PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11320718-B1
Application Number: US-202016998816-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Cantilever beam waveguide for silicon photonics device

Abstract:
A cantilever beam waveguide for a silicon photonics device may be formed in a device layer (e.g., a silicon device layer) of a silicon photonics device (e.g., a chip) and may be configured to bend to align the cantilever beam waveguide or a portion thereof with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device or another device, including output couplers, optical sources, and waveguides.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A silicon photonics device comprising:
 a silicon support layer; 
 an oxide layer disposed above the silicon support layer and defining a gap; 
 a silicon device layer disposed above the oxide layer and comprising:
 a first electrode; 
 a second electrode; and 
 a cantilever beam waveguide positioned at least partially over the gap and between the first electrode and the second electrode, the cantilever beam waveguide configured to capacitively couple to the first electrode and the second electrode; and 
 
 an output coupler formed on or bonded to the silicon device layer and configured to direct at least a portion of light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide out of the silicon photonics device; wherein: 
 the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to receive voltage signals that cause the cantilever beam waveguide to bend to selectively optically couple the cantilever beam waveguide with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device. 
 
     
     
       2. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the one or more additional components comprise an array of waveguides formed in the silicon device layer; 
 in a first bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide, the cantilever beam waveguide directs light into a first waveguide of the array of waveguides; and 
 in a second bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide, the cantilever beam waveguide directs light into a second waveguide of the array of waveguides. 
 
     
     
       3. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first electrode defines a first comb drive formed in the silicon device layer; 
 the second electrode defines a second comb drive formed in the silicon device layer; and 
 the first and second comb drives are configured to cause the cantilever beam waveguide to oscillate at a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide. 
 
     
     
       4. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the voltage signals comprise:
 a first alternating-current voltage signal applied to the first electrode and having a frequency that is equal to a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide; and 
 a second alternating-current voltage signal applied to the second electrode and having the frequency, the second alternating-current voltage signal 180 degrees out of phase with the first alternating-current voltage signal; and 
 
 the first alternating-current voltage signal and the second alternating-current voltage signal cause the cantilever beam waveguide to oscillate at the resonant frequency. 
 
     
     
       5. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the silicon device layer defines a first surface facing the oxide layer and a second surface opposite the first surface; and 
 the silicon photonics device further comprises:
 a first contact disposed on the second surface of the silicon device layer in the first electrode and configured to electrically couple the first electrode to a processing unit configured to cause the voltage signals to be generated; 
 a second contact disposed on the second surface of the silicon device layer in the second electrode and configured to electrically couple the second electrode to the processing unit; and 
 a third contact disposed on the second surface of the silicon device layer and configured to electrically couple the cantilever beam waveguide to the processing unit. 
 
 
     
     
       6. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the output coupler is formed on or bonded to a surface of the silicon device layer. 
     
     
       7. The silicon photonics device of  claim 6 , wherein the output coupler is formed on an angled surface of the cantilever beam waveguide. 
     
     
       8. The silicon photonics device of  claim 6 , further comprising a lens positioned between the cantilever beam waveguide and the output coupler and configured to focus light toward the output coupler. 
     
     
       9. The silicon photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein a cantilever portion of the cantilever beam waveguide has a length between 200 and 500 microns and a width between 0.1 and 0.4 microns. 
     
     
       10. A silicon photonics device for an electronic device, comprising:
 a cantilever beam waveguide formed in a silicon device layer and configured to optically couple with a component of the silicon photonics device; 
 a first comb drive formed in the silicon device layer and coupled to a first side of the cantilever beam waveguide; 
 a second comb drive formed in the silicon device layer and coupled to a second side of the cantilever beam waveguide opposite the first side; and 
 an output coupler formed on or bonded to the silicon device layer and configured to direct at least a portion of light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide out of the silicon photonics device; wherein: 
 the first comb drive and the second comb drive are configured to receive voltage signals to actuate the first comb drive and the second comb drive to cause the cantilever beam waveguide to oscillate at a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide; and 
 in a first bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide during oscillation, the cantilever beam waveguide is optically coupled to the component of the silicon photonics device; and 
 in a second bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide during oscillation, the cantilever beam waveguide is not optically coupled to the component of the silicon photonics device. 
 
     
     
       11. The silicon photonics device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the component is a first waveguide of an array of waveguides comprising the first waveguide and a second waveguide; and 
 in the second bending configuration, the cantilever beam waveguide is optically coupled to the second waveguide. 
 
     
     
       12. The silicon photonics device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the component is gain component comprising a first mirror; 
 the cantilever beam waveguide comprises a second mirror configured to align with the first mirror to define a laser cavity; and 
 oscillating the cantilever beam waveguide modulates a beam of light produced in the laser cavity between an off state and an on state. 
 
     
     
       13. The silicon photonics device of  claim 12 , wherein the gain component comprises a III-V semiconductor material. 
     
     
       14. The silicon photonics device of  claim 10 , wherein the first comb drive and the second comb drive are radial comb drives. 
     
