PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11644618-B2
Application Number: US-201917254810-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Discrete optical unit on a substrate of an integrated photonics chip

Abstract:
An integrated photonics device that emits light out towards a measured sample value is disclosed. The device can include a discrete optical unit that attaches to a supporting layer. The discrete optical unit can include mirror(s), optics, detector array(s), and traces. The supporting layer can include one or more cavities having facet walls. Light emitter(s) can emit light that propagate through waveguide(s). The emitted light can exit the waveguide(s) (via termination point(s)), enter the one or more cavities at the facet walls, and be received by receiving facets of the discrete optical unit. The mirror(s) of the discrete optical unit can redirect the received light towards collimating optics, which can direct the light out of the device through the system interface. The discrete optical unit can be formed separately from the supporting layer or bonded to the supporting layer after the mirror, optics, detector arrays, and traces are formed.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An integrated photonics device including:
 a photonics substrate comprising:
 a supporting layer, 
 a plurality of additional layers disposed on the supporting layer and configured to define a first waveguide, and 
 a first cavity extending through the plurality of additional layers and defining a first facet wall in the plurality of additional layers, 
 wherein the first waveguide intersects the first facet wall and is configured to guide first light from a light emitter, wherein the first light exits the first waveguide at the first facet wall; and 
 
 a discrete optical unit positioned at least partially in the first cavity and connected to the photonics substrate, the discrete optical unit including:
 a first receiving facet formed from a first surface of the discrete optical unit, 
 a first mirror formed at a second surface of the discrete optical unit, and 
 at least one optic, the at least one optic formed in an exit surface of the discrete optical unit and configured to receive the redirected first light, 
 wherein the first receiving facet is positioned to receive the first light that exits the first waveguide at the first facet wall, and the first mirror is positioned to redirect the first light received by the first receiving facet. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 one or more metal layers located at the second surface of the discrete optical unit, wherein the first light is redirected at an interface at the second surface of the discrete optical unit and a surface of the one or more metal layers. 
 
     
     
       3. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising an antireflection coating, the anti-reflection coating disposed on the first facet wall and the first receiving facet. 
     
     
       4. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the discrete optical unit further comprises an overhang positioned above the plurality of additional layers. 
     
     
       5. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the first surface, the second surface, and the exit surface of the discrete optical unit are integrated surfaces that form at least a portion of the discrete optical unit. 
     
     
       6. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the first mirror is angled relative to the first facet wall and the first receiving facet. 
     
     
       7. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the first mirror extends into the first cavity past the plurality of additional layers. 
     
     
       8. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fill material located between the first facet wall and the first receiving facet. 
     
     
       9. The integrated photonics device of  claim 8 , wherein the fill material is made from the same material as at least one of the plurality of additional layers. 
     
     
       10. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a system interface, wherein the plurality of additional layers is located closer to the system interface than the supporting layer, and 
 further wherein a top of the discrete optical unit is located closer to the system interface than a top of the plurality of additional layers. 
 
     
     
       11. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of additional layers includes a silicon on insulator (SOI) layer and a buried oxide (BOX) layer. 
     
     
       12. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the discrete optical unit further includes an attachment surface that connects the discrete optical unit to the photonics substrate. 
     
     
       13. The integrated photonics device of  claim 12 , wherein the discrete optical unit further includes a second cavity, the second cavity extending through at least a portion of the attachment surface and defining the second surface of the discrete optical unit. 
     
     
       14. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more detector arrays attached to a substrate of the discrete optical unit. 
     
     
       15. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of traces disposed on a substrate of the discrete optical unit. 
     
     
       16. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of additional layers is further configured to define a second waveguide, the second waveguide configured to guide second light to the first cavity,
 wherein the first receiving facet is further positioned to receive the second light, and the first mirror is further position to redirect the second light received by the first receiving facet. 
 
     
     
       17. The integrated photonics device of  claim 1 , wherein the discrete optical unit further comprises:
 a second receiving facet formed from a third surface of the discrete optical unit, wherein the second receiving facet is offset from the first receiving facet, and 
 a second mirror formed from a fourth surface of the discrete optical unit, wherein the second mirror is offset from the first mirror. 
 
     
     
       18. The integrated photonics device of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of additional layers is further configured to define a second waveguide, the second waveguide configured to guide second light,
 wherein the second receiving facet is positioned to receive the second light that exits the second waveguide, and the second mirror is positioned to redirect the second light received by the second receiving facet. 
 
     
     
