Having Partially Reflecting Plates In Series (e.g., Fabry-perot Type) Patents (Class 356/519)
  • Patent number: 12255438
    Abstract: A laser device includes a laser configured to generate laser light and a laser control module configured to receive at least a portion of the laser light generated by the laser, to generate a control signal and to feed the control signal back to the laser for stabilizing the frequency, wherein the laser control module includes a tunable frequency discriminating element which is preferably continuously frequency tunable, and where the laser control module is placed outside the laser cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: NKT PHOTONICS A/S
    Inventors: Jens E. Pedersen, Poul Varming, Christian V. Poulsen, Thomas O. Fagerhøj, Bjarke Gøth, Henrik Sørensen
  • Patent number: 12248945
    Abstract: A system and method that remotely quantifies mass emission rates of emission material emitted from moving vehicles as they operate in real-time. Release locations of these emission materials may or may not coincide, and plumes generated from the releases may be spatially overlapping or distinct. The method can quantify both distance-based mass emission rates (grams/mile) and time-based emission rates (gram/hour). Exemplary approaches can be used to measure vehicle emissions as they move whether the emissions are released from the tailpipe or elsewhere on the vehicle and without touching the vehicle. The approaches might also be used in other situations where material is emitted from a body in a flow field, such as an aircraft or marine vessel moving through air, a stationary source in a wind field, or brake or tire wear particulate material of a heavy-duty truck driving on the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: U.S. GOVERNMENT, as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
    Inventors: Carl R. Fulper, Timothy Hamacher Defries, Scott Clinton Douglas
  • Patent number: 12228459
    Abstract: A fire or overheat detection device includes a diaphragm adjacent to a chamber with a gas inside the chamber, wherein the diaphragm contacts the gas. The fire or overheat detection system also includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer. At least a portion of the Fabry-Perot interferometer is coupled to the diaphragm via a linkage. A light source is configured to direct an input light into the Fabry-Perot interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Elbert Jeyapaul, Thambiraj Avudaiappan
  • Patent number: 12209904
    Abstract: An optical sensor. The optical sensor comprises a substrate, a Fabry-Perot interferometer, and first and second photodetectors. The Fabry-Perot interferometer comprises a first mirror and a second mirror, and is mounted on the substrate such that light is transmitted through the interferometer to the substrate. The first and second photodetectors are configured to detect light transmitted through the etalon and the substrate. The first photodetector is sensitive to a first wavelength range, and the second photodetector is sensitive to a second wavelength range, and wherein the first and second wavelength ranges each correspond to a different mode of the interferometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: ams Sensors Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Roentgen, Kotaro Ishizaki, Javier Miguel Sanchez
  • Patent number: 12189155
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a telescope including: at least one lens or mirror arranged to receive collimated light defining an optical axis at a first end and form an image at a last end; and a narrowband interference filter positioned along the optical axis prior to the first end. The narrowband interference filter is tiltably mounted with respect to the optical axis. Another aspect of the invention provides an imager including: an optical collimator; a plurality of lenses or mirrors arranged relative to the optical collimator to receive collimated light from the optical collimator defining an optical axis at a first end and form an image at a second end; and a narrowband interference filter positioned along the optical axis between the optical collimator and the first end. The narrowband interference filter is tiltably mounted with respect to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dokkum, Roberto Abraham, Deborah Lokhorst
  • Patent number: 12174070
    Abstract: A spatial Fourier transform spectrometer is disclosed. The Fourier transform spectrometer includes a Fabry-Perot interferometer with first and second optical surfaces. The gap between the first and second optical surfaces spatially varies in a direction that is orthogonal to the optical axis of the Fourier transform spectrometer. The Fabry-Perot interferometer creates an interference pattern from input light. An image of the interference pattern is captured by a detector, which is communicatively coupled to a processor. The processor is configured to process the interference pattern image to determine information about the spectral content of the input light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventor: Paul Lucey
  • Patent number: 12158569