     
       15. An electronic device comprising:
 a silicon photonics device comprising:
 a first electrode; 
 a second electrode; 
 a cantilever beam waveguide positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to bend to selectively align with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device; 
 
 an output coupled to the silicon photonics device and configured to direct at least a portion of light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide out of the silicon photonics device; and 
 a processing unit configured to cause voltage signals to be applied to the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the cantilever beam waveguide to bend. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the electronic device is a wearable electronic device; and 
 the silicon photonics device is included in a PPG sensor of the wearable electronic device. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the processing unit is configured to use the silicon photonics device to perform a distance measurement. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein the voltage signals cause the cantilever beam waveguide to oscillate. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device comprise an array of waveguides; and 
 the cantilever beam waveguide is configured to direct light into each waveguide of the array of waveguides.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/906,595, filed Sep. 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to photonics waveguides for electronic devices. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to cantilever beam waveguides for steering beams of light in a silicon photonics device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Optical sensing systems may include silicon photonics devices, and in many cases the silicon photonics devices may be implemented as a silicon chip in order to provide a compact, space-efficient package. However, adjusting the direction of a beam of light outputted from the silicon photonics device requires performing complex calibration processes and/or including relatively large components in the silicon photonics device. Such calibration is particularly difficult for a system implemented in silicon photonics (e.g., as a silicon chip), and may be nearly impossible after the silicon photonics chip is installed in an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to reluctance actuators configured to provide haptic outputs at electronic devices. 
     Embodiments described herein may include or take the form of a silicon photonics device that includes a silicon support layer, an oxide layer disposed above the silicon support layer and a silicon device layer disposed above the oxide layer. The oxide layer may define a gap. The silicon device layer may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a cantilever beam waveguide. The cantilever beam waveguide may be positioned at least partially over the gap and between the first electrode and the second electrode. The cantilever beam waveguide may be configured to capacitively couple to the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to receive voltage signals that cause the cantilever beam waveguide to bend to selectively optically couple the cantilever beam waveguide with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device. 
     Embodiments described herein may additionally or alternatively take the form of a silicon photonics device for an electronic device that includes a cantilever beam waveguide formed in a silicon device layer and configured to optically couple with a component of the silicon photonics device. The silicon photonics device may further include a first comb drive formed in the silicon device layer and coupled to a first side of the cantilever beam waveguide and a second comb drive formed in the silicon device layer and coupled to a second side of the cantilever beam waveguide opposite the first side. The first comb drive and the second comb drive may be configured to receive voltage signals to actuate the first comb drive and the second comb drive to cause the cantilever beam waveguide to oscillate at a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide. In a first bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide during oscillation, the cantilever beam waveguide is optically coupled to the component of the silicon photonics device. In a second bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide during oscillation, the cantilever beam waveguide is not optically coupled to the component of the silicon photonics device. 
     Embodiments described herein may additionally or alternatively take the form of an electronic device that includes a silicon photonics device including a first electrode a second electrode and a cantilever beam waveguide positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to bend to selectively align with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device. The electronic device may further include a processing unit configured to cause voltage signals to be applied to the first electrode and the second electrode to cause the cantilever beam waveguide to bend. 
     In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an example silicon photonics device that includes a cantilever beam waveguide; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a cross-section view of the example silicon photonics device of  FIG. 1A , taken through section line A-A of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a silicon photonics device that includes a cantilever beam waveguide that is configured to bend to selectively align with multiple waveguides of the silicon photonics device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example silicon photonics device that includes comb drives coupled to a beam waveguide and configured to cause the beam waveguide to bend; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example silicon photonics device that includes comb drives coupled to a beam waveguide and configured to cause the beam waveguide to bend; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example silicon photonics device that includes a comb drive configured to cause a beam waveguide to bend to align with waveguides of the silicon photonics device; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example silicon photonics device that includes comb drives configured to cause a beam waveguide to bend; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section of an example silicon photonics device that includes an output coupler formed on an angled surface of a cantilever beam waveguide; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-section of an example silicon photonics device that includes a cantilever beam waveguide and an output coupler formed on a surface of a device layer; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-section of an example silicon photonics device that includes a gain component and a cantilever beam waveguide configured to modulate a beam of light produced using the gain component; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross-section of an example silicon photonics device in which a cantilever beam waveguide is configured to bend in a direction perpendicular to other layers of the silicon photonics device; and 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device that may incorporate a silicon photonics device such as those described herein. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to a cantilever beam waveguide implemented in, or as part of, a silicon photonics device. The cantilever beam waveguide may be formed in a device layer (e.g., a silicon device layer) of a silicon photonics device (e.g., a chip) and may be configured to bend to align the cantilever beam waveguide or a portion thereof with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device or another device, including output couplers, optical sources, and waveguides. The silicon photonics device may additionally or alternatively include a support layer (e.g., a silicon support layer) positioned beneath the device layer and/or an oxide layer (e.g., a silicon dioxide layer) positioned between the device layer and the support layer. 
     The cantilever beam waveguide may adjust a direction of light propagating out of an output of the cantilever beam waveguide, for example to direct the light toward one or more additional components. Additionally or alternatively, the cantilever beam waveguide may bend to receive light propagating from one or more additional components. Additionally or alternatively, the cantilever beam waveguide may be configured to bend to modulate light produced by a gain component between an on state in which light is produced and an off state in which light is not produced. The cantilever beam waveguide may be used to perform or facilitate a wide variety of functions, including optical scanning, switching, on/off modulation, calibration, and the like. 
     The cantilever beam waveguide may be capacitively coupled to one or more electrodes formed in the device layer. Bending the cantilever beam waveguide may be accomplished by changing the capacitance(s) between the cantilever beam waveguide and the one or more electrodes. For example, as the capacitance between an electrode and the waveguide increases, the cantilever beam waveguide may bend toward the electrode, and as the capacitance decreases, the cantilever beam waveguide may bend away from the electrode. A silicon photonics device may include two electrodes, one on each opposing side of the cantilever beam waveguide, to which voltage may be applied in order to change capacitance between a respective electrode and the waveguide. This, in turn, causes the waveguide to bend towards the electrode to which the voltage is applied. The magnitude of the displacement or deflection (e.g., the “bending”) may vary with the applied voltage at the electrode; accordingly, by applying greater voltages to an electrode, capacitance between the electrode and the cantilever beam waveguide increases, thereby bending the cantilever beam waveguide to a greater degree toward that electrode. Some embodiments may bend the cantilever beam waveguide repeatedly in order to oscillate it at its resonant frequency. Alternating-current (AC) voltage signals at a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide and 180-degrees out of phase with one another may be applied to each electrode to cause oscillation of the cantilever beam waveguide at its resonant frequency. Applying voltage signals at the resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide may significantly reduce the amount of energy required to oscillate the cantilever beam waveguide, because the cantilever beam waveguide oscillates at the resonant frequency, resulting in less energy lost during oscillation compared to non-resonant frequencies. 
     In some cases, bending of a waveguide is achieved using comb drives. Comb drives may be formed in one or more electrodes&#39; device layers and positioned on opposite sides of the waveguide. These comb drives may be used to bend and/or oscillate the waveguide in a manner similar to the electrodes discussed above. Using comb drives may allow the waveguide to achieve greater displacement for the same amount of voltage input to the system. 
     At least a part of the cantilever beam waveguide may be positioned over a gap to formed in the silicon photonics device. The gap may be formed in the device layer or another layer of the silicon photonics device, such as an oxide layer. The silicon photonics device may include one or more additional layers, such as a support layer (e.g., a silicon support layer), cladding, coatings, and the like. 
     In some cases, the silicon photonics device may include one or more optical components for amplifying, receiving, propagating, redirecting, or otherwise handling light. The silicon photonics device may include an output coupler for redirecting at least a portion of the light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide. The cantilever beam waveguide may adjust the direction of the light propagating therethrough in order to align this light with the output coupler, thereby achieving better transmission of light via the output coupler than if the cantilever beam waveguide was misaligned or partially misaligned with the output coupler. In some cases, the silicon photonics device may include multiple output couplers, and different bending amounts of the cantilever beam waveguide may cause the cantilever beam waveguide to be aligned with different output couplers. For example, when the cantilever beam waveguide is bent (e.g., deflected or otherwise displaced) a first amount, it may be aligned with a first output coupler. When the cantilever beam waveguide is bent a second amount, it may be aligned with a second output coupler. In this manner, the cantilever beam waveguide may be optically coupled to any of a number of output couplers depending on the amount of bending of the cantilever beam waveguide. 
     The output coupler may redirect light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide toward a system interface (e.g., toward one or more additional components of an electronic device that includes the silicon photonics device, toward a user, or elsewhere). In some cases, the output coupler is formed as part of the cantilever beam waveguide and/or formed on one or more surface of the cantilever beam waveguide. In some cases, the output coupler is separate from the cantilever beam waveguide. For example, the output coupler may be formed in another region of the device layer. The output coupler may be a tilted mirror formed on or bonded to a surface of the device layer. For example the output coupler may be formed on a surface of the device layer using wet-etching or bonded to a surface of the device layer using laser bonding. 
     The silicon photonics device may include a gain component, such as a semiconductor wafer formed at least partially from group III-V semiconductor materials, examples of which include indium(III) phosphide or gallium(III) arsenide. The gain component may emit light in response to being excited by electrical current or light. The cantilever beam waveguide may include or define a mirror that cooperates with a mirror on or near a surface of the gain medium to create a laser cavity. In some cases, the mirror of the cantilever beam waveguide includes grating or other features to eliminate light at unwanted frequencies. As noted above, the cantilever beam waveguide may modulate a beam of light produced within the laser cavity formed between the mirrors between an off state in which no light beam is produced and an on state in which a light beam is produced by moving the mirror of the cantilever beam waveguide into and out of alignment with the mirror of the gain component. 
     The silicon photonics device may include one or more additional optical components, such as lenses, filters, collimators, and the like. The silicon photonics device may include optical components positioned to receive light output by an output coupler. The cantilever beam waveguide may include or be optically coupled to one or more lenses configured to focus light entering or leaving the cantilever beam waveguide. Some embodiments may be coupled, optically, physically, and/or electrically, to one or more of any of the foregoing elements. 
     The silicon photonics devices described herein may be used in an electronic device. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any suitable electronic device, including a smartphone, an electronic watch, a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop, an automobile, a gaming device, a digital music player, a wearable audio device, a device that provides time, a health assistant, and other types of electronic devices that include, or can be connected to a silicon photonics device. The silicon photonics devices described herein may be configured to perform any of a variety of functions using one or more electronic devices, including, but not limited to, a range-finder, depth finder, (or other distance measurement tool) for a smartphone or other electronic device, a light source for a laser, as part of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, a light source and/or sensor for time-of-flight distance measurement, a light sensor, and the like. 
     The term “attached,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically attached to one another, operate with one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable manner for operation and/or communication, including wiredly, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. As used herein, “optically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more components that are coupled in any suitable manner for providing an optical path between the components. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1A-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  100  that includes a cantilever beam waveguide  104 . As noted above, light  114  may propagate through the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . The cantilever beam waveguide  104  may bend in order to direct light  114  toward one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device  100 . 
     As described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 1D  below, the silicon photonics device  100  may have multiple layers, including a support layer (e.g., a substrate formed of silicon or another suitable material), an oxide layer, and a device layer  102 . The oxide layer may be used for passivation of the device layer  102  and/or the support layer, and may be formed of any suitable material, including silicon dioxide. The oxide layer may define a gap beneath the cantilever beam waveguide that may allow the cantilever beam waveguide to bend. In some cases, the support layer may be disposed beneath the device layer, and the oxide layer may be disposed between the support layer and the device layer. 
     As noted above, the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may be formed in a device layer  102 , and the silicon photonics device  100  may include one or more electrodes  106   a ,  106   b  formed in the device layer  102 . The electrodes  106   a ,  106   b  may be positioned on opposite sides of the cantilever beam waveguide  104  and configured to capacitively couple with the cantilever beam waveguide. The capacitance between an electrode  106   a ,  106   b  and the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may cause a portion of the cantilever beam waveguide  104  to move toward the electrode, thereby causing the cantilever beam waveguide  104  to bend, as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C . The cantilever beam waveguide  104  may bend to adjust a direction  114   a  of the light  114  propagating out of an output  104   a  of the cantilever beam waveguide, for example to direct the light  114  toward one or more additional components (e.g., a component in a region  112  of the device layer  102  or another component). 
     The electrodes  106   a ,  106   b  may be electrically coupled to voltage sources (not shown in  FIG. 1A ) via contacts  108   b ,  108   c . The cantilever beam waveguide  104  may be electrically coupled to a common node (e.g., ground) via a contact  108   a  to form a capacitive coupling between each electrode  106   a ,  106   b  and the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . Additionally or alternatively, the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may float or have its own non-ground voltage. The voltage sources may provide voltage signals to the electrodes  106   a ,  106   b  to change the capacitances between each electrode  106   a ,  106   b  and the cantilever beam waveguide  104  in order to bend the cantilever beam waveguide. In some cases, the voltage signals include alternating-current (AC) voltage signals having a frequency at a multiple of a resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide  104 , and 180-degrees out of phase with one another. This may cause the cantilever beam waveguide  104  to oscillate at the resonant frequency. 
     A first AC voltage signal may be applied to the electrode  106   a , and a maximum voltage of the sinusoidal voltage signal may occur at a first time. The maximum voltage may result in a highest value of capacitance between the electrode  106   a  and the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . If a similar, but out-of-phase, second AC voltage signal is applied to the electrode  106   b , the a sinusoidal voltage signal may have a minimum voltage at the first time, which may result in a lowest value of capacitance between the electrode  106   b  and the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . As a result, the electrode  106   a  will exert a force on the cantilever beam waveguide  104  to pull the cantilever beam waveguide toward the electrode  106   a , such as shown in  FIG. 1B . Similarly, at a second time in which the first voltage signal has a minimum voltage and the second voltage signal has a maximum voltage, the electrode  106   b  will exert a force on the cantilever beam waveguide to pull the cantilever beam waveguide toward the electrode  106   b , such as shown in  FIG. 1C . 
     If the first and second AC voltage signals each have a frequency at a multiple of the resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide  104 , the cantilever beam waveguide will resonate (e.g., oscillate at a multiple of the resonant frequency). Applying voltage signals at the resonant frequency of the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may significantly reduce the amount of energy required to oscillate the cantilever beam waveguide. Generally, the first and second AC voltage signals need only overcome the damping forces acting on the cantilever beam waveguide to maintain the oscillation. The energy required to overcome the damping forces is typically less than the energy required to oscillate the cantilever beam waveguide at a frequency that is not a multiple of the resonant frequency. As a result, oscillating the cantilever beam waveguide at the resonant frequency may result in less power consumption of the photonics device  100 , thereby improving its power efficiency and/or the power efficiency of a device in which it is placed. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a cross-section view of the example silicon photonics device  100  of  FIG. 1A , taken through section line A-A of  FIG. 1A . In various embodiments, the silicon photonics device  100  is configured to output light in a direction  114   b  that is substantially perpendicular to the path of travel  114   a  of the light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide. The silicon photonics device  100  may include optical components, such as one or more output couplers for directing light in the direction  114   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 1D , the silicon photonics device  100  may have multiple layers, including a support layer  110  (e.g., a substrate formed of silicon or another suitable material), an oxide layer  116 , and the device layer  102 . The oxide layer  116  may be used for passivation of the device layer  102  and/or the support layer  110 , and may be formed of any suitable material, including silicon dioxide. The oxide layer  116  may define a gap  118  beneath the cantilever beam waveguide  104  that may allow the cantilever beam waveguide to bend. The gap  118  may be formed by etching the oxide layer  116 . The cantilever beam waveguide may bend along one axis or along multiple axes. For example, the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may bend into and out of the page with respect to  FIG. 1D , as shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1C , and/or up and down with respect to  FIG. 1D , as described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 10 . 
     The light  114  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  is output by the free end of the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . Further, the light  114  propagating out of the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may be directed toward one or more additional components using the cantilever beam waveguide. Additionally or alternatively, light may be received at the free end of the cantilever beam waveguide and travel in an opposite direction from the light  114  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . For example, the cantilever beam waveguide  104  may be configured to bend to receive light (e.g., light propagating from one or more additional components) at the free end of the cantilever beam waveguide. 
     The cantilever beam waveguide  104 , the electrodes  106   a ,  106   b , and other components formed in the device layer  102  or other layers of the silicon photonics device  100  may be formed using any of a variety of techniques and methods. In some cases, the cantilever beam waveguide  104  and/or the electrodes  106   a ,  106   b  are formed by etching the device layer  102 . In some cases, a cantilever portion of the cantilever beam waveguide  104  has a length between 100 and 1000 microns. In some cases, the cantilever portion of the cantilever beam waveguide has a length between 250 and 400 microns. The cantilever beam waveguide  104  may have a width between 0.1 and 3 microns. The cantilever beam waveguide  104  may have a width between 0.2 and 0.5 microns. A cantilever beam waveguide  104  having dimensions as listed herein may be especially useful when incorporated into portable electronic devices where internal space is at a premium. 
     As noted above, a cantilever beam waveguide may bend to align at least a portion of the cantilever waveguide with one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device.  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a silicon photonics device  200  that includes a cantilever beam waveguide  204  that is configured to bend to selectively align with multiple waveguides  220   a ,  220   b ,  220   c  of the silicon photonics device. The waveguides  220   a - c  may be formed in a device layer  202  of the silicon photonics device  200 . The waveguides  220   a - c  may be arranged in an array, and each waveguide  220   a - c  may be selectively aligned with the cantilever beam waveguide  204  depending on the bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide. When a waveguide  220   a - c  is aligned with the cantilever beam waveguide  204 , the waveguide and the cantilever beam waveguide may be optically coupled. The cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be configured to move similarly to the cantilever beam waveguide  104  described above. 
     In a first bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide  204 , (e.g., a non-bended configuration as shown in  FIG. 2A ), an output path  204   a  of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  (e.g., a direction of light propagating out of an output of the cantilever beam waveguide) may be optically coupled with the waveguide  220   b  (e.g., aligned with an input path  224   b  of the waveguide  220   b ). Said another way, the light propagating out of the output of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be directed toward the input path  224   b  of the waveguide  220   b  such that the light enters and propagates through the waveguide  220   b.    
     In a second bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide  204 , (e.g., a bended configuration as shown in  FIG. 2B ), the output path  204   a  of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be optically coupled with the waveguide  220   a  (e.g., aligned with an input path  224   a  of the waveguide  220   a ). Said another way, the light propagating out of the output of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be directed toward the input path  224   a  of the waveguide  220   a  such that the light enters and propagates through the waveguide  220   a.    
     In a third bending configuration of the cantilever beam waveguide  204 , (e.g., a bended configuration as shown in  FIG. 2C ), the output path  204   a  of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be optically coupled with the waveguide  220   c  (e.g., aligned with an input path  224   c  of the waveguide  220   c ). Said another way, the light propagating out of the output of the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be directed toward the input path  224   c  of the waveguide  220   c  such that the light enters and propagates through the waveguide  220   c.    
     The cantilever beam waveguide  204  may transition between various bending configurations by bending as discussed herein. As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the input surfaces  222   a - c  of the waveguides  220   a ,  220   b ,  220   c  are not parallel with one another, but instead positioned at angular offsets from one another such that when the cantilever beam waveguide  204  is aligned with a waveguide  220   a - c , the input surface  222   a - c  of the waveguide is facing the cantilever beam waveguide  204  (e.g., parallel to an output surface  226  of the cantilever beam waveguide). 
     The silicon photonics device  200  may be similar to the silicon photonics device  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D , and may include similar functionality and/or components, including a device layer  202 , a support layer  210 , electrodes  206   a - b , and contacts  208   a - c . In the example of  FIGS. 2A-2C , the cantilever beam waveguide  204  bends to selectively align with waveguides  220   a - c . In various embodiments, the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may bend to align with any number of device components, including gain components, output couplers, optical components, and the like. In various embodiments, the cantilever beam waveguide  204  may be configured to align with any number of waveguides and/or other device components. In the example of  FIGS. 2A-2C , light passes from the cantilever beam waveguide  204  to the waveguides  220   a - c . In various embodiments, light may pass in an opposite direction (e.g., from the waveguides  220   a - c  or other components into the cantilever beam waveguide  204 ). 
     As noted above, in some cases, bending of a waveguide is achieved using comb drives.  FIGS. 3-6  illustrate example silicon photonics devices that include comb drives to bend a beam waveguide.  FIG. 3  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  300  that includes comb drives  330   a  and  330   b  coupled to a beam waveguide  304  and configured to cause the beam waveguide  304  to bend. The comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  and the beam waveguide  304  may be formed in a single device layer. The comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  may be formed in and/or define one or more electrodes of the silicon photonics device  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  may be positioned on opposite sides of the beam waveguide  304 . 
     The comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  may consist of two interdigitated comb-shaped members  332   a - b  and  334   a - b  that are configured to move toward one another in response to a capacitance generated between the comb-shaped members by applying voltage signals to the comb-shaped members. As used herein, “interdigitated” refers to an arrangement of two comb-shaped members in which teeth of a first comb-shaped member are positioned in gaps defined by teeth of a second comb-shaped member, and vice versa. Each comb-shaped member  332   a - b  and  334   a - b  may include a set of teeth  336   a - b  and  338   a - b . Voltage signals may be applied to the comb-shaped members  332   a - b  and  334   a - b , for example via contacts  308   a - d , to cause each comb drive  330   a ,  330   b  to actuate by the respective comb-shaped members being drawn toward one another. Applying a voltage to a comb-shaped member  332 ,  334  (e.g., applying a voltage to a contact  308   a - d ) may apply the same voltage to each tooth of the set of teeth of the comb-shaped member, which establishes a set of capacitances with respect to the interdigitated teeth. This causes the comb-shaped members to be attracted to one another, which may cause the waveguide  304  to bend. This movement may translate into a larger degree of bending or displacement for the waveguide  304  than if the comb drives were not used. 
