirror and the second mirror and has a first aperture that restricts the path of current flow. A second layer is between the first layer and the second mirror and also restricts the electrical current path. A multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structure is between the first mirror and the second mirror, wherein the first and second apertures act together to define a path geometry of the current through the MQW structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Mary K. Hibbs-Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Matthew M. Dummer
  • Publication number: 20120300800
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8249121
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Vixar, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110249697
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110243170
    Abstract: A laser system having separately electrically operable cavities for emitting modulated narrow linewidth light with first, second and third mirror structures separated by a first active region between the first and the second and by a second active region between the second and the third. The second mirror structure has twenty of more periods of mirror pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Mary K. Brenner, Klein L. Johnson, Kent D. Choquette, Chen Chen