Apple Inc.
Increasing VCSEL projector spatial resolution

Abstract:

An electro-optical device includes a radiation source, which is configured to emit multiple beams of light. A scanner includes an array of cells. Each cell is positioned to receive one or more of the beams of light and includes transparent entrance and exit faces, at least one of the faces comprising a flexible membrane. A volume of a transparent fluid is contained between the entrance and exit faces, so that the one or more of the beams enter the volume through the entrance face and exit the volume through the exit face. At least one actuator is coupled to the flexible membrane, and configured, responsively to an applied electrical signal, to apply an asymmetrical deformation to the flexible membrane, thereby deflecting the beams by refraction in the transparent fluid. A controller is configured to vary the electrical signal so as to scan the beams of light over respective angular ranges.