     The comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  may be coupled to the beam waveguide  304  by connectors  324   a  and  324   b , respectively. As each comb drive  330   a ,  330   b  actuates, it may exert a pulling force on the beam waveguide  304  via the connectors  324   a  and  324   b  that causes the beam waveguide  304  to bend toward the comb drive  330   a ,  330   b  (as shown by arrows  350 ). The comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  may be actuated in an alternating pattern to cause the beam waveguide  304  to oscillate, for example at a resonant frequency of the beam waveguide  304 . 
     As noted above, using comb drives may allow the cantilever beam waveguide to achieve more displacement for the same amount of voltage input to the system. The beam waveguide  304  may be used to direct light in any of the ways discussed or envisioned herein. In some cases, the comb drives  330   a ,  330   b , the connectors  324   a ,  324   b , and the beam waveguide  304  are formed in the same device layer. The silicon photonics device  300  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  400  that includes comb drives  430   a  and  430   b  coupled to a beam waveguide  404  and configured to cause the beam waveguide  404  to bend. The comb drives  430   a - b  may actuate similarly to the actuation of the comb drives  330   a ,  330   b  discussed above, for example in response to voltage signals applied via contacts  408   c - f . Actuation of the comb drives  330   a, b  may cause the beam waveguide  404  to bend. The beam waveguide  404  may bend to selectively align with waveguides  420   a - e  to direct light towards (or receive light from) the waveguides, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     The comb drives  430   a  and  430   b  may be coupled to the beam waveguide  404  by connectors  440   a - b  and  441   a - b . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the comb drive  430   a  may be coupled to the beam waveguide  404  by connectors  440   a  and  441   a , and the comb drive  430   b  may be coupled to the beam waveguide  404  by connectors  440   b  and  441   b . The beam waveguide  404  and the comb drives  430   a  and  430   b  may additionally be coupled to support structures  443   a  and  443   b  positioned on opposing sides of the beam waveguide  404 , for example by connectors  442   a  and  442   b . The support structures  443   a  and  443   b  may include support beams  444   a - d  extending between anchors  446   a - d.    
     The support structures  443   a  and  443   b  may provide structural stability to the silicon photonics device  400 . In some cases, the support structures  443   a  and  443   b  may be configured as microelectricalmechanical system (MEMS) springs for selectively exerting restoring force(s) on the beam waveguide  404 . For example, the support structures  443   a  and  443   b  may be used to restore the beam waveguide  404  to a non-bended configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . Bending the beam waveguide  404  may cause the support beams  444   a - d  to bend in a direction corresponding to the bending of the beam waveguide. For example, as the waveguide bends upward with respect to  FIG. 4 , the support beams  444   a - d  may bend upward as well. When voltage is applied to the contacts  408   a - h , the beams  444   a - d  may bend, thereby storing potential energy in the MEMS spring. When the voltage is reduced, the beams  444   a - d  may move toward a default position (e.g., all beams straight as shown in  FIG. 4 ) that restores the beam waveguide  404  to the non-bended configuration. 
     The silicon photonics device  400  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The connectors, comb drives, support beams, anchors, and waveguides may be formed in a single device layer, such as the device layer  102  described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  500  that includes a comb drive  530  configured to cause a beam waveguide  504  to bend to align with waveguides  520   a - e . The silicon photonics device  500  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The comb drive  530  and waveguides  504  and  520   a - e  may be formed in a single device layer, such as the device layer  102  described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the comb drive may be configured as a radial comb drive. The radial comb drive structure may decrease the amount of energy necessary to bend the beam waveguide  504  compared to linear waveguides discussed with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4  and/or the electrode structure discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the beam waveguide  504  may be integrated as part of the comb drive  530 . For example, teeth of the comb drive  530  may extend from the beam waveguide  504 . 
     Similar to the comb drives discussed above, voltages may be applied to the comb drive  530  to actuate the comb drive. Voltages may be applied to the interdigitated teeth of the comb drive  530  to establish a set of capacitances with respect to the interdigitated teeth. This causes the comb-shaped members to be attracted to one another, which may result in radial movement of the waveguide  504 . This movement may translate into a larger degree of bending or displacement for the waveguide  504  than if the comb drive was not used. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  600  that includes comb drives  630   a  and  630   b  configured to cause a beam waveguide  604  to bend. The silicon photonics device  600  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The comb drive  630  and waveguide  604  may be formed in a single device layer, such as the device layer  102  described with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D . The beam waveguide  604  may be configured as a clamped-clamped beam that is fixed at two or more points. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the beam waveguide  604  may be coupled to anchors  646   c  and  646   d  that fixes the beam waveguide at two locations. 
     The comb drives  630   a ,  630   b  may be coupled to the beam waveguide  304  by a connector  640 . As each comb drive  630   a ,  630   b  actuates, for example in response to voltage signals applied via contacts  608   a - f , it may exert a pulling force on the beam waveguide  604  via the connector  640  that causes the beam waveguide  604  to bend toward the comb drives  630   a ,  630   b.    
     The beam waveguide  604  and the comb drives  630   a  and  630   b  may additionally be coupled to a support structure  643 , for example by the connector  640 . The support structure  643  may include support beams  644   a - b  extending between anchors  646   a - b . Similar to the support structures discussed above with respect to  FIG. 4 , the support structure  643  may be configured as a MEMS spring for springs for selectively exerting restoring force(s) on the beam waveguide  604  to restore the beam waveguide  604  to a non-bended configuration. When voltage is applied to the contacts  608   a - f , the beams  644   a - b  may bend, thereby storing potential energy in the MEMS spring. When the voltage is reduced, the beams  644   a - b  may move toward a default position (e.g., both beams straight as shown in  FIG. 6 ) that restores the beam waveguide  604  to the non-bended configuration. 
     As noted above, the silicon photonics devices described herein may include optical components, such as output couplers. The output coupler may redirect light propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide toward a system interface (e.g., toward one or more additional components of an electronic device that includes the silicon photonics device, toward a user, or elsewhere). In some cases, an output coupler is formed as part of the cantilever beam waveguide and/or formed on one or more surface of the cantilever beam waveguide.  FIG. 7  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  700  that includes an output coupler  774  formed on an angled surface of a cantilever beam waveguide  704 . The silicon photonics device  700  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The silicon photonics device  700  may include the cantilever beam waveguide  704  formed in a device layer  702  and configured to receive voltage signals via a contact  708 . The cantilever beam waveguide  704  may be formed over a gap  718  in an oxide layer  716  disposed over a support layer  710 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the output coupler  774  may redirect at least a portion of the light  714  propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide  704  out of the silicon photonics device  700 , for example toward a system interface or toward one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device  700 . The output coupler  774  may be a tilted mirror formed on or bonded to a surface of the device layer. For example the output coupler  774  may be formed on a surface of the device layer  702  using wet-etching or bonded to a surface of the device layer  702  using laser bonding. The cantilever beam waveguide  704  may be configured to bend as described herein, for example to align the light redirected by the output coupler  774  with one or more additional components. 
