Laser arrays for variable optical properties
First Claim
1. An optical device, comprising:
- a laser array including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) devices arranged in a pattern on a first side of a substrate of the laser array; and
a plurality of microlenses integrally formed within a layer of a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate, wherein the layer is substantially transparent at a wavelength of light emitted by the VCSEL devices, wherein each microlens among the plurality of microlenses has a lens shape having a geometrical axis, wherein each microlens is located over a corresponding VCSEL device having an optical axis, wherein the geometrical axis of each microlens among at least some of the microlenses among the plurality of microlenses is aligned within the layer laterally offset from the optical axis of the corresponding VCSEL device, and wherein each microlens among the plurality of microlenses is configured to direct a beam of the light emitted by the corresponding VCSEL device through the layer to two or more targets or for non-mechanical beam scanning.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A VCSEL array device formed of an array of raised VCSELs on an electrical contact and raised inactive regions connected to the electrical contact. The VCSELs can be physically and/or electrically organized to improve power or speed, or in phase and in parallel. The VCSELs and inactive regions are positioned between the electrical contact and an electrical waveguide. The VCSELs may be separated into subarrays and each VCSEL may be covered with an integrated or bonded microlens for directing beams of light without external lenses. The VCSELs may also be electrically selected to form two or more groups, with beams of light from each group have unique divergences, unique power or unique optical power, and each beam of light in a group forming a spot at a point on a line, on the same optical axis, or as part of a pattern.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An optical device, comprising:
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a laser array including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) devices arranged in a pattern on a first side of a substrate of the laser array; and a plurality of microlenses integrally formed within a layer of a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate, wherein the layer is substantially transparent at a wavelength of light emitted by the VCSEL devices, wherein each microlens among the plurality of microlenses has a lens shape having a geometrical axis, wherein each microlens is located over a corresponding VCSEL device having an optical axis, wherein the geometrical axis of each microlens among at least some of the microlenses among the plurality of microlenses is aligned within the layer laterally offset from the optical axis of the corresponding VCSEL device, and wherein each microlens among the plurality of microlenses is configured to direct a beam of the light emitted by the corresponding VCSEL device through the layer to two or more targets or for non-mechanical beam scanning. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for manufacturing an optical device, comprising:
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building a laser array including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) devices in a pattern on a first side of a substrate; and building a plurality of microlenses integrally within a layer of a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, the layer being substantially transparent at a wavelength of light emitted by the VCSEL devices, each microlens among the plurality of microlenses having a lens shape with a geometrical axis and being built over a corresponding VCSEL device having an optical axis, with the geometrical axis of each microlens among at least some of the microlenses among the plurality of microlenses being aligned laterally offset within the layer from the optical axis of the corresponding VCSEL device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification