Self-mix module utilizing filters

A packaged sensor device comprising:

• a housing;
• a VCSEL laser having at least one mirror and a substrate, the VCSEL laser emitting a light from an aperture, the light having a wavelength, the VCSEL being at least partially received by the housing;
• a detector mounted to a substrate at a first end of the housing;
• a wavelength filter disposed between the laser and the detector;
• and
• at least one optical lens at a second end of the housing;
• wherein a first portion of the light is directed through the at least one lens and onto a target a second portion of the light is directed through the filter and onto the detector, and wherein the filter enhances signal amplitude of the second portion of the light.

A sensor device for laser light emission comprising:

• at least one VCSEL laser emitting a light from at least one aperture, the laser comprising a cavity and at least one mirror;
• a detector;
• a wavelength filter in a fixed position relative to the cavity, wherein the filter enhances signal amplitude of light directed to the detector;
• a first optical lens that approximately focuses a first portion of the laser emission onto a target surface;
• and
• a beam splitter between the first optical lens and the laser, wherein the beam splitter redirects a second portion of the light from the mirror onto the detector;
• wherein a first optical path carries the first portion of the light between the laser and the target surface and a second optical path carries the second portion of the light emitted between the beam splitter and the detector.