    Abstract: A laser beam circulator includes a first mirror and a second mirror. The first and second mirrors are symmetric with respect to an axis therebetween. The circulator also includes a sample that is substantially planar. The axis extends through the sample. The sample is oriented at an angle with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the axis. The angle is from about 0.1° to about 10°. The circulator also includes a laser configured to emit a laser beam that circulates multiple times from the second mirror to the sample to the first mirror and back to the second mirror. The laser beam passes through the sample during each circulation. The sample absorbs a portion of the laser beam each time the laser beam passes through the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Inventors: Mansoor Sheik-Bahae, Mingyang Zhang, Alexander Robert Albrecht
  • Patent number: 12124025
    Abstract: An optical filter includes a pair of reflection films facing each other via a gap, and a gap change portion that changes a distance between the pair of reflection films, wherein the reflection film is formed by a plurality of layered structures, the plurality of layered structures are respectively formed by alternate stacking of high-refractive layers and low-refractive layers having smaller refractive indices than the high-refractive layers and, in the respective layered structures, optical film thicknesses of the high-refractive layers and optical film thicknesses of the low-refractive layers are film thicknesses based on predetermined design center wavelengths set with respect to each of the layered structures, and the design center wavelengths are different with respect to each of the layered structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 12123800
    Abstract: An optical detection device and method for detecting temperature changes and/or wavelength changes of an optical probe signal includes transmitting an optical probe signal having a predetermined wavelength to an optical input port of an optical waveguide; detecting first and second optical detection signal at first and second optical output ports via first and second opto-electrical converters which create corresponding first and second electrical signals; measuring values of the first and second electrical signal and determining an absolute temperature or a temperature change of the optical waveguide and/or an absolute wavelength value or a wavelength change of the optical probe signal via values measured of the first and second electrical signals and first and second previously determined wavelengths and temperature dependencies of both first and second power transfer functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Adtran Networks SE
    Inventors: Benjamin Wohlfeil, Gilda Raoof Mehrpoor
  • Patent number: 12092652
    Abstract: An optomechanical accelerometer includes: a fiducial mass for a microscale Fabry-Perot optical cavity; a proof mass for the microscale Fabry-Perot optical cavity, such that the proof mass oscillates in a displacement motion toward and away from the fiducial mass in response to acceleration of the optomechanical accelerometer; a basal member; microscale beams that mechanically suspend the proof mass from the basal member; and the microscale Fabry-Perot optical cavity that has a cavity resonance at a cavity resonance wavelength provided by the cavity length, receives excitation radiation at an excitation wavelength that is reflected in the cavity as dynamic cavity light when the excitation wavelength is resonant with the cavity resonance wavelength, and transmits the dynamic cavity light as cavity output light when the dynamic cavity light is produced from the excitation radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventors: Jason John Gorman, Thomas Warren LeBrun, David Alexander Long
  • Patent number: 12061116
    Abstract: Aspects relate to a spectral analyzer that can be used for biological sample detection. The spectral analyzer includes an optical window configured to receive a sample and a spectral sensor including a chassis having various component assembled thereon. Examples of components may include a light source, a light modulator, illumination and collection optical elements, a detector, and a processor. The spectral analyzer is configured to obtain spectral data representative of a spectrum of the sample using, for example, an artificial intelligence (AI) engine. The spectral analyzer further includes a thermal separator positioned between the light modulator and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: SI-WARE SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Yasser M. Sabry, Mohamed H. Al Haron, Bassem Mortada, Ahmed Othman, Diaa Khalil, Bassam Saadany, Ahmed Shebl, Botros George Iskander Shenouda
  • Patent number: 12055604
    Abstract: A magnetometer system structured to measure a magnetic field. The device may comprise a housing with shock absorbers disposed within and a laser cavity network disposed within the housing. The laser cavity network may comprise one or more laser cavity arms, each having a gain chip configured to generate a laser beam and a means for locking a wavelength of the laser beam. The laser cavity network may further comprise a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond disposed within the laser cavity network, configured to accept the one or more laser beams of the one or more laser cavity arms and measure the magnetic field in response to the plurality of laser beams. The system may further comprise a supply and control subsystem communicatively connected to the laser cavity network such that the supply and control subsystem is external to the housing, comprising a laser pumping source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: DEUVE PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Hessenius, Mahmoud Fallahi
  • Patent number: 12055485