     The silicon photonics device  700  may include one or more additional layers. The silicon photonics device  700  may include a cladding layer  770  disposed over the device layer  702  that confines the light  714  propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide  704 . The cladding layer  770  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including oxide materials such as silicon dioxide. The silicon photonics device  700  may include a coating  772  disposed over the device layer  702  and/or the cladding layer  770 . The coating  772  may have anti-reflective properties and/or be configured to insulate, passivate, or prevent the ingress of contaminants into other layers of the silicon photonics device  700 . The coating  772  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including silicon nitride. 
     In some cases, the output coupler is separate from the cantilever beam waveguide. For example, the output coupler may be formed in another region of the device layer.  FIG. 8  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  800  that includes a cantilever beam waveguide  804  and an output coupler  882  formed on a surface of a device layer  802  in a region  812  of the device layer. The silicon photonics device  800  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The silicon photonics device  800  may include the cantilever beam waveguide  804  formed in the device layer  802  and configured to receive voltage signals via a contact  808 . The cantilever beam waveguide  804  may be formed over a gap in an oxide layer  816  disposed over a support layer  810 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the output coupler  882  may redirect at least a portion of the light  814  propagating through the cantilever beam waveguide  804  out of the silicon photonics device  800 , for example toward a system interface or toward one or more additional components of the silicon photonics device  800 . The output coupler  882  may be a tilted mirror formed on or bonded to a surface of the device layer in a region  812  that is separate from the cantilever beam waveguide  804 . For example the output coupler  882  may be formed on an angled surface of the device layer  802  using wet-etching or bonded to a surface of the device layer  802  using laser bonding. The cantilever beam waveguide  804  may be configured to bend as described herein, for example to align the cantilever beam waveguide  804  with one or more additional components, such as the output coupler  882  and/or to align the light  814  redirected by the output coupler  882  with one or more additional components. 
     The cantilever beam waveguide  804  may include or be optically coupled to one or more lenses configured to focus light entering or leaving the cantilever beam waveguide. For example, a lens  884  may be positioned at an end of the cantilever beam waveguide  804  and may be configured to focus light  814  exiting the cantilever beam waveguide  804  onto the output coupler  882 . Additionally or alternatively, the lens  884  may be configured to focus light entering the cantilever beam waveguide  804 . 
     As noted above, a silicon photonics device may include gain material for producing a beam of light (e.g., a laser beam), and a cantilever beam waveguide may be used to modulate the beam of light.  FIG. 9  illustrates a silicon photonics device  900  that includes a gain component  990  and a cantilever beam waveguide  904  configured to modulate a beam of light  914  produced using the gain component  990 . The silicon photonics device  900  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The silicon photonics device  900  may include the cantilever beam waveguide  904  formed in the device layer  902  and configured to receive voltage signals via a contact  908 . The cantilever beam waveguide  904  may be formed over a gap in an oxide layer  916  disposed over a support layer  910 . The gain component  990  may include a backside mirror  992  that defines an opening  994  for outputting at least a portion of the beam of light. The silicon photonics device  900  may further include an output coupler  996  positioned in a region  912  of the device layer and configured to redirect light, similar to the output couplers described herein. 
     The cantilever beam waveguide  904  may define a mirror  986  that cooperates with the backside mirror  992  to form a laser cavity. The mirror  986  may include grating on a surface of the cantilever beam waveguide  904 . The cantilever beam waveguide  904  may be configured to modulate a beam of light produced within a laser cavity between an off state in which no light beam is produced and an on state in which a light beam is produced by moving the mirror of the cantilever beam waveguide into and out of alignment with the mirror of the gain component. 
     When the mirrors  992 ,  986  are aligned (e.g., when surfaces of the mirrors facing one another are parallel), the cantilever beam waveguide  904  is optically coupled with the gain component  990 , and a beam of light  914  is produced within the laser cavity. When the mirrors are not aligned, the cantilever beam waveguide  904  is not optically coupled with the gain component  990 , and no beam is produced, but the gain component  990  may remain energized (e.g., in a higher energy state required for population inversion). 
     Whereas traditional techniques may modulate a beam from an on state to an off state by reducing or eliminating the energy transfer to the gain component, the embodiments described herein may use the cantilever beam waveguide  904  to move the mirrors  986 ,  992  out of alignment with one another. Similarly, whereas traditional techniques may modulate a beam from an off state to an on state by initiating or reinitiating energization of the gain component, the embodiments described herein may use the cantilever beam waveguide to move the mirrors  986 ,  992  into alignment with one another. This may provide numerous advantages over traditional techniques. For example, using the cantilever beam waveguide  904  to bring the mirrors  986 ,  992  into and out of alignment with one another may result in faster modulation between the off state and the on state than traditional techniques. Additionally, because the energy state of a laser may affect performance of surrounding lasers, maintaining the energy state during modulation may improve performance of surrounding silicon photonics devices. 
     The gain component  990  may be formed of any suitable material, such as a semiconductor wafer formed at least partially from group III-V semiconductor materials, such as indium(III) phosphide or gallium(III) arsenide. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , some cantilever beam waveguides may be configured to bend along a plane that is substantially parallel to other layers of the silicon photonics device. Additionally or alternatively, cantilever beam waveguides may be configured to bend perpendicularly to the other layers.  FIG. 10  illustrates an example silicon photonics device  1000  in which a cantilever beam waveguide  1004  is configured to bend in a direction perpendicular to other layers of the silicon photonics device. For example, as shown by the arrows  1050 , the cantilever beam waveguide  1004  may bend up and down with respect to  FIG. 10 . In some cases, the cantilever beam waveguide  1004  may additionally bend into and out of the page with respect to  FIG. 10 , similar to the cantilever beam waveguide  104 . The ability of the cantilever beam waveguide  1004  to bend along two axes may allow it to align with components in two dimensions rather than along a line. Additionally, the cantilever beam waveguide  1004  may be bent upwards to offset bending caused by gravity or other forces acting on the silicon photonics device  1000 . 
