Method and system for sensing light using interferometric elements
AssigneeIdc, LLC
InventorManish Kothari
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Abstract
Certain embodiments of the invention provide a light sensor comprising at least one interferometric element that absorbs light in at least one wavelength. The interferometric element comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface. The second surface is spaced a gap distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The light wavelength absorbed is dependent on the gap distance. The interferometric element further comprises a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is responsive to changes in temperature of at least a portion of the interferometric element due to absorption of light by the interferometric element.
Claims25
A light sensor having at least one interferometric element, the interferometric element comprising:
- a first surface being partially transmissive and partially reflective to at least one wavelength of light;
- a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface and spaced a first distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface for reflecting at least a portion of the at least one wavelength of light;
- and
- a temperature sensor responsive to changes of temperature of at least a portion of the first surface caused at least in part by absorption of the at least one wavelength of light.
A method for sensing light comprising:
- providing a first surface being partially transmissive and partially reflective to at least one wavelength of light;
- providing a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface and spaced a gap distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface for reflecting at least a portion of the at least one wavelength of light;
- absorbing the at least one wavelength of light on the first surface;
- and
- sensing a change of temperature of at least a portion of the first surface.
A camera having a light sensor, the camera comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- an interferometric element within the housing, the interferometric element comprising;
- a first surface being partially transmissive and partially reflective to at least one wavelength of light,
- a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface and spaced a first distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface for reflecting at least a portion of the at least one wavelength of light, and
- a temperature sensor responsive to changes of temperature of at least a portion of the first surface caused at least in part by absorption of the at least one wavelength of light.
A display device having a light sensor, the display device comprising:
- a housing;
- and
- an interferometric element within the housing, the interferometric element comprising;
- a first surface being partially transmissive and partially reflective to at least one wavelength of light,
- a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface and spaced a first distance from the first surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface for reflecting at least a portion of the at least one wavelength of light, and
- a temperature sensor responsive to a change of temperature of at least a portion of the first surface caused at least in part by absorption of the at least one wavelength of light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.