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including one or more optical cavities; one or more light sources configured to emit a specified wavelength or band of wavelengths of light; and one or more photovoltaic detectors configured to receive the emitted light that has traveled over one or more path lengths, where the one or more photovoltaic detectors are configured to detect at least one of: a first trace gas species and a second trace gas species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: SeekOps Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan James Smith, Iain Michael Cooper
  • Patent number: 12044937
    Abstract: Provided is a subminiature wavelength tunable liquid crystal etalon filter capable of minimizing damage during manufacturing, a light source and an optical transceiver including the same. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a wavelength tunable liquid crystal etalon filter capable of minimizing damage that may be applied to a seal line during a curing process and a light source and an optical transceiver including the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Inventor: Sang Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 12031908
    Abstract: A method for studying cell viability and protein aggregation involves establishing a Fabry Perot etalon signal within an optical spectroscopic feature, e.g., in the near infrared region. Protein aggregation and cell viability can be reflected by changes observed in the magnitude of the Fourier Transform peaks observed in the frequency or space domain associated with the contrast of the etalon. In short, the presence of viable cells and protein aggregates can degrade the etalon contrast of an etalon window. In some cases, the concentration of cells and monomeric protein can be measured as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Nirrin Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan A. Hassell, Walid A. Atia, David P. Marchessault
  • Patent number: 11988562
    Abstract: An interferometer for use in remote sensing systems includes a beam splitter that separates an input wave into a reflected wave, which travels along a first optical path within an upper interferometer arm, and a transmitted wave, which travels along a second optical path within a lower interferometer arm. The reflected and transmitted waves are subsequently recombined by the beam splitter for imaging onto a sensor. A highly dispersive element is incorporated into at least one of the pair of interferometer arms. Due to anomalous dispersion, a frequency shift in a wave transmitted through a dispersive element changes the optical path length within its corresponding arm. As a result, the recombined wave produces an interference pattern with a measurable phase change that can be utilized to calculate the original frequency shift in the input wave with great precision and potential sub-Hertz sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Bloom
  • Patent number: 11984699
    Abstract: Provided is an optical semiconductor device including: a wavelength tunable laser element; a beam splitter that splits an outgoing beam of the wavelength tunable laser element into a first light beam and a second light beam parallel to each other, and outputs the first light beam and the second light beam; and an etalon that transmits the first light beam and the second light beam, wherein an optical path length to the first light beam of the etalon is different from an optical path length to the second light beam of the etalon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11971307
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, there is provided a device (2) and a method for measuring a wavelength for a laser device. The device (2) for measuring a wavelength for a laser device includes: a first optical path assembly and a second optical path assembly. The first optical path assembly and the second optical path assembly constitute a laser wavelength measurement optical path. The second optical path assembly includes: an FP etalon assembly (11) and an optical classifier (13). The homogenized laser beam passes through the FP etalon assembly (11) to generate an interference fringe. The optical classifier (13) is arranged after the FP etalon assembly (11) in the laser wavelength measurement optical path, and configured to deflect the laser beam passing through the FP etalon assembly (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Beijing RSLaserOpto-Electronics Technology Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Guangyi Liu, Rui Jiang, Xiaoquan Han, Jiangshan Zhao, Pengfei Sha, Qingqing Yin, Hua Zhang
  • Patent number: 11965777
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for calibrating an optical system that is used for measuring optical properties of a portion of a subjects body. During a calibration stage, a front surface of a calibration object (300) is illuminated, light reflected from a plurality of points on the calibration object (300) is detected, and intensities of the light reflected from the plurality of points on the calibration object (300) are measured. During a measurement stage, the portion of the subjects body is illuminated, and light reflected from the portion of the subjects body is detected. Measurements performed upon the light that was reflected from the portion of the subjects body are calibrated, using the measured intensities of the light reflected from the plurality of points on the calibration object (300). Other applications are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Adom, Advanced Optical Technologies LTD.