       19. A method for emitting light out of a device, the method comprising:
 emitting first light by a light emitter; 
 guiding the emitted first light through a first waveguide, the first waveguide defined by a plurality of additional layers, the plurality of additional layers disposed on a supporting layer of a photonics substrate; 
 allowing the guided first light to exit the first waveguide at a first facet wall, the first facet wall defined by a cavity extending through the plurality of additional layers; 
 receiving the guided first light by a first receiving facet, the first receiving facet formed from a first surface of a discrete optical unit, the discrete optical unit positioned at least partially in the cavity and connected to the photonics substrate; 
 redirecting the guided first light received by the first receiving facet using a first mirror, the first mirror formed from a second surface of the discrete optical unit; and 
 directing the redirected first light using an optic, the optic formed in an exit surface of the discrete optical unit. 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 changing one or more angles of divergence of the emitted first light at the first facet wall of the cavity using a fill material. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 guiding second light through a second waveguide, the second waveguide defined by the plurality of additional layers; 
 receiving the guided second light by the first receiving facet; and 
 redirecting the guided second light received by the first receiving facet using the first mirror. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 guiding second light through a second waveguide, the second waveguide defined by the plurality of additional layers; 
 receiving the guided second light by a second receiving facet, the second receiving facet formed from a third surface of the discrete optical unit; and 
 redirecting the guided second light received by the second receiving facet using a second mirror, the second mirror formed from a fourth surface of the discrete optical unit.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/US2019/038599, filed Jun. 21, 2019, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/689,018, filed on Jun. 22, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to an integrated photonics device configured for measuring one or more properties of a sample volume. More specifically, the integrated photonics device can include a discrete optical unit formed on a substrate. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Optical sensing systems can be used for a number of applications, one can be to measure one or more properties of a sample volume. The optical sensing system can include an integrated photonics device comprising a plurality of optical components such as light sources and detectors. In some instances, the integrated photonics device can be arranged such that light emitted from the light sources can propagate through a waveguide in one plane (e.g., x-y plane) and can be redirected to another plane (e.g., y-z plane) by a mirror (e.g., outcoupler). The mirror can have an angled wall to redirect incident light, where the angled wall can be formed by etching one or more layers, such as a waveguide. In some instances, the one or more layers may have one or more crystallographic planes, so etching may lead to a limited number of possibilities for angles. 
     The etching may also limit the height of the mirror, which may limit the area of its reflecting surface. The optical sensing system can have a light beam that exits a termination point of a waveguide, which may diverge starting at the termination point. The divergence of the light beam can cause a change in its size, shape, and/or symmetry relative to the termination point. This divergence may lead to an incident light beam having a size that is greater than and/or a centroid that is offset from the reflecting surface of the mirror. When the reflecting surface of the mirror is smaller than the size of the incident light beam and/or its centroid is offset from the centroid of the light beam, a portion of the incident light may be lost and/or may include one or more undesirable properties (e.g., spectral ripples, high efficiency loss, stray light issues). 
     The amount of beam divergence may differ depending on the wavelength(s) of the emitted light. Since some wavelengths may have a greater divergence angle than others, the beam properties (e.g., light loss and control) may be spectrally-dependent. A discrete optical unit suitable for an integrated photonics device that can account for the effects from beam divergence and fully capture the light beam may be desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is an integrated photonics device used for emitting light out of a device towards a measured sample value, where a portion of the emitted light can be returned and measured for determining one or more properties of the measured sample volume. The integrated photonics device can include a discrete optical unit that attaches to a supporting layer. The discrete optical unit can include one or more of mirror(s), optics, detector array(s), and traces. The supporting layer can include one or more cavities having facet walls. One or more light emitters can emit light that propagates through one or more waveguides. The emitted light can exit the waveguide(s) (via termination point(s)), enter the one or more cavities at the facet walls, and be received by receiving facets of the discrete optical unit. The mirror(s) of the discrete optical unit can redirect the received light towards collimating optics. The collimating optics can direct the light out of the device through the system interface. 
     The discrete optical unit can be formed separately from the supporting layer and bonded to the supporting layer after one or more of the mirror, optics, detector arrays, and traces are formed in its substrate. In this manner, the reflecting surface(s) of the mirror(s) may be sized and located to reduce loss of light and its control. In some examples, a fill material can be deposited between the facet wall of the cavity and the discrete optical unit to change the amount of divergence of the emitted light beam. Examples of the disclosure further include forming one or more overhangs in the discrete optical unit to reduce light loss. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary optical sensing system according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates an exemplary process flow for measuring sample properties according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 B  illustrates an exemplary process for the operation of a portion of an integrated photonics device according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2 C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device including an overmold layer according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a top view of a portion of an integrated photonics device including multiple cavities according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a planar view of a portion of a discrete optical unit including multiple mirrors and attachment portions according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3 C  illustrates a top view of an exemplary discrete optical unit including detector arrays according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device including a fill material according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device having a discrete optical unit with an angled receiving facet according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device having a supporting layer with an angled facet wall according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device having a supporting layer with a ledge according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device having a supporting layer with a pedestal according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 F  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device having a discrete optical unit with an attachment portion having an angled wall according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 G  illustrates an exemplary discrete optical unit that includes a prism according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates an exemplary process for fabricating an exemplary discrete optical unit according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates an exemplary process for forming the supporting layer and attaching the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top view of an exemplary integrated photonics device including a plurality of waveguides and a common mirror according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 B  illustrates a top view of an exemplary integrated photonics device including a plurality of waveguides and individual mirrors according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 C  illustrates a top view of an exemplary integrated photonics device including a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of mirrors formed on a single discrete optical unit according to examples of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6 D  illustrates a top view of an exemplary supporting layer including a plurality of cavities having staggered facet walls according to examples of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Optical sensing systems can be used for a number of applications, one can be to measure one or more properties of a sample volume. The optical sensing system can include an integrated photonics device comprising a plurality of optical components such as light sources and detectors. In some instances, the integrated photonics device can be arranged such that light emitted from the light sources can propagate through a waveguide in one plane (e.g., x-y plane) and can be redirected to another plane (e.g., y-z plane) by a mirror (e.g., outcoupler). The mirror can have an angled wall to redirect incident light, where the angled wall can be formed by etching one or more layers, such as a waveguide. In some instances, the one or more layers may have one or more crystallographic planes, so etching may lead to a limited number of possibilities for angles. 
