Optical sensor with microsphere structure

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of optical sensor with microsphere structure, including light transmission layer, photoelectric unit and substrate.Light transmission layer includes microsphere bearing structure and multiple microsphere lenses.Microsphere bearing structure is set on substrate.Multiple microsphere lenses are set on microsphere bearing structure.The height of each of multiple microsphere lenses is less than or equal to the radius of each of multiple microsphere lenses.Photoelectric unit is electrically connected to substrate.Photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through at least one of multiple microsphere lenses or microsphere bearing structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to optical sensors, and more particularly to an optical sensor with a microsphere structure. Background Technology

[0002] Optical sensors are devices used to detect changes in light and convert them into electrical signals. If the light signal incident on an optical sensor can be highly concentrated within the effective area of ​​a photodiode, the optical sensor can accurately detect the light intensity and further estimate the distance based on the calculated light intensity, especially when the light signal energy is weak. However, traditional optical sensors have poor light sensitivity. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to propose an optical sensor with a microsphere structure to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] One embodiment of this utility model discloses an optical sensor with a microsphere structure, comprising: a substrate; a light-transmitting layer including: a microsphere support structure disposed on the substrate; a microsphere lens disposed on the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of the microsphere lens is less than or equal to the radius of the microsphere lens; and a photoelectric unit electrically connected to the substrate; wherein the photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through the microsphere lens or the microsphere support structure.

[0005] Optionally, the height of the microsphere lens is between the radius of the microsphere lens and one-third of its radius.

[0006] Optionally, the height of the microsphere lens is between two-thirds and one-third of the radius of the microsphere lens.

[0007] Optionally, the height of the microsphere lens is between one-half and one-third of the radius of the microsphere lens.

[0008] Optionally, the optoelectronic unit is encapsulated between the microsphere support structure and the substrate.

[0009] Optionally, the thickness of the microsphere support structure is between 10% and 100% of the radius of the microsphere lens.

[0010] Optionally, the photoelectric unit is configured to receive light that is reflected at least once inside the microsphere support structure.

[0011] One embodiment of this utility model discloses an optical sensor with a microsphere structure, comprising: a substrate; a light-transmitting layer including: a microsphere support structure disposed on the substrate; a plurality of microsphere lenses disposed on the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is less than or equal to the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses; and a photoelectric unit electrically connected to the substrate; wherein the photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through at least one of the plurality of microsphere lenses or the microsphere support structure.

[0012] Optionally, multiple microsphere lenses are arranged in an array.

[0013] Alternatively, multiple microsphere lenses may not intersect or overlap with each other.

[0014] Optionally, a connecting boundary is formed between the spherical surfaces of any two adjacent microsphere lenses, and the distance between the connecting boundary and the top surface of the microsphere support structure is in the range of 10% to 50% of the respective radius of each of the multiple microsphere lenses.

[0015] Optionally, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is between the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses and one-third of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses.

[0016] Optionally, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is between two-thirds and one-third of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses.

[0017] Optionally, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is between one-half and one-third of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses.

[0018] Optionally, the microsphere support structure and multiple microsphere lenses are integrally formed into a continuous structure.

[0019] Optionally, each microsphere lens has a vertex away from the microsphere support structure, and a first spacing is defined between the vertices of any two adjacent microsphere lenses arranged along a first direction. The first spacing is in the range of 12.5% ​​to 150% of the radius of either of the two adjacent lenses.

[0020] Optionally, a second spacing is defined between the vertices of any two adjacent microsphere lenses arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second spacing is in the range of 75% to 250% of the radius of either of the adjacent lenses.

[0021] Optionally, the light-transmitting layer further includes: a protrusion disposed on one side of the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of the protrusion is greater than the height of each microsphere lens.

[0022] Optionally, the microsphere support structure has a surrounding side surface, and each microsphere lens has at least one side surface that is coplanar with the surrounding side surface.

[0023] Optionally, the photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through at least one of the plurality of microsphere lenses and the microsphere-supporting structure.

[0024] In summary, this invention provides an optical sensor with a microsphere structure. Compared to traditional optical sensors, the optical sensor of this invention further includes one or more microsphere lenses, which can very effectively focus incident light onto a small area, such as the effective area of ​​a photoelectric unit (e.g., a photodiode), thereby significantly increasing the collected light flux and improving the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the optical sensor. Therefore, the optical sensor of this invention has superior light focusing efficiency compared to traditional optical sensors.

[0025] Furthermore, due to the small size and simple shape of the microsphere lens, the optical sensor of this invention is easier to integrate into semiconductor chips or micro-optical systems compared to traditional optical sensors with larger and bulkier lenses.

[0026] Furthermore, the numerous microsphere lenses of the optical sensor of this invention can be manufactured through simple processes such as self-assembly or mold forming, thereby reducing production costs and improving the consistency between components.

[0027] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present utility model, and is not intended to limit the claims of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings are included in the claims of the present utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Side view.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a plan view of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the curve showing the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of radius, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the curve of the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of the horizontal spacing, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the curve of the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of longitudinal spacing, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 14 The bar graph constructed for the optical sensor with a microsphere structure in the eighth embodiment of this utility model shows the number of microsphere lenses on the horizontal axis and the normalized flux on the vertical axis. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this utility model. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this utility model are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this utility model in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Additionally, the term "or" used herein may, depending on the actual situation, include any or more combinations of the associated listed items.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the first embodiment of this utility model.