    Inventors: Yoel Cohen, Ra'anan Gefen, Shlomi Epstein, Yoel Arieli
  • Patent number: 11960074
    Abstract: An optical filter includes a pair of reflection films facing each other via a gap, and a gap change portion that changes a distance between the pair of reflection films, wherein the reflection film is formed by a plurality of layered structures, the plurality of layered structures are respectively formed by alternate stacking of high-refractive layers and low-refractive layers having smaller refractive indices than the high-refractive layers and, in the respective layered structures, optical film thicknesses of the high-refractive layers and optical film thicknesses of the low-refractive layers are film thicknesses based on predetermined design center wavelengths set with respect to each of the layered structures, and the design center wavelengths are different with respect to each of the layered structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11894399
    Abstract: Hyperspectral resonant cavity imaging spectrometers and imaging systems incorporating the resonant cavity spectrometers are provided. The spectrometers include an array of photodetectors based on photosensitive semiconductor nanomembranes disposed between two dielectric spacers, each of the dielectric spacers having a thickness gradient along a lateral direction, such that the resonant cavity height differs for different photodetectors in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhenqiang Ma, Zhenyang Xia, Ming Zhou, Qiaoqiang Gan, Zongfu Yu
  • Patent number: 11855702
    Abstract: A circuit and method for mitigating multi-path interference in direct detection optical systems is provided. Samples of an optical signal having a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) E-field are processed by generating a PAM level for each sample. For each sample, the sample is subtracted from the respective PAM level to generate a corresponding error sample. The error samples are lowpass filtered to produce estimates of multi-path interference (MPI). For each sample, one of the estimates of MPI is combined with the sample to produce an interference-mitigated sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MARVELL ASIA PTE LTD
    Inventors: Benjamin P. Smith, Jamal Riani, Sudeep Bhoja, Arash Farhoodfar, Vipul Bhatt
  • Patent number: 11826128
    Abstract: Sensor delivery devices and methods of measuring Fractional Flow Reserve in a patient are disclosed. One sensor delivery device includes a distal sleeve, a proximal portion, and a pressure sensor. The distal sleeve is configured to be advanced through a patient's vasculature over a guidewire. The pressure sensor is located on the distal sleeve or the proximal portion. The pressure sensor is adapted to generate a signal proportional to fluid pressure. The pressure sensor includes a material having a low thermal coefficient of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ACIST MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jason F. Hiltner
  • Patent number: 11796887
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a capacitively controlled Fabry-Perot interferometer which comprises a first mirror layer with a first metallic thin-film layer embedded in a first insulating layer and a second mirror layer with a second metallic thin-film layer embedded within a second insulating layer. A control region in the first metallic thin-film layer is at least partly aligned in an actuation direction with a control region in the second metallic thin-film layer. The interferometer also comprises a first control electrode and a first dielectric layer, and the first dielectric layer lies between the first control electrode and at least a part of the control region of the first metallic thin-film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT OY
    Inventors: Heikki Saari, Martti Blomberg, Sari Elomaa
  • Patent number: 11788887
    Abstract: A tunable notch filter for operation in reflection mode comprises an antenna layer positioned on a transmissive substrate and a mirror layer positioned on a support substrate. The antenna layer and the mirror layer are positioned on opposite sides of a gap and facing each other, the gap having a gap distance. The notch filter is tuned by adjusting the gap distance between the antenna layer and the mirror layer. Tuning the notch filter to a selected state can cause the filter to selectively attenuate the reflection of at least some electromagnetic radiation that is incident on the transmissive substrate and enters the notch filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Nanohmics, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris W. Mann
  • Patent number: 11747203
    Abstract: A multi-pixel spectroscopy sensor for spectral analysis of a sample under test including an array of pixel elements generating a dataset including a plurality of data values corresponding to the pixel elements upon illumination of the sample by a light source. Each of the pixel elements including a stack of layers including first and second reflective structures, a phase tuning element, a detector element, and contact elements. The sensor further includes a read-out circuit connected to each of the contact elements for simultaneous read-out of a plurality of photocurrents for generating and outputting the dataset for the spectral analysis of the sample under test. The phase tuning element of each of the pixel elements is configured for a different wavelength response of the light and each photodetector of the pixel elements is comprised of a semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: MANTISPECTRA B.V.
