Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device for active depth sensing with an adjustable distribution of light projected. An example device includes a light projector. The light projector includes a light source configured to emit a light and a diffractive element. The diffractive element includes a first diffractive optical element having a first refractive index and configured to project a first distribution of light, a second diffractive optical element having a second refractive index and configured to project a second distribution of light based on a refractive material between the first diffractive optical element and the second diffractive optical element, and the refractive material located between the first diffractive optical element and the second optical element. The refractive material is adjustable to have a second refractive index for the first mode and a third refractive index for the second mode.