Optical scanner with optically switched paths to multiple surface or edge couplers
US10613276B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/34
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A LIDAR or other optical beamsteering apparatus includes an optical switch having a first port and a plurality of second ports. The switch is operated to establish an optical path between the first port and one of the second ports. The first port is connected to a light source or a light detector. Different second ports are connected to different surface/edge couplers. Each of the surface/edge couplers couples light from or to the apparatus in a different respective direction. The surface/edge couplers can be grating couplers. The direction of light coupling is configured due to the orientation of the surface/edge coupler and its grating period, where applicable. Surface/edge couplers can be arranged in a circular or concentric ring pattern. Grating couplers can be elongated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.