     The silicon photonics device  1000  may be similar to the silicon photonics devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  discussed herein, and may include similar functionality and/or components. The silicon photonics device  1000  may include the cantilever beam waveguide  1004  formed in the device layer  1002  and configured to receive voltage signals via a contact  1008   a . The cantilever beam waveguide  1004  may be formed over a gap in an oxide layer  1016  disposed over a support layer  1010 . 
     As described above, the silicon photonics devices described herein may be included in numerous types of electronic devices.  FIG. 11  illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  1100  that may incorporate a silicon photonics device such as those described herein. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any suitable electronic device, including a smartphone, an electronic watch, a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop, an automobile, a gaming device, a digital music player, a wearable audio device, a device that provides time, a health assistant, and other types of electronic devices that include, or can be connected to a silicon photonics device. The electronic device  1100  can include a display  1112 , a processing unit  1102 , a power source  1114 , a memory  1104  or storage device, one or more input devices  1106 , one or more output devices  1110 , and a silicon photonics device  1116 . 
     The processing unit  1102  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  1100 . The processing unit  1102  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device  1100 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  1118  can provide communication between the processing unit  1102 , the power source  1114 , the memory  1104 , the input device(s)  1106 , and the output device(s)  1110 . 
     The processing unit  1102  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit  1102  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  1100  can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, select components of the electronic device  1100  (e.g., an input device  1106 ) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other components of the electronic device  1100  (e.g., the display  1112 ) may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units may or may not be in communication with each other. 
     The power source  1114  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  1100 . For example, the power source  1114  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  1114  can be a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  1100  to another power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  1104  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  1100 . For example, the memory  1104  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory  1104  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  1104  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     In various embodiments, the display  1112  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  1100 . In one embodiment, the display  1112  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. For example, the display  1112  may be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The display  1112  is operably coupled to the processing unit  1102  of the electronic device  1100 . 
     The display  1112  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  1112  is positioned beneath and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device  1100 . 
     In various embodiments, the input devices  1106  may include any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input devices  1106  include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each input device  1106  may be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be provided, for example, to the processing unit  1102 . 
     As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s)  1106  include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated with the display  1112  to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s)  1106  include a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the display  1112  to provide a force-sensitive display. 
     The output devices  1110  may include any suitable components for providing outputs. Examples of output devices  1110  include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof. Each output device  1110  may be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit  1102 ) and provide an output corresponding to the signal. 
     In some cases, input devices  1106  and output devices  1110  are implemented together as a single device. For example, an input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections. 
     The processing unit  1102  may be operably coupled to the input devices  1106  and the output devices  1110 . The processing unit  1102  may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices  1106  and the output devices  1110 . For example, the processing unit  1102  may receive an input signal from an input device  1106  that corresponds to an input detected by the input device  1106 . The processing unit  1102  may interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit  1102  may then send an output signal to one or more of the output devices  1110 , to provide and/or change outputs as appropriate. 
     The silicon photonics device  1116  may be similar to one or more silicon photonics devices described herein and may include similar structure and/or functionality. The silicon photonics device  1116  may be configured to perform any of a variety of functions using the electronic device  1100 , including, but not limited to, a range-finder, depth finder, (or other distance measurement tool) for a smartphone or other electronic device, a light source for a laser, as part of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, a light source and/or sensor for time-of-flight distance measurement, a light sensor, and the like. The processing unit  1102  may be electrically coupled to the silicon photonics device  1116  to send signals to the silicon photonics device and/or receive signals from the silicon photonics device. The processing unit  1102  may be configured to cause a cantilever beam waveguide of the silicon photonics device  1116  to bend and/or oscillate, for example by causing voltage signals to be applied to the silicon photonics device  1116  as described herein. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources to determine user biometrics. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to more accurately determine user biometrics. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of determining user biometrics, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, biometrics may be determined based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the system, or publicly available information. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200820
Publication Date: 20220503
Grant Date: 20220503
Priority Date: 20190926
Inventors: MAHMOUD, MOHAMED
BISMUTO, ALFREDO
ARBORE, Mark Alan
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02F1/313", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/313", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F2203/24", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02F1/313", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3502", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3566", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/3596", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/357", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 81385235