     The etching may also limit the height of the mirror, which may limit the area of its reflecting surface. The optical sensing system can have a light beam that exits a termination point of a waveguide, which may diverge starting at the termination point. The divergence of the light beam can cause a change in its size, shape, and/or symmetry relative to the termination point. This divergence may lead to an incident light beam having a size that is greater than and/or a centroid that is offset from the reflecting surface of the mirror. When the reflecting surface of the mirror is smaller than the size of the incident light beam and/or its centroid is offset from the centroid of the light beam, a portion of the incident light may be lost and/or may include one or more undesirable properties (e.g., spectral ripples). 
     The amount of beam divergence may differ depending on the wavelength(s) of the emitted light. Since some wavelengths may have a greater divergence angle than others, the beam properties (e.g., light loss and control) may be spectrally-dependent. A discrete optical unit suitable for an integrated photonics device that can account for the effects from beam divergence and fully capture the light beam may be desired. 
     In the following description of examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which it is shown by way of illustration specific examples that can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be used and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the various examples. 
     Various techniques and process flow steps will be described in detail with reference to examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects and/or features described or referenced herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more aspects and/or features described or referenced herein may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not obscure some of the aspects and/or features described or referenced herein. 
     Further, although process steps or method steps can be described in a sequential order, such processes and methods can be configured to work in any suitable order. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that can be described in the disclosure does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its description in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modification thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the examples, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. 
     Described herein is an integrated photonics device used for emitting light out of a device towards a measured sample value, where a portion of the emitted light can be returned and measured for determining one or more properties of the measured sample volume. The integrated photonics device can include a discrete optical unit that attaches to a supporting layer. The discrete optical unit can include one or more of mirror(s), optics, detector array(s), and traces. The supporting layer can include one or more cavities having facet walls. One or more light emitters can emit light that propagates through one or more waveguides. The emitted light can exit the waveguide(s) (via termination point(s)), enter the one or more cavities at the facet walls, and be received by receiving facets of the discrete optical unit. The mirror(s) of the discrete optical unit can redirect the received light towards collimating optics. The collimating optics can direct the light out of the device through the system interface. 
     The discrete optical unit can be formed separately from the supporting layer and bonded to the supporting layer after one or more of the mirror, optics, detector arrays, and traces are formed in its substrate. In this manner, the reflecting surface(s) of the mirror(s) may be sized and located to reduce loss of light and its control. In some examples, a fill material can be deposited between the facet wall of the cavity and the discrete optical unit to change the amount of divergence of the emitted light beam. Examples of the disclosure further include forming one or more overhangs in the discrete optical unit to reduce light loss. 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described examples. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described examples may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     An overview of the components included in an exemplary integrated photonics device and operation thereof are now described, with detailed descriptions provided below.  FIG.  1 A  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary optical sensing system according to examples of the disclosure.  FIG.  1 B  illustrates an exemplary process flow for measuring sample properties according to examples of the disclosure. The system  100  can include an interface  180  (e.g., a system interface), an optical unit  190 , a light emitter  107 , a detector  130 , and a controller  140 . The system  100  can include an integrated photonics device, and the interface  180  can include an external surface of the device, which can accommodate light transmission through it, among other things. The interface  180  can include an emission region  182 , a reference  108  (optional), and a detection region  156 . In some examples, the emission region  182  can include one or more components (e.g., an aperture layer) configured to limit the optical path lengths and/or angles of light entering the system  100 . By limiting the optical path lengths and/or angles of light, the light incident on, or exiting from, a measured sample volume  120  can also be limited. Optical unit  190  can include an absorber or light blocker  192 , optics  191  (e.g., lenses), optics  194  (e.g., a negative microlens), and light collection optics  116  (e.g., a positive microlens). In using the system, the measured sample volume  120  can be located near, close to, or touching at least a portion (e.g., interface  180 ) of the system  100 . The light emitter  107  can be coupled to the controller  140 . The controller  140  can send a signal (e.g., current or voltage waveform) to control the light emitter  107 , which can emit light (step  153  of process  150 ). The light emitter  107  can include a plurality of waveguides, in some examples. The light emitter  107  can emit light towards the emission region  182  (step  155  of process  151 ). 
     The emission region  182  can be configured to allow light to exit the system  100  towards the measured sample volume  120 . Depending on the nature of the measured sample volume  120 , light can penetrate a certain depth into the measured sample volume  120  to reach one or more scattering sites and can return (e.g., reflect and/or scatter back) towards the system  100 . The return light can enter back into the system  100  at the detection region  156  (step  159  of process  151 ). The return light that enters back into the system can be collected by light collection optics  116 , which can direct, collimate, focus, and/or magnify the return light (step  161  of process  151 ). The return light can be directed towards the detector  130  (e.g., a detector array). The detector  130  can detect the return light and send an electrical signal indicative of the amount of detected light to the controller  140  (step  163  of process  151 ). 
     The light emitter  107  can optionally emit light towards the reference  108  (step  165  of process  151 ). The reference  108  can redirect light towards optics  194  (step  167  of process  151 ). The reference  108  can include, but is not limited to, a mirror, a filter, and/or a sample with known optical properties. Optics  194  can direct, collimate, focus, and/or magnify light towards the detector  130  (step  169  of process  151 ). The detector  130  can measure light reflected from the reference  108  and can generate an electrical signal indicative of this reflected light (step  171  of process  151 ). The controller can be configured to receive at least two electrical signals from the detector  130 . In some instances, one electrical signal can be indicative of return light from the measured sample volume  120 , and another electrical signal can be indicative of light reflected from the reference  108 . The different electrical signals can be a time-multiplexed signal, for example. The electrical signal at a given instance in time can be based on whether light is sent to the measured sample volume or the reference. In other instances, the two or more electrical signals can be received from different detector pixels simultaneously and may include different light information. The controller  140  (or another processor) can determine the properties of the sample from the electrical signals (step  173  of process  151 ). 
     In some examples, when the system is measuring the properties of the sample and the reference, light emitted from the light emitter  107  can reflect off a surface of the sample back into the system  100 . Light reflected off the interior walls or components can be referred to as the interface reflected light  184 . In some examples, the interface reflected light  184  could be light emitted from the light emitter  107  that has not reflected off the measured sample volume  120  or the reference  108  and can be due to light scattering within the system  100 . Since the interface reflected light  184  can be unwanted, the absorber or light blocker  192  can prevent the interface reflected light  184  from being collected by optics  194  and light collection optics  116 . In this manner, the system can prevent the interface reflected light  184  from being measured by the detector  130 . 
     Arrangement of a Portion of an Exemplary Integrated Photonics Device 
