SonyPatent applicationChips & hardwareInterest 3/10

Sony patents light guide mixing visible and infrared light

Sony describes a light source device that combines visible light and near-infrared light into a single path. The design places the infrared source in front of the visible light source so both beams enter a light guide along the same axis.

Why it mattersThis setup is typically used in cameras or sensors that need both standard lighting and infrared data for features like depth sensing or low-light performance.

In the filing’s own words

A light source apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first light source unit that outputs first light having a wavelength in a visible light region; a second light source unit that is disposed before the first light source unit, and outputs second light having a wavelength in a near-infrared region; and a light guide on which the first light and the second light are incident. The first light and the second light are incident on the light guide in a coaxial optical path.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A light source apparatus, comprising: a first light source unit that outputs first light having a wavelength in a visible light region; a second light source unit that is disposed before the first light source unit, and outputs second light having a wavelength in a near-infrared region; and a light guide on which the first light and the second light are incident, wherein the first light and the second light are incident on the light guide in a coaxial optical path.

Facts

Company: Sony (SONY GROUP CORPORATION)
Official title: LIGHT SOURCE APPARATUS
Publication number: US20260277010A1
Application number: 18871788
Filed: Jun 5, 2023
Published: Sep 17, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 16

Classified under

G02B 27/0922 Physics & computingG02B 6/2938 Physics & computingG02B 27/141 Physics & computingG02B 27/283 Physics & computingH01S 5/4012 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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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.