    Inventors: Andrea Fiore, Kaylee Doranne Hakkel, Tianran Liu, Francesco Pagliano, Maurangelo Petruzzella
  • Patent number: 11677210
    Abstract: A semiconductor laser module that includes a package accommodating therein a plurality of optical components, includes: a semiconductor laser device that emits laser light toward one end side in the package; an optical fiber having an incident end of the laser light on another end side in the package, the another end being in an opposite direction of an emission direction in which the semiconductor laser device emits the laser light; and a turn-back unit that turns back the laser light toward the another end side in the package, the another end being in the opposite direction of the emission direction in which the semiconductor laser device emits the laser light, and outputs the laser light to the incident end of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Inaba, Maiko Ariga, Kazuki Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 11662250
    Abstract: Described herein is a wavelength reference device comprising a housing defining an internal environment having a known temperature. A broadband optical source is disposed within the housing and configured to emit an optical signal along an optical path. The optical signal has optical power within a wavelength band of interest. An optical etalon is also disposed within the housing and positioned in the optical path to filter the optical signal to define a filtered optical signal that includes one or more reference spectral features having a known wavelength at the known temperature. The device also includes an optical output for outputting the filtered optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael John Laurence Cahill, Yang Li
  • Patent number: 11662508
    Abstract: In some implementations, an optical assembly comprises an optical cavity; one or more detectors; and an optical component having an input face and an output face configured to receive an input beam to the input face and to produce one or more primary output beams, and a plurality of secondary output beams from the output face, the secondary output beams resulting from multiple internal reflections within the optical component. At least one of the input face is not perpendicular to the input beam or the output face is not perpendicular to the one or more primary output beams. Each primary output beam is transmitted through the optical cavity perpendicular to at least one surface of the optical cavity, and directed to a respective one of the one or more detectors. Each detector is arranged to exclude at least a portion of each secondary output beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Lumentum Operations LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Perrin Janssen, Robert Simpson, Paul Firth
  • Patent number: 11658462
    Abstract: An integrated optical sensor enables the detection and identification of one or more remote gases using a transmission filter that matches specific absorption features of a remote gas and is detected using a single photodetection element. The sensor comprises an integrated optical component that is characterized by its transmission spectrum which corresponds to absorption or emission features of a target gas over a defined spectral bandpass, and the ability to have a reversibly tunable transmission spectrum. The change in the optical power output from the sensor as the transmission spectrum is tuned is proportional to the optical depth of the target gas absorption lines when viewed with a background light source. The optical power output from the integrated optical component is therefore related to the absorption spectrum of the input light Physical properties of the sensor are tailored to produce a quasi-periodic transmission spectrum that results in a stronger signal contrast for a specific gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Ross Cheriton, Siegfried Janz, Adam Densmore
  • Patent number: 11656369
    Abstract: Herein provided is a radiation dosimeter and associated systems and methods. The radiation dosimeter comprises a light source configured for producing an input optical signal; a resonant cavity coupled to the light source for receiving the input optical signal, the resonant cavity configured for containing a fluid and for producing an output optical signal from the input optical signal indicative of a radiation dose absorbed by the fluid; and a light detector coupled to the optical fiber for obtaining the output optical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: THE ROYAL INSTITUTION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING/MCGILL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shirin Abbasi Nejad Enger, Jack Childress, Lilian Childress, Julien Megroureche
  • Patent number: 11646337
    Abstract: An image sensor with uniform, well-controlled air gaps is provided. A structure that is at least partially filled with organic material may be formed on the image sensor. A hybrid organic/inorganic film layer may be formed over the organic material. The image sensor may then be exposed to energy, which causes the organic material to sublimate through the hybrid film layer, which itself may become a gas permeable layer when exposed to energy. After sublimation, the regions where the organic material was previously filled become air gaps with a low index of refraction. Air gaps formed in this way can be configured over photodiodes as light guides or focusing structures, as concave/convex microlenses, in between photodiodes as isolation structures, in between color filter elements to reduce crosstalk, and/or over microlenses to enhancing focusing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Wayne Chapman, Brian Anthony Vaartstra, Amanda Thuy Trang Vu