     A description of a portion of an exemplary integrated photonics device is now provided.  FIG.  2 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device according to examples of the disclosure. In using the device  200 , the measured sample volume (e.g., measured sample volume  120  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) can be located close to the system interface  280 . The device can include one or more windows (not shown) located at or proximate to the system interface  280 . The window(s) can include one or more transparent and thermally conductive materials such as sapphire, silicon, or a combination thereof. 
     The measured sample volume can include one or more locations, which can include one or more scattering sites associated with scattering event(s). The device  200  can be configured to reconstruct the optical paths in the measured sample volume. For example, the device  200  can be configured to reconstruct angles and locations of light received at the detection regions (e.g., detection regions  156  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) to another place (e.g., a plane located closer to the detector  130  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ). One or more layers of optics including optics  291  (discussed below) can be included in the device  200  and used for reconstructing the optical paths. 
     The device  200  can include multiple components, where the multiple components can be formed on, attached to, touching, or coupled to (e.g., indirectly associated with) a wafer, the wafer can include a supporting layer  242 . The supporting layer  242  can include any type of material such as silicon. At least some of the multiple components can include optical components. Exemplary optical components can include a light emitter (e.g., light emitter  107  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ), a detector array (e.g., detector  130  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ), receiving optics (e.g., optics  194  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ), collecting optics (e.g., light collection optics  116  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ), and one or more discrete optical units  243 . Other components (not shown) can include optical traces, multiplexers, amplifiers, and the like. 
     The supporting layer  242  and/or one or more layers  210  can include one or more cavities  221  at one or more locations along the wafer. The cavity  221  can include one or more components within its recess (discussed below). The walls of the cavity  221 , which can include a facet wall  222 , can define the recess of the cavity. Exemplary components can include, but are not limited to, at least a portion of the discrete optical unit  243 , adhesive layer  212 , fill material, and the like. The cavity  221  can be formed by removing (e.g., etching) material from the supporting layer  242  and/or one or more layers  210 . In some examples, the cavity  221  can be formed by selectively depositing one or more of the layers  210  at a limited number of locations along the wafer of the device  200 . In some instances, the facet wall  222  of the cavity can include an anti-reflection coating  223 . 
     The adhesive layer  212  can be any type of material that allows the discrete optical unit  243  to bond to the supporting layer  242 . Exemplary materials can include, but are not limited to, glue (e.g., thermal epoxy) and solder (e.g., gold, tin, etc.). In instances where solder is used, the adhesive layer  212  can including a plated material, such as nickel and/or gold, deposited on the supporting layer  242 . Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive layer  212  can also include a patterned solder, such as gold tin, deposited on the discrete optical unit  243 . 
     The device  200  can include a system interface  280 . The system interface  280  can include one or more emission regions (e.g., emission region  182  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) and one or more detection regions (e.g., detection region  156  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ). The emission region(s) can be configured to allow light  241  emitted by the light emitter, redirected by the mirror  209  (included in the discrete optical unit  243 ), and collected by optics  291  to exit the device  200  at the system interface  280 . The detection region(s) (e.g., detection region  156  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) can be configured to allow return light to enter the device  200  to be redirected by the collecting optics (e.g., light collection optics  116  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) and detected by the detector array (e.g., detector  130  illustrated in  FIG.  1   .A). In some examples, certain detector pixels included in the detector array can be associated with different optical path lengths to determine (e.g., estimate) the optical properties (e.g., absorbance) of the measured sample volume. 
     The device  200  can include one or more light emitters (e.g., light emitter  107  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ). A light emitter can be configured to emit light  241 . The light emitter can include any type of light source and one or more waveguides capable of generating and transmitting light  241  to the discrete optical unit  243 , which can be located at least partially in the cavity  221 . In some instances, the light emitter can include a single light source. In other instances, the light emitter can include a plurality of discrete light sources. A light source can include, but is not limited to, a lamp, laser, light-emitting diode (LED), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), electroluminescent (EL) source, quantum dot (QD) light emitter, super-luminescent diode, super-continuum source, fiber-based source, or a combination of one or more of these sources. In some examples, the light emitter can be capable of emitting a single wavelength of light. In some examples, the light emitter can be capable of emitting a plurality of wavelengths of light. In some examples, the light emitter can include any tunable source capable of generating a short-wave infrared (SWIR) signature. In some examples, a light emitter can include a III-V material, such as Indium Phosphide (InP), Gallium Antimonide (GaSb), Gallium Arsenide Antimonide (GaAsSb), Aluminum Arsenide (AlAs), Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs), Aluminum Iridium Arsenide (AlInAs), Indium Gallium Phosphide (InGaP), Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs), Indium Arsenide Antimonide (InAsSb), Indium Phosphide Antimonide (InPSb), Indium Arsenide Phosphide Antimonide (InAsPSb), and Gallium Indium Arsenide Antimonide Phosphide (GaInAsSbP). 
     The discrete optical unit  243  can be a component that is separately formed from the supporting layer  242  and layers  210 , but can subsequently attached to a cavity  221  of the support layer  242  and/or layers  210 . The discrete optical unit  243  can include any type of material, such as silicon or glass, suitable for forming mirror(s)  209 , optic(s)  291 , or both. In some instances, the mirror  209  may redirect incident light to a top surface, such as the optics  291 . 
     The discrete optical unit  243  can be located in a cavity  221  formed in the supporting layer  242  and/or layers  210 . The discrete optical unit  243  can be configured to receive light  241  and can redirect it towards the system interface  280 . In some examples, the discrete optical unit  243  can further include an anti-reflection coating  244  located on at least one facet, such as its receiving facet  245 . 
     The mirror(s)  209  can be configured to redirect light. In some examples, the mirror(s)  209  can act as an outcoupler(s) configured to receive light from one plane (e.g., the plane located parallel to that of layers  210 ) and redirect it to another plane (i.e., out of plane) (e.g., the plane located perpendicular to that of layers  210 ). The mirror(s)  209  can be angled relative to the facet wall  222  of the cavity  221  and/or a receiving facet  245  of the discrete optical unit  243 . The receiving facet  245  can include an edge of the discrete optical unit  243  configured to receive light  241 . The angle of the mirror(s)  209  can be any angle including, but not limited to, 45° and 54.7°. In some examples, the receiving surface (i.e., the surface where light  241  is incident on) of the mirror  209  can be configured with a profile shape that both turns and collimates (e.g., curved surface) light  241 . 
     In some examples, at least a part of a side of the discrete optical unit  243  acts as the mirror  209 . The mirror may be formed such that light reflects at the interface of the discrete optical unit  243  and the gap  216  (or any material filling the space where the gap  216  is labeled in the figure). The mirror  209  may be formed in the gap  216 ; for example, the mirror  209  may be formed at a surface of the discrete optical unit  243 . In such instances, the metal layer  208  may be excluded from the device  200 . 
     In other instances, one or more layers may be deposited on a side (e.g., surface) of the discrete optical unit  243 , where the one or more layers can act as the mirror  209 . For example, the one or more layers may include one or more metal layers  208 . The light may be redirected at an interface of the side of the discrete optical unit  243  and a surface of the one or more metal layers  208 . 
     In some examples, the one or more layers may form the mirror(s)  209  and can be made of the same material as the discrete optical unit  243 . The mirror may be such that light reflects at the interface of the one or more layers and the gap  216  (or any material filling the space where the gap  216  is labeled in the figure). 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit  243  can have certain dimensions (e.g., height and width as measured by the beginning and end of its angled wall) based on factors from other components. In some instances, the height of the mirror  209  can be configured such that a substantial part (e.g., all) of the beam from light  241  is incident on the angled wall of the mirror  209 . For example, the height of the mirror  209  can be based on the distance between where light  241  enters the cavity  221  (e.g., at the facet wall  222  of the cavity) and where light  241  is incident on the mirror  209 . In some instances, the location of where light  241  is incident on the mirror  209  can be determined based on the average of all locations of where light  241  is incident on the mirror  209 . For example, the distance from the facet wall  222  to the mirror  209  can be less for light  241  that is incident closer to the bottom of the cavity  221  than for light  241  that is incident closer to optics  291 . Since the distances from the facet wall  222  to the mirror  209  can vary, the average distance can be used to determine the height of the mirror  209 . The height of the mirror  209  can also be based on the height of where light  241  exits the facet wall  222  of the cavity (i.e., the termination point in the waveguide) to the bottom of the mirror  209 . 
