Samsung patents laser component for LiDAR systems
This patent describes a specific design for a spatial light modulator used in LiDAR technology. It features a layered structure with semiconductor materials arranged in a grid to control how light is reflected and modulated.
In the filing’s own words
Provided is a light modulator including a first reflective layer, a cavity layer provided on the first reflective layer, and a second reflective layer provided on the cavity layer opposite to the first reflective layer, the second reflective layer including a plurality of lattice structures, wherein each lattice structure of the plurality of lattice structures have a pin diode structure and includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer, and wherein a thickness of the p-type semiconductor layer and a thickness the n-type semiconductor layer are in a range from 8% to 16% of a thickness of the intrinsic semiconductor layer.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A light modulator comprising: a first reflective layer; a cavity layer provided on the first reflective layer; and a second reflective layer provided on the cavity layer opposite to the first reflective layer, the second reflective layer comprising a plurality of lattice structures, wherein each lattice structure of the plurality of lattice structures has a pin diode structure and comprises a p-type semiconductor layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer, wherein a thickness of the p-type semiconductor layer and a thickness the n-type semiconductor layer are in a range from 8% to 16% of a thickness of the intrinsic semiconductor layer, wherein the second reflective layer comprises a grating reflector that comprises the plurality of lattice structures spaced apart from each other, wherein a dielectric is included in spaces between the plurality of lattice structures, and wherein the n-type semiconductor layer is directly provided on the cavity layer.
Facts
- Company
- Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
- Official title
- Spatial light modulator, LiDAR apparatus including the same, and method of manufacturing the spatial light modulator
- Patent number
- US12736630B2
- Application number
- 17502885
- Filed
- Oct 15, 2021
- Granted
- Sep 15, 2026
- Inventors
- 4
- Claims
- 27
Classified under
G01S 7/4814 Physics & computingG01S 7/4865 Physics & computingG01S 17/931 Physics & computingH10H 20/81 Electricity & electronicsMore from Samsung in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.