20240090102.Systems and Methods for Wavelength Locking in Optical Sensing Systems simplified abstract (apple inc.)

Systems and Methods for Wavelength Locking in Optical Sensing Systems

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Alfredo Bismuto of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Yi-Juei Ryan Wu of San Jose CA (US)

Thomas Schrans of Pasadena CA (US)

Andrea Trita of Pasadena CA (US)

Aaron Zilkie of Pasadena CA (US)

Systems and Methods for Wavelength Locking in Optical Sensing Systems - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240090102 titled 'Systems and Methods for Wavelength Locking in Optical Sensing Systems

Simplified Explanation

The integrated photonics device described in the abstract includes a frequency stabilization subsystem that monitors and adjusts the wavelength of light emitted by light sources. The device utilizes selectors to combine, select, and filter light along various paths, with output signals generated by detectors and controlled by a controller to lock the wavelength to a target value.

• The device includes a frequency stabilization subsystem for monitoring and adjusting the wavelength of light emitted by light sources.
• Selectors such as arrayed waveguide gratings, ring resonators, distributed Bragg reflectors, and filters are used to combine, select, and filter light along different paths.
• Output signals from detectors are used by a controller to generate control signals for the light sources to lock the wavelength to a target value.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in telecommunications, optical sensing, spectroscopy, and quantum information processing.

Problems Solved

The device solves the problem of wavelength instability in integrated photonics systems, ensuring precise control and stabilization of emitted light.

Benefits

Benefits of this technology include improved accuracy, stability, and control of light wavelengths, leading to enhanced performance in various applications.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications include optical communication systems, medical imaging devices, environmental monitoring equipment, and research laboratories.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include similar integrated photonics devices with frequency stabilization subsystems, but with different configurations or components.

How does the device handle variations in environmental conditions that may affect wavelength stability?

The device may incorporate temperature compensation mechanisms or feedback loops to adjust for environmental changes.

What is the expected lifespan of the device and how often does it require calibration or maintenance?

The device's lifespan and maintenance requirements may vary depending on usage and environmental conditions, with regular calibration recommended for optimal performance.

Original Abstract Submitted

disclosed herein is an integrated photonics device including a frequency stabilization subsystem for monitoring and/or adjusting the wavelength of light emitted by one or more light sources. the device can include one or more selectors that can combine, select, and/or filter light along one or more light paths, which can include light emitted by a plurality of light sources. example selectors may include, but are not limited to, an arrayed waveguide grating (awg), a ring resonator, a plurality of distributed bragg reflectors (dbrs), a plurality of filters, and the like. output light paths from the selector(s) can be input into one or more detector(s). the detector(s) can receive the light along the light paths and can generate one or more signals as output signal(s) from the frequency stabilization subsystem. a controller can monitor the wavelength and can adjust or generate control signal(s) for the one or more light sources to lock the monitored wavelength to a target wavelength (or within a targeted range of wavelengths).