     In some examples, the height of the mirror  209  can be based on the divergence angles of light  241 . The divergence angles of light  241  may be affected by the material (if any) included between the facet wall  222  of the cavity  221  and the discrete optical unit  243 . For example, light  241  may have a greater divergence angle when only air is located between the facet wall  222  of the cavity  221  and the discrete optical unit  243  compared to other materials, such as a fill material (e.g., amorphous silicon). 
     Optics  291  can be configured to redirect, collimate, and/or focus light towards the system interface  280 . The optics  291  can receive light from the mirror  209 . In some examples, the system interface  280  can be located between the measured sample volume (e.g., sample volume  120  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) and the optics  291 . In some examples, optics  291  can include the same material as the discrete optical unit  243 . In some examples, the optics  291  can, at least in part, be formed from a portion of the discrete optical unit  243 . The optics  291  can include an anti-reflection coating  245  disposed on its top surface (i.e., surface closer to the system interface  280 ). 
     In some examples, the dimensions and placement of the optics  291  can be based on one or more factors such as the beam size and divergence. For example, the optics  291  can be located a certain separation distance from the mirror  209 . The separation distance can be selected such that light  241  can diverge by a certain amount (e.g., 10%) relative to mirror  209 . The amount of divergence can affect the size of the beam at the optics  291 . If the optics  291  is located too close to the mirror  209 , then the beam size may be too small for the given application. In some instances, the separation distance can be determined using the average of the distances from the mirror  209 . 
     In some examples, the top surface (e.g., closer to the system interface  280 ) of the discrete optical unit  243  can be located closer (i.e., protrude) to the system interface  280  than the top of layers  210 . The protrusion can allow light  241  to diverge from the mirror  209  to the optics  291  with reduced loss, as discussed earlier. The protrusion can be achieved in a number of ways such as by configuring the dimension (e.g., height) of the discrete optical unit  243  to be greater than the recess of the cavity  221  and/or by using a pedestal (discussed below). 
     The device  200  can include one or more layers  210 . The layers  210  can include one or more conductive layers configured to route one or more signals to a light emitter (e.g., light emitter  107  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ). For example, the layers  210  can be configured to route one or more signals from a controller (e.g., controller  140  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) to control the light emitter, which can emit light in response to the one or more signals. The layers  210  can also include one or more insulating layers. For example, the layers  210  can include multiple conductive layers electrically isolated by the insulating layer(s). In some instances, the layers  210  can include one or more encapsulation layers, passivation layers, planarizing layers, or the like. 
     The layers  210  can also be used, at least in part, to form a waveguide for the light emitter. For example, the layer  210 A can include SiO 2  and can be used for insulating and/or encapsulating metal routing layers. The layer  210 B can be a silicon on insulator (SOI) layer, and the layer  210 C can be a buried oxide (BOX) layer. 
     The device  200  can also include one or more adhesive layers  212  used to bond the discrete optical unit  243  to the supporting layer  242  and/or layers  210 . For example, the adhesive layer(s)  212  can be located between an attachment portion  214  of the discrete optical unit  243  and the supporting layer  242 . Optionally, the adhesive layer(s)  212  can be located between an attachment portion  214  of the discrete optical unit  243  and the layers  210  (as illustrated in  FIG.  4 D ). In such case, a gap (not shown) may be located between the discrete optical unit  243  and the bottom surface (e.g., perpendicular to the facet wall  222 ) of the cavity  221 . 
     As another option, the adhesive layer(s)  212  can be located between an attachment portion of the discrete optical unit  243  and a pedestal (as illustrated in  FIG.  4 E ). The terms “adhesive” or “adhesive layer” as used throughout this disclosure can include various different types of materials for attaching multiple components. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, glue, epoxy, and solder. Additionally, the terms can include an interface between the surfaces of multiple components due to a direct bond. In a direct bond, the surfaces can attach to each other using one or more phenomenon such as chemical bonding, Van der Waals force, etc. 
     The discrete optical unit  243  can also include a gap  216  located between the metal layer  208  and the attachment portion  214 . The gap  216  can include air or any material such as glue. As discussed below, although the discrete optical unit  243  is illustrated as including a single mirror  209 , examples of the disclosure can include a discrete optical unit including multiple mirrors; some may be located in different cavities. 
     Examples of the disclosure can include a fill material located between the facet wall  222  (and/or anti-reflection coating  223 ) and the receiving facet  245  (and/or anti-reflection  244 ). The properties of the fill material are discussed in more detail below. 
     Operation of a Portion of an Exemplary Integrated Photonics Device 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates an exemplary process showing the operation of a portion of an integrated photonics device according to examples of the disclosure. The integrated photonic device can be configured to emit light (e.g., towards a measured sample volume) out of its system interface (e.g., system interface  280  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ). A light emitter (e.g., light emitter  107  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) can emit light (e.g., light  241  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) (step  252  of process  250 ). The emitted light can propagate through a waveguide created by at least some of the layers (e.g., layers  210  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) (step  254  of process  250 ). In some instances, some of the layers, at least in part, form a cavity. The emitted light can be incident on a facet wall (e.g., facet wall  222  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) of a cavity, can enter (e.g., be received by) a portion of the cavity (e.g., cavity  221  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ), and can diverge at certain angle(s) (step  256  of process  250 ). The portion of the cavity that the emitted light enters can be the region located between the facet wall of the cavity and a facet of a discrete optical unit (e.g., discrete optical unit  243 ). In some examples, the divergence angle(s) of the emitted light can be changed by a fill material located between the facet wall and a discrete optical unit. The emitted light can be incident on a facet of the discrete optical unit and can enter (e.g., be received by) it (step  258  of process  250 ). A mirror (e.g., mirror  209  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) can redirect the light that has entered the discrete optical unit to the optics (e.g., optics  291  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) (step  260  of process  250 ). The optics can direct (e.g., collimate and/or focus) the redirected light towards a system interface (e.g., system interface  280  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) (step  262  of process  250 ). 
     Overmold Layer 
     In some examples, the integrated photonics device can include an overmold layer.  FIG.  2 C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device including an overmold layer according to examples of the disclosure. Device  201  can have corresponding similar structure and/or function as device  200 , including, but not limited to, components such as layers  210 , anti-reflection coating  223 , facet wall  222 , anti-reflection coating  244 , metal layer  208 , mirror  209 , gap  216 , adhesive layer  212 , attachment portion  214 , cavity  221 , and supporting layer  242  (discussed above). 
     The device  201  may further include a discrete optical unit  247 , which can be similar to the discrete optical unit  243  of device  200  (illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ). In some examples, the discrete optical unit  247  may not include optics  291 . In some examples, the discrete optical unit  247  can have a height (e.g., distance from the bottom of cavity  221  to the top of the discrete optical unit  247 ) that less than the height of the discrete optical unit  243 . The height of the discrete optical unit  247  may be such that the trop of the discrete optical unit  247  protrudes outside (e.g., above) the cavity  221 . 
