US 2024/0192373 A1 · Directional optical detection devices

Abstract

An anamorphic directional detection device comprises an array of light detectors arranged to detect light from an anamorphic optical system. The anamorphic optical system comprises a transverse anamorphic component arranged to provide optical imaging of an external scene to the array of light detectors in a transverse direction. Opposed guide surfaces are arranged to guide input light along a waveguide towards the transverse optical system from an injection reflector arranged to inject the input light. The injection reflector is a lateral anamorphic component arranged to image the external scene towards the array of detectors in a lateral direction orthogonal to the transverse direction. A thin and high efficiency directional detection device is provided that can be used for LIDAR and other light detection purposes such as cameras. A thin display apparatus comprising a high efficiency camera arranged behind a light transmitting spatial light modulator may be provided.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A directional light detection device comprising:

a light detection system comprising an array of light detectors distributed in a lateral direction;
and
an optical system arranged to input light from a remote scene and direct the input light to the light detection system, wherein
the optical system comprises a waveguide that comprises:
front and rear guide surfaces arranged to guide the input light along the waveguide to the light detection system;
and
an injection reflector arranged to reflect the input light received through at least one of the guide surfaces and inject the input light into the waveguide for guiding by the front and rear guide surfaces, wherein the injection reflector has positive optical power in the lateral direction.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Directional optical detection devices

Life of this patent

Directional optical detection devices

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32