  • Patent number: 11624902
    Abstract: A wafer includes a substrate layer, a first mirror layer having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged first mirror portions, and a second mirror layer having a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged second mirror portions. In the wafer, a gap is formed between the first mirror portion and the second mirror portion so as to form a plurality of Fabry-Perot interference filter portions. A wafer inspection method according to an embodiment includes a step of performing faulty/non-faulty determination of each of the plurality of Fabry-Perot interference filter portions, and a step of applying ink to at least part of a portion overlapping the gap when viewed in a facing direction on the second mirror layer of the Fabry-Perot interference filter portion determined as faulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Yumi Kuramoto, Katsumi Shibayama, Takashi Kasahara, Masaki Hirose, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama
  • Patent number: 11616577
    Abstract: An optical signal transceiver in a transistor outline package includes a component base, a laser device, a first wavelength division multiplexing prism and a second wavelength division multiplexing prism, a first photodetector, and a second photodetector. The component base is inside the transistor outline package and supports the laser device, the laser device emitting light to the outside of the transistor outline package. The first and second prisms and the first photodetector and the second photodetector are also located on the component base. Light output as optical signals sequentially pass through the first and second multiplexing prisms. The first input optical signal is transmitted to the first photodetector through the first prism, and the second input optical signal passes through the first prism and is passed on to the second photodetector via the second prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SHUNYUN TECHNOLOGY (ZHONG SHAN) LIMITED
    Inventor: Jie Huang
  • Patent number: 11599224
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electronic devices having touch input surfaces. A user's touch input or press on the touch input surface is detected using a set of lasers, such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) that emit beams of light toward the touch input surface. The user's touch causes changes in the self-mixing interference within the VCSEL of the emitted light with reflected light, such as from the touch input surface. Deflection and movement (e.g., drag motion) of the user's touch is determined from detected changes in the VCSELs' operation due to the self-mixing interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Winkler, Mehmet Mutlu, Omid Momtahan, Tong Chen, Wenrui Cai, Chau H. Nguyen, Giovanni Gozzini, Michael K. McCord, Orit A. Shamir, Prashanth S. Holenarsipur
  • Patent number: 11525841
    Abstract: A system comprises a particle sensor assembly, which includes a light source that transmits a light beam into an external interrogation air region; a set of receive optics that provides a receive channel, the receive optics configured to collect a scattered portion of the light beam from a particle in the interrogation air region; and an optical detector that receives the collected scattered portion. The optical detector measures a signal intensity as a function of time from the scattered portion, with the signal intensity indicating a particle size and a signal duration indicating motion of the particle through the interrogation air region. A processor is in communication with the optical detector and is operative to determine a transit time of the particle through the interrogation air region based on the signal duration, and compute an airspeed based on parameters comprising the transit time and a size of the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lee R. Wienkes, Matthew Wiebold, Xiao Zhu Fan
  • Patent number: 11525750
    Abstract: A fiber optic sensor and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber optic sensor includes an embedded optical fiber contained within a metal diaphragm assembly, where the terminal end of the optical fiber is positioned opposite a diaphragm. The method includes forming a metal-embedded optical fiber by ultrasonic additive manufacturing and securing the metal-embedded optical fiber to a housing having a diaphragm that is opposite of the terminal end of the optical fiber. The sensor can provide extremely accurate pressure measurement at high temperatures and in highly corrosive media. An optical fiber-based pressure sensing system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Christian M. Petrie, Daniel C. Sweeney, Yun Liu
  • Patent number: 11474343
    Abstract: Tunable MEMS etalon devices comprising: a front mirror and a back mirror, the front and back mirrors separated in an initial pre-stressed un-actuated etalon state by a gap having a pre-stressed un-actuated gap size determined by a back stopper structure in physical contact with the front mirror and back mirrors, the etalon configured to assume at least one actuated state in which the gap has an actuated gap size gap greater than the pre-stressed un-actuated gap size; an anchor structure, a frame structure fixedly coupled to the front mirror at a first surface thereof that faces incoming light, and a flexure structure attached to the anchor structure and to the frame structure but not attached to the front mirror, and a spacer structure separating the anchor structure from the back mirror, and wherein the front mirror and the spacer structure are formed in a same single glass layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: UNISPECTRAL LTD.