     The device  201  can further include an overmold layer  233 . The overmold layer  233  can be located on top of layers  210 . In some examples, the overmold  233  can be deposited after a portion of the top of discrete optical unit  247  has been removed via, e.g., grinding. In some examples, the overmold  233  can be deposited after the discrete optical unit  247  is bonded to the supporting layer  242  and/or layers  210 . In some examples, a grinding step can be performed after the overmold layer  233  is deposited, which can lead to a reduced thickness of the overmold layer  233 . 
     In some instances, the discrete optical unit  247  can be tested after the overmold layer is deposited. After the discrete optical unit  247  is tested, it can be removed (e.g., before or during the dies are diced. The discrete optical unit  247  may be removed if its performance does not meet one or more criteria. Alternatively, the discrete optical unit  247  can remain in the cavity after the dies are diced and used as an outcoupler. The discrete optical unit  247  can remain in the cavity if its performance meets one or more criteria. 
     Multiple Discrete Optical Units 
     Examples of the disclosure can include multiple discrete optical units.  FIG.  3 A  illustrates a top view of a portion of an integrated photonics device including multiple cavities according to examples of the disclosure. The supporting layer  342  can include a plurality of cavities, such as cavity  321 A, cavity  321 B, cavity  321 C, and cavity  321 D, some of which can be bonded to at least a portion of a discrete optical unit. In some examples, one or more cavities, such as cavity  321 A, can be used as attachment region(s) but not for receiving light. An attachment region can be a region for attaching the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer  342 . 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit can include multiple mirrors formed of the same substrate.  FIG.  3 B  illustrates a planar view of a portion of a discrete optical unit including multiple mirrors and attachment portions according to examples of the disclosure. The discrete optical unit  343  can include a plurality of mirrors  309 , a plurality of optics  391 , and a plurality of attachment portions  314 . In some examples, the discrete optical unit  343  can be formed from a silicon substrate. The discrete optical unit  343  can be bonded to the supporting layer at attachment portions  314  using an adhesive (including solder, direct bond, etc., as discussed above). When the discrete optical unit  343  is attached to the supporting layer (e.g., supporting layer  242  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , supporting layer  342  illustrated in  FIG.  3 A ), the attachment portions  314  can be located in one or more cavities of the supporting layer, outside of one or more cavities, or both. The optics  391  may also be located, at least in part, over (e.g., same line of sight) one or more cavities (e.g., cavity  221  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , cavities  321  illustrated in  FIG.  3 A ) of the supporting layer. In this manner, the discrete optical unit can provide a plurality of mirrors (e.g., outcouplers) for the device using a single substrate. Additionally, the plurality of outcouplers may be a two-dimensional array of outcouplers. In some examples, at least some of the plurality of outcouplers may be at locations inside from the edges of the device. 
     Examples of the disclosure can also include other components, such as a plurality of detector arrays, included in the substrate that forms the discrete optical unit.  FIG.  3 C  illustrates a top view of an exemplary discrete optical unit including detector arrays according to examples of the disclosure. The discrete optical unit  343  can include a plurality of detector arrays  330  formed and/or attached to the substrate. In some examples, the detector arrays  330  can be formed and/or attached before the discrete optical unit  343  is bonded to the supporting layer. In some examples, the substrate that forms the discrete optical unit  343  can include a plurality of metal traces (e.g., to route signals to the detector array). In this manner, a number of components can be included in the discrete optical unit: optics (e.g., on the other side of the discrete optical unit  343  from mirror  309 ), outcouplers, detectors, traces (e.g., traces  331 ), and the like. 
     In some instances, an outcoupler can be associated with one of the detector arrays. For example, the mirror  309 A can be associated with the detector array  330 A, cavity  321 A, and corresponding traces  331 A. Light redirected by mirror  309 A to one region of the measured sample volume can return and be measured by the detector array  330 A. Similarly, the mirror  309 C can be associated with the detector array  330 C, cavity  321 C, and corresponding traces  331 C. Light redirected by mirror  309 C to another region of the measured sample volume can return and be measured by the detector array  330 C. Traces  331 A can transmit signals generated by detector  330 A and indicative of the return light measured by the detector array  330 A. Traces  331 C can transmit signals generated by detector  330 C and indicative of the return light measured by the detector array  330 C. A controller (e.g., controller  140  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ) can receive signals transmitted by traces  331 A and traces  331 C to determine one or more properties of the measured sample volume. 
     The cavities  321 , mirrors  309 , attachment portions  314 , optics  391 , discrete optical unit  343 , and/or supporting layer  342  can have one or more properties and/or functions similar to the cavity  221 , mirror  209 , attachment portion  214 , optics  291 , discrete optical unit  243 , and supporting layer  242  discussed above in the context of  FIG.  2 A . 
     Discrete Optical Units 
     The integrated photonics device can also include a fill material.  FIG.  4 A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary portion of an integrated photonics device including a fill material according to examples of the disclosure. The fill material  432  can be deposited between the facet wall  422  of the cavity  421  and the receiving facet  445  of the discrete optical unit  443 . Without the fill material, this region would comprise air (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2 A ). The interface between air and the facet wall of the cavity and between air and the receiving facet of the discrete optical unit can cause a potential etalon. In some examples, the fill material  432  can include the same materials and/or layer structure as layers  410 . For example, the fill material  432  can be the same as layer  410 A, layer  410 B, and/or layer  410 C. In some instances, the fill material  432  can include the same material as the supporting layer  442 . In some examples, the fill material  432  can include amorphous silicon. 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit  443  can include one or more overhangs  433 . The figure illustrates an overhang  433  located to the left of optics  491 . Examples of the disclosure can include an overhang located to the right of the attachment portion  414  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4 F ). The overhang  433  can be a portion of the discrete optical unit  443  located proximate to optics  491 . The overhang  433  can include the same materials as the mirror  409  and/or optics  491 . The overhang  433  can be included to capture portions of light  441  that has reflected off mirror  409 . For example, light  441 A may be lost without the overhang  433 . With the overhang  433 , light  441 A can be captured by other optics (not shown) and directed to the system interface  480 . In some examples, an integrated photonics device that includes the overhang  433  may not include a fill material  432 . 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit  443  can have an angled receiving facet  445  (e.g., angled relative to the bottom of the cavity  421 ), as shown in  FIG.  4 B . The angled facet can facilitate the process of depositing the fill material  432 . In some instances, the fill material  432  may also have an angled edge. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIG.  4 C , the facet wall  422  can be angled. 
     In some instances, the device  400  can include one or more ledges  434 , as shown in  FIG.  4 D . The ledge  434  can be used to attach the discrete optical unit  443  to the supporting layer  442 , layers  410 , or both. The discrete optical unit  443  can attach to the ledge  434  via the attachment portion  414  using adhesive layer  412 . The ledge  434  can include any type of material such as those included in one or more of the layers  410 . For example, as shown in the figure, in forming the ledge  434 , the layer  410 A may not be deposited or may be removed, while layer  410 B and layer  410 C can be deposited or not removed. In some examples, the cavity  421  may have a smaller width than if the device did not include a ledge (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4 A ). In some examples, the ledge  434  may be a separate component that attaches to both the cavity  421  and the discrete optical unit  443  (not shown). 
     The cavity may also include one or more pedestals, as shown in  FIG.  4 E . A pedestal  435  can be located at the bottom of the cavity  421 . The discrete optical unit  443  can be bonded to the pedestal  435  via its attachment portion  414  using an adhesive  412 . The pedestal  435  can be configured to provide the same location and/or plane for the bottom of the mirror  409 . In this manner, the recess of the cavity  421  can be etched and any changes in the depth of the recess can be compensated for with the pedestal  435 . In some examples, the height of the pedestal  435  can be based on the depth of the cavity  421 . 
