Interferometric frequency-swept source and detector in a photonic integrated circuit

A non-invasive optical measurement method using a two-dimensional array of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) mechanically coupled to each other, the method comprising:

• emitting sample light from each of the PICs into an anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure;
• detecting the signal light by each PIC;
• analyzing the detected signal light from each of the PICs;
• and
• determining an occurrence and a three-dimensional spatial location of a physiological event in the anatomical structure based on the analysis.

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC), comprising:

• a semiconductor substrate configured for being disposed adjacent an anatomical structure;
• an optical source monolithically integrated with the substrate, the optical source configured for generating sample light;
• an output port monolithically integrated with the substrate, the output port optically coupled to the optical source for emitting the sample light into the anatomical structure, such that the sample light is scattered by the anatomical structure, resulting in physiological-encoded signal light that exits the anatomical structure;
• an input port monolithically integrated with the substrate, the input port configured for receiving the signal light from the anatomical structure;
• and
• an optical detector monolithically integrated with the substrate, the optical detector optically coupled to the input port for detecting physiological-encoded signal light and generating a physiological-encoded electrical signal.