Optical sensor modules with interferometric sensing
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsEdward Vail, Thierry Oggier, Esther Chen, Fred Y. Chou, Joseph R. Lee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments are directed to optical sensor modules having a sensor arrangement that includes at least one laser doppler interferometry (LDI) sensor. The LDI sensor(s) of an optical sensor module may be incorporated into a photonic printed circuit board, such that light may be routed within a plane of the photonic printed circuit board. In some instances, the sensor arrangement may include additional sensors, such as photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, temperature sensors, combinations thereof, or the like.
Claims20
An optical sensor module comprising:
- a photonic printed circuit board having a first side and a second side and comprising a laser doppler interferometry sensor and a photoplethysmogram sensor, wherein:
- the laser doppler interferometry sensor comprises:
- a light source assembly configured to generate signal light and reference light, wherein the laser doppler interferometry sensor is configured to emit the signal light from the first side of the photonic printed circuit board and collect return signal light through the first side of the photonic printed circuit board;
- an interferometer configured to receive the reference light and the return signal light and generate a pair of interference signals;
- and
- a pair of photodetectors positioned to measure the pair of interference signals;
- and
- the photoplethysmogram sensor comprises:
- a photodetector positioned on the first side of the first side of the photonic printed circuit board.
An optical sensor module comprising:
- a photonic printed circuit board defining a common waveguide;
- a common light source mounted to the photonic printed circuit board;
- and
- a plurality of laser doppler interferometry sensors, wherein each laser doppler interferometry sensor of the plurality of laser doppler interferometry sensors comprises:
- the common waveguide;
- the common light source;
- a corresponding set of waveguides optically connected to the common waveguide;
- a corresponding interferometer;
- and
- a corresponding pair of photodetectors.
An optical sensor module comprising:
- a cover;
- an optical barrier defining an inner cavity and an outer cavity surrounding the inner cavity;
- a photonic printed circuit board, wherein the photonic printed circuit board is configured to:
- emit light from a first side of the photonic printed circuit board through a first set of optical apertures positioned in the inner cavity;
- and
- receive light received at the first side of the photonic printed circuit board through a second set of optical apertures positioned in the outer cavity;
- a set of light sources positioned on the first side of the photonic printed circuit board in the inner cavity;
- and
- a first set of photodetectors positioned on the first side of the photonic printed circuit board in the outer cavity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.