       FIG.  4 F  illustrates another example, where a side  436  of the attachment portion  414  can be angled wall relative to the bottom of the cavity  421 . The angled side  436  can help attach the discrete optical unit  443  to the supporting layer  442 . An adhesive  412  can be located between the angled side  436  and the supporting layer  442 , as shown. In some examples, the gap  416 , located between the mirror  409  and the attachment portion  414 , can be filled at least partially with adhesive. 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit may be a prism.  FIG.  4 G  illustrates an exemplary discrete optical unit that includes a prism according to examples of the disclosure. The discrete optical unit  443  can have at least one side that forms a mirror  409 . The mirror  409  may, optionally, include a metal layer  408  deposited on the mirror  409 . In this manner, the mirror  409  can be the receiving facet of the discrete optical unit  443 . In some instances, the collimating optics can be located on a component (not shown) separate from the discrete optical unit  443 . 
     The cavities  421 , mirrors  409 , attachment portions  414 , optics  491 , discrete optical unit  443 , supporting layer  442 , layers  410 , facet wall  422 , receiving facet  445 , and/or adhesive  412  can have one or more properties and/or functions similar to the cavity  221 , mirror  209 , attachment portion  214 , optics  291 , discrete optical unit  243 , supporting layer  242 , layers  210 , facet wall  222 , receiving facet  245 , and adhesive  212  discussed above in the context of  FIG.  2 A  (and similarly,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C ). Additionally, the examples of the disclosure related to other components and features such as the anti-reflection coating  223 , anti-reflection coating  244 , anti-reflection coating  245 , and gap  216  are applicable. 
     Fabrication of a Portion of an Exemplary Integrated Photonics Device 
     The discrete optical unit and the supporting layer can be formed in separate concurrent or serial processes.  FIG.  5 A  illustrates an exemplary process for fabricating an exemplary discrete optical unit according to examples of the disclosure. The process can begin by forming the discrete optical unit (e.g., discrete optical unit  443  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ), which can include providing a substrate (step  552  of process  550 ). One or more mirrors (e.g., mirror  409  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) can be formed in a side (e.g., bottom side that faces the cavities when the discrete optical unit is attached to the supporting layer) of the discrete optical unit (step  554  of process  550 ). In some examples, the discrete optical unit may include a prism, where the mirror can be a side of the prism (as shown in  FIG.  4 G ). The mirror can be formed using any number of etching techniques such as gray scale etching, crystal plane etching, wet chemistry etching, and dry etching. Additionally, the mirror can be any angle (relative to a receiving facet of the discrete optical unit) including, but not limited to, 30°, 45°, 54.7°, 60°, etc. The angled wall of the mirror can be at any angle not coinciding with a crystallographic plane of the discrete optical unit. In some examples, a metal layer (e.g., metal layer  408  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) may can be deposited on the mirror (step  556  of process  550 ). In some examples, another angled side of the discrete optical unit can be formed. For example, side  436  illustrated in  FIG.  4 F  can be formed before, after, or at the same time mirror  409  is formed. 
     In some examples, a side of the discrete optical unit can be polished or etched to create an angled receiving facet (e.g., receiving facet  445  illustrated in  FIG.  4 B ). In some examples, such as in devices where a fill material is not used, an anti-reflection coating (e.g., anti-reflection coating  244  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) can be deposited on a receiving facet (e.g., receiving facet  445  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F ) of the discrete optical unit (step  558  of process  550 ). 
     Optionally, one or more overhangs (e.g., overhang  433  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F ) may be formed in one or more sides of the discrete optical unit (step  560  of process  550 ). In some examples, optics (e.g., optics  491  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F ) can be formed in another side (e.g., top side), opposite the first side, of the discrete optical unit (step  562  of process  550 ). In some examples, the optics can be formed in another component, separate from the discrete optical unit. 
     Additionally, in some examples, one or more process steps can include forming or attaching detector arrays (e.g., detector arrays  330  illustrated in  FIG.  3 C ), traces (e.g., traces  331  illustrated in  FIG.  3 C ), and/or other components in the discrete optical unit. 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates an exemplary process for forming the supporting layer and attaching the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer according to examples of the disclosure. A supporting layer (e.g., supporting layer  442  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) and one or more (other) layers (e.g., layers  210  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , layers  410  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) can be provided (step  564  of process  551 ). One or more cavities (e.g., cavity  421  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) can be formed in the supporting layer and/or the other layers (step  566  of process  551 ). The cavities can be formed using any type of etching technique such as dry etching or wet etching. In some instances, at least one wall of the cavity can be etched to form an angled wall (e.g., facet wall  422  illustrated in  FIG.  4 C ). In some examples, the etching may be selective to form one or more ledges (e.g., ledge  434  illustrated in  FIG.  4 D ). 
     In some examples, one or more components can be provided and attached to the cavity. For example, a ledge (e.g., ledge  434  illustrated in  FIG.  4 D ) and/or a pedestal (e.g., pedestal  435  illustrated in  FIG.  4 E ) can be formed or bonded to the bottom of the cavity (e.g., cavity  421  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 D- 4 E ). In some examples, such as in devices where a fill material is not used, an anti-reflection coating (e.g., anti-reflection coating  223  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) can be deposited on at least one wall (e.g., facet wall  422  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) of the cavity (step  568  of process  551 ). A receiving facet of the discrete optical unit can be oriented towards a facet wall of a cavity. 
     Adhesive (e.g., adhesive  412  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) may optionally be dispensed at one or more attachment regions (step  570  of process  551 ). The discrete optical unit(s) can be attached to the supporting layer at the attachment regions (step  572  of process  551 ). 
     In some examples, as discussed above in the context of  FIG.  2 C , the process  551  can include a step (not shown) of removing a portion of the discrete optical unit (e.g., discrete optical unit  247 ) to reduce its height. The process  551  may further include depositing an overmold layer (e.g., overmold layer  233  illustrated in  FIG.  2 C ) after the discrete optical unit (e.g., discrete optical unit  247  illustrated in  FIG.  2 C ) is attached in step  572 , and testing the discrete optical unit  247 . Additionally, the process  551  may include removing the discrete optical unit  247  (if, e.g., the discrete optical unit  247  does not meet one or more criteria) or may include keeping the discrete optical unit  247  attached (if, e.g., the discrete optical unit meets one or more criteria). 
     Optionally, a fill material (e.g., fill material  432  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ) can be deposited in a portion of the cavity (e.g., cavity  421  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) of the supporting layer (step  574  of process  551 ). In some examples, such as when the discrete optical unit is integrated into the supporting layer and other layers (e.g., layers  210  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A , layers  410  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ), the top surface of the discrete optical unit is polished such that it can be flush with the other layers. 
     In some examples, the discrete optical unit can be bonded to the supporting layer by kinematic mounting. Negatively etched features can be formed in the bottom of the cavity, and protruding features can be formed in the discrete optical unit. The negatively etched features and protruding features can be kinematically mated. Additionally or alternatively, fiducials can be patterned on the discrete optical unit and the supporting layer for kinematic mounting. The fiducials can include features made from a metal layer or another material, for example. 
     In other examples, the discrete optical unit can be bonded to the supporting layer using an active alignment process. The process can use an adhesive (e.g., solder, glue, direct bond, etc.), as discussed above, and one or more waveguides. The one or more waveguides can propagate light to the discrete optical unit. The light can be imaged externally or can reflect back to the detectors, which can be mounted on top of the discrete optical unit, for example. Light can be emitted by one or more light sources and/or a fiber coupled to the waveguide. The active alignment process can be performed either before or after multiple dies are separated (e.g., diced). 
     In some examples, the collimating optics (e.g., optics  491  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 F ) can be formed in the discrete optical unit after bonding to the supporting layer. An anti-reflection coating (e.g., anti-reflection coating  245  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ) can be deposited on top of the collimating optics (e.g., optics  291  illustrated in  FIG.  2 A ), whether the collimating optics is formed before or after the discrete optical unit is bonded to the supporting layer. 