    Inventors: Ariel Raz, Viacheslav Krylov, Eliahu Chaim Ashkenazi, Peleg Levin
  • Patent number: 11469848
    Abstract: A multi-channel sensing system is disclosed. The multi-channel sensing system includes a multi-channel sensor connector that wavelength-divides an optical pulse output from a pulsed laser into a plurality of channels in a spectrum domain, transmits each of a plurality of optical sub-pulses generated from the wavelength division to a channel path allocated for each channel in multi-channel paths, multiplexes the plurality of optical sub-pulses passed through the multi-channel paths and outputs an optical signal including the multiplexed optical sub-pulses; and a multi-channel optical phase detector that receives the optical signal output from the multi-channel connector and a reference signal which is synchronized to the pulse laser, and detects a channel-specific electrical signal that corresponds to a timing error between each of the plurality of optical sub-pulses included in the optical signal and the reference signal. At lease one of sensors is connected to at least one of the multi-channel paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jungwon Kim, Chan-Gi Jeon, Yongjin Na, Dohyeon Kwon
  • Patent number: 11448596
    Abstract: A method to measure the refractive index of a sample, includes: providing a plasmonic sensor including a sensing surface in contact with the sample; providing an optical resonator, the plasmonic sensor being integrated therein as a reflecting surface; providing a first input field of electromagnetic radiation as a primary carrier; providing a second input field of electromagnetic radiation as a secondary carrier having a second frequency different from the first and defined as: second frequency=first frequency+?v and having a TE and/or a TM polarized component; impinging simultaneously with the first and second input field the plasmonic sensor; tuning the frequency of the first field and/or the value of ?v; detecting a resonator output power corresponding to the first and second intra-cavity fields resonating; determining a difference between the first and the second resonating frequencies; and calculating the refractive index of the sample from the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE—CNR
    Inventors: Antonio Giorgini, Saverio Avino, Pietro Malara, Gianluca Gagliardi, Paolo De Natale
  • Patent number: 11435285
    Abstract: Systems for protein quantitation using a Fabry-Perot interferometer. In one arrangement, a quantitation device includes an infrared source, a sample holder, and a Fabry-Perot interferometer positioned to receive infrared radiation from the source passing through a sample on the sample holder. A band pass optical filter sets the working range of the interferometer, and radiation exiting the interferometer falls on a detector that produces a signal indicating the intensity of the received radiation. A controller causes the interferometer to be tuned to a number of different resonance wavelengths and receives the intensity signals, for determination of an absorbance spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Thrush, Steven Swihart, William Strong, Trey Marlowe, Li Lu
  • Patent number: 11422059
    Abstract: An optical inspection device includes: a wafer support unit configured to support a wafer in which a plurality of Fabry-Perot interference filter portions are formed, each of the plurality of filter portions in which a distance between the first mirror portion and the second mirror portion facing each other varies by an electrostatic force, the wafer support unit configured to support the wafer such that a direction in which the first mirror portion and the second mirror portion face each other follows along a reference line; a light emission unit configured to emit light to be incident on each of the plurality of filter portions along the reference line; and a light detection unit configured to detect light transmitted through each of the plurality of filter portions along the reference line. The wafer support unit has a light passage region that allows light to pass along the reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Takashi Kasahara, Katsumi Shibayama, Masaki Hirose, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama, Yumi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11347049
    Abstract: A spectroscopic measurement apparatus includes a fixed substrate, a movable substrate, and a wavelength variable interference filter which includes an electrostatic actuator for changing the gap dimension between the substrates, a vibration disturbance detection unit which detects vibration added to the wavelength variable interference filter, and a bias driving unit which applies a feed-forward voltage based on a detected value of the vibration disturbance detection unit to the electrostatic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Nozomu Hirokubo
  • Patent number: 11287320
    Abstract: Provided is a filter controlling expression derivation method including: preparing a Fabry-Perot interference filter of which distance between a fixed mirror and a movable mirror is controlled by balancing an electrostatic force and an elastic force; deriving a relational expression between a deflection amount and an elasticity index in which the elasticity index of the movable mirror is described as a quadratic or higher-order polynomial with the deflection amount of the movable mirror as a variable by performing predetermined measurement; and deriving a relational expression between a transmission wavelength of light transmitted through the Fabry-Perot interference filter and the voltage as a filter controlling expression based on the relational expression between the deflection amount and the elasticity index and a relational expression between the electrostatic force and the elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Warashina, Kei Tabata
