Apple Inc.
Spatial multiplexing scheme

Abstract:

An optoelectronic apparatus includes an enclosure having mutually-opposing first and second faces. An array of emitters contained in the enclosure is configured to emit beams of optical radiation. Projection optics contained in the enclosure have an entrance face and an exit face and are configured to receive the beams of optical radiation through the entrance face and to project the beams through the exit face. A polarization-based spatial multiplexer is contained in the enclosure and positioned to intercept and direct the projected beams such that the optical radiation having a first polarization is transmitted through the first face, while the optical radiation having a second polarization, orthogonal to the first polarization, is emitted through the second face. A controller is coupled to control a polarization of the optical radiation and thereby control a direction in which the optical radiation is emitted from the enclosure.