     In instances where the discrete optical unit includes glass, a cure (e.g., ultraviolet cure) can be performed to set the adhesive (e.g., adhesive  412  illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 G ) used to adhere the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer, other layers, or both. In some examples, the discrete optical unit and the supporting layer can be bonded using a direct bonding. The contacting surfaces of the discrete optical unit and the supporting layer can be polished. Alternatively, the process of etching the cavity can lead to a surface in the supporting layer suitable for direct bonding. 
     Multiple Waveguides and a Common Mirror 
     Examples of the disclosure include an integrated photonics device having a plurality of waveguides. In some instances, the plurality of waveguides can share a common mirror.  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a top view of an exemplary integrated photonics device including a plurality of waveguides and a common mirror according to examples of the disclosure. The device  600  can include a cavity  621  and a plurality of waveguides  611 . The plurality of waveguides  611  can have termination points  612  located at the facet wall  622  of the cavity  621 . The cavity  621  can include the attachment region  613 , where the discrete optical units can be bonded to the supporting layer. 
     In some examples, the waveguides may be located in a staggered (e.g., staircase) arrangement, as shown in  FIG.  6 B . The plurality of waveguides  611 , facet wall(s)  622  of the cavity  621 , and the termination points  612  can be arranged in a staggered manner. The plurality of waveguides can be associated with a plurality of mirrors  609 . In one example, the plurality of mirrors  609  can be separate and distinct discrete optical units, as shown in  FIG.  6 B . 
     In another example, the plurality of mirrors  609  can be formed on a single discrete optical unit, as shown in  FIG.  6 C . The single discrete optical unit  643  having multiple mirrors arranged in a staggered manner. The spacing between the termination points  612  of the plurality of waveguides  611  and the mirrors can be the same.  FIG.  6 D  illustrates a top view of an exemplary supporting layer  642  including a plurality of cavities  621  having staggered facet walls according to examples of the disclosure. In some examples, the discrete optical unit  643  can be attached to the supporting layer  642  in one or more regions where the cavities  621  are not located. 
     In the above examples, the mirrors are not limited to having the same properties. Examples of the disclosure can include at least two mirrors having one or more of different angles, sizes, shapes, type of metal layer, and the like. Additionally, the locations of the mirrors are not limited to a one- or two-dimensional array of mirrors having equal spacing between mirrors. The mirrors can be placed anywhere along the device and in any manner. 
     An integrated photonics device is disclosed. The integrated photonics device can include: a supporting layer including one or more cavities, at least one cavity including a facet wall; one or more light emitters that emit light towards the facet wall; a plurality of layers disposed on the supporting layer, wherein at least some of the plurality of layers are configured as one or more waveguides for the one or more light emitters; a discrete optical unit including: a substrate; one or more receiving facets that receive the emitted light, wherein the one or more receiving facets are formed from one or more sides of the substrate; one or more mirrors that redirect the emitted light received by the one or more receiving facets, wherein the one or more mirrors are formed from one or more sides of the substrate; and one or more attachment portions that bond the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer, wherein the one or more attachment portions are formed from one or more sides of the substrate; and an adhesive layer that bonds the one or more attachment portions of the discrete optical unit to the supporting layer, at least one of the plurality of layers, or both. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrated photonics device further comprises one or more antireflection coatings, the one or more anti-reflection coatings disposed on one or more of the facet wall and the one or more receiving facets. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the discrete optical unit further comprises at least one optic that receives the redirected light. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the at least one optics includes a same material as the discrete optical unit. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, at least one of the one or more mirrors is angled relative to the facet wall and the one or more receiving facets. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, a bottom of at least one of the one or more mirrors is located closer to a bottom of the at least one cavity than the plurality of layers. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrated photonics device further comprises a fill material located between the facet wall and at least one of the one or more receiving facets. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the fill material includes a same material as at least one of the plurality of layers. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrated photonics device further comprises: a system interface, wherein the plurality of layers is located closer to the system interface than the supporting layer, and further wherein a top of the discrete optical unit is located closer to the system interface than a top of the plurality of layers. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the plurality of layers includes a silicon on insulator (SOI) layer and a buried oxide (BOX) layer. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, at least one of the one or more cavities is configured to attach to at least a portion of the discrete optical unit and does not receive the emitted light. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrated photonics device further comprises one or more detector arrays attached to the substrate of the discrete optical unit. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the integrated photonics device further comprises a plurality of traces disposed on the substrate of the discrete optical unit. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, termination points of the one or more waveguides are located in a same cavity, and one of the one or more mirrors is used to redirect the emitted light from the one or more waveguides. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, at least two of the one or more mirrors have different angles. 
     A method for emitting light out of a device is disclosed. The method comprises: emitting light by a light emitter, the light emitter included in the device; propagating the emitted light through a waveguide formed by at least some of a plurality of layers, wherein the waveguide and the plurality of layers are included in the device; receiving the emitted light at a facet wall of a cavity, the cavity included in a supporting layer of the device; receiving the emitted light at a receiving facet of a discrete optical unit, the discrete optical unit bonded to the supporting layer; redirecting the emitted light using a mirror of the discrete optical unit towards an optic; and directing the redirected light using the optic to a system interface of the device. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further comprises: changing one or more angles of divergence of the emitted light at the facet wall of the cavity using a fill material. 
     A method for forming an integrated photonics device is disclosed. The method comprises: forming a discrete optical unit, wherein forming the discrete optical unit includes: providing a substrate; and forming one or more mirrors in one or more sides of the substrate; forming one or more cavities in a supporting layer, other layers, or both, wherein at least one of the one or more cavities include a facet wall; orienting a receiving facet of the discrete optical unit towards the facet wall of the at least one of the one or more cavities; and attaching the discrete optical unit to one or more of the supporting layer, the other layers, or both. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the method further comprises: depositing a fill material in the at least one of the one or more cavities between the receiving facet of the discrete optical unit and the facet wall of the at least one of the one or more cavities. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, forming the discrete optical unit further comprises forming one or more overhangs in one or more sides of the substrate. 
     Although the disclosed examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed examples as defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190621
Publication Date: 20230509
Grant Date: 20230509
Priority Date: 20180622
Inventors: BISHOP, MICHAEL J.
IYER, VIJAY M.
Schachne, Lexie Nicole
PELC, Jason
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B6/122", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/12004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/4214", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/4257", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/12004", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/4244", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/4244", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/122", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/4244", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/12004", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2006/12104", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 67254014