  • Patent number: 11237056
    Abstract: Novel monolithic cyclical reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometers (CRSHS) are presented. Monolithic CRSHS in accordance with the invention have a single frame wherein a flat mirror, roof mirror, and symmetric grating are affixed. The invention contains only fixed parts; the flat mirror, roof mirror, and symmetric grating do not move in relation to the frame. Compared to conventional CRSHS known in the art, the present invention enables much smaller and lighter CRSHS, requires less time and skill for maintenance, and is a better economic option. The disclosed invention may include fixed field-widening optical elements or a fiber-fed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Seyedeh Sona Hosseini
  • Patent number: 11193828
    Abstract: A spectroscopic apparatus includes a splitter that receives a first detected signal output from a sample to which an incident beam is irradiated, and outputs a reflected signal and a second detected signal by splitting the first detected signal, and a signal processor that receives the reflected signal and the second detected signal, and extracts a Raman signal from the second detected signal in response to the received reflected signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Won Kyoung Lee, Hong-Seok Seo
  • Patent number: 11175182
    Abstract: Provided is a spectral imaging apparatus. The spectral imaging apparatus includes: an optical filter including a plurality of band filter units having different center wavelengths; a sensing device configured to receive light passing through the optical filter; an imaging lens array including a plurality of lens units which respectively correspond to the plurality of band filter units and each implement imaging on the sensing device; and a transparent substrate which is apart from the sensing device. At least one of the optical filter and the imaging lens array is provided on the transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyochul Kim, Younggeun Roh, Yeonsang Park, Suyeon Lee
  • Patent number: 11156500
    Abstract: Provided is a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium recording an optical measurement control program in a light detection device, the program causing a computer to execute a process of measuring light to be measured by acquiring an electric signal output from the light detector, the optical measurement control program causing the computer to function as: a voltage control unit controlling the potential difference generated between the pair of mirrors to gradually increase until the potential difference reaches a set potential difference corresponding to a wavelength of the light to be measured before the acquisition of the electric signal is started; and a signal acquisition unit acquiring the electric signal in a state where the voltage control unit allows the set potential difference to be generated between the pair of mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Takashi Kasahara, Katsumi Shibayama, Masaki Hirose, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama, Yumi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11085820
    Abstract: A diagnosis assistance device assists a diagnosis of an optical characteristic measurement device which operates on the basis of the content of setting stored in a setting storage unit of an optical characteristic measurement device, and includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a processing unit, a first command unit, a diagnosis unit, and a second command unit. The first storage unit stores in advance first setting information which indicates the content of setting at the time of diagnosis. The processing unit performs processing of acquiring, from the setting storage unit, second setting information which is stored in advance in the setting storage unit and indicates the content of setting at the time of use, and storing the acquired second setting information in the second storage unit. The first command unit issues a command to store the first setting information stored in the first storage unit in the setting storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Deishi, Takuya Matsumoto, Hironori Chono
  • Patent number: 11035726
    Abstract: A light detection device includes a package including a window, a Fabry-Perot interference filter for transmitting light incident from the window in the package, and a light detector for detecting the light transmitted by the Fabry-Perot interference filter in the package. The Fabry-Perot interference filter includes: a substrate having a first surface on the window side and a second surface on the light detector side; a first layer structure arranged on the first surface, the first layer structure having a first mirror and a second mirror; and a lens unit integrally formed on the second surface side, the lens unit for condensing the light transmitted by the first mirror and the second mirror onto the light detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Takashi Kasahara, Katsumi Shibayama, Masaki Hirose, Toshimitsu Kawai, Hiroki Oyama, Yumi Kuramoto