[0044] The optical sensor of this invention includes a light-transmitting layer 1200, a photoelectric unit 300, and a substrate 400. The light-transmitting layer 1200 includes a microsphere support structure 200 and one or more microsphere lenses 100, for example... Figure 1 The six microsphere lenses 100 shown are microlenses with a spherical shape.

[0045] The microsphere support structure 200 has a front surface 201 and a rear surface 202. A plurality of microsphere lenses 100 are disposed on the front surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200. The front surface 201, as described herein, is the top surface facing the light incident on the light-transmitting layer 1200, and the rear surface 202 is the bottom surface opposite to the front surface 201. The light described herein may be ambient light or light from other light sources, and may include light rays, light beams, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The microsphere support structure 200 is disposed on the substrate 400, and the radius R of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 can be the same as that shown below. Figures 4 to 7 The radius R is indicated in the figure. The height of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is less than or equal to the radius R. A portion of the photoelectric unit 300 may be located within a spherical space defined by the radius R of one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100.

[0047] The optoelectronic unit 300 is electrically connected to the substrate 400. The substrate 400 may include one or more structures or layers, such as, but not limited to, circuit layer 410 and plate body 420. The substrate 400 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, a flexible substrate, a ceramic substrate, or other substrates made of various materials. The circuit layer 410 and the plate body 420 are sequentially stacked on the rear surface 202 of the microsphere support structure 200.

[0048] Multiple microsphere lenses 100 can be integrally formed with the microsphere support structure 200, for example, through a molding process, to form a continuous structure.

[0049] For example, the light-transmitting layer 1200 may be made of glass, polymer, silicon dioxide (SiO2), other transparent or light-transmitting materials, and is used to transmit light to the photoelectric unit 300.

[0050] It is worth noting that in this invention, each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 of the optical sensor includes an optical surface 101 having a spherical curvature. This spherical curvature is a geometric measure of the degree of curvature of the optical surface 101 and is the reciprocal of the radius R of the microsphere lens 100.

[0051] Ideally, each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is perfectly symmetrical in three-dimensional space, particularly exhibiting spherical symmetry. The optical behavior of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is also symmetrical in three-dimensional space. Geometrically, each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 can be a near-perfect spherical micro-object made of glass or a high-refractive-index material. However, in practice, due to manufacturing defects or other factors, each microsphere lens 100 may have a non-ideal spherical shape, such as being slightly elliptical, having an uneven refractive index, or being slightly deformed; the characteristics of such deformed objects are also covered in the embodiments of this invention.

[0052] Multiple microsphere lenses 100 may have one or more identical features, such as the same spherical curvature, radius, circular cross-sectional area, height, size, or any combination thereof.

[0053] The optical surface 101 of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100, having a spherical curvature, may be a smooth outer surface, a structured surface (e.g., a photonic crystal surface or an anti-reflective surface), or other structured surface.

[0054] The center point of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is located on the back side of the microsphere lens 100. Therefore, the optical surface 101 of each microsphere lens 100 is a convex surface with a positive curvature.

[0055] The multiple microsphere lenses 100 are arranged without intersecting or overlapping each other, or are spaced apart by a distance. The distance between any two of the multiple microsphere lenses 100 may be the same as or different from the distance between the other two.

[0056] Multiple microsphere lenses 100 can be arranged in an array, for example Figure 1 As shown, multiple microsphere lenses 100 are arranged in a 3-row, 2-column array, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0057] The photoelectric unit 300 is attached to the microsphere support structure 200. Each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is located directly above or diagonally above the photoelectric unit 300.

[0058] The photoelectric unit 300 is encapsulated between the microsphere support structure 200 and the substrate 400. In practical applications, the optical sensor of this invention may contain more photoelectric units 300, encapsulated between the microsphere support structure 200 and the substrate 400.

[0059] The photoelectric unit 300 may include a light conversion circuit. For example, the light conversion circuit may include one or more photodetectors, such as, but not limited to, photodiodes, charge-coupled devices (CCDs), or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS).

[0060] The photosensitive area (including the effective area) of the photoelectric unit 300 can be aligned with one or more circular cross-sections (i.e., the bottom surface) of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100. The effective area of ​​the photodiode refers to the detection area that receives light and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0061] The photoelectric unit 300 is configured to receive light traveling through the microsphere lens(s) 100 and / or the microsphere support structure 200. For example, the photoelectric unit 300 may be configured to receive light that is reflected at least once inside the microsphere support structure 200.

[0062] When light travels through (multiple) microsphere lenses 100 and / or microsphere support structure 200, various phenomena such as reflection, scattering, absorption, total internal reflection and diffraction may occur, depending on the material properties and geometric parameters of the microsphere lens 100.

[0063] In other words, when light travels through (multiple) microsphere lenses 100, not all light rays will necessarily be refracted, but refraction is the main optical phenomenon because when light travels from one medium (e.g., air) into another medium (i.e., the material of the microsphere lens 100), the difference in refractive index will change the direction of the light rays.

[0064] Compared to traditional optical sensors that use aspherical lenses (such as biconvex lenses, plano-convex lenses, or aspherical lenses), the microsphere lens 100 of the optical sensor of this invention has a better focusing efficiency.

[0065] Traditional aspherical lenses can correct aberrations and achieve high-quality focusing, but at the micro or nanoscale, the microsphere lens 100 of the optical sensor of this invention is more suitable for micro-optical applications (such as photonics and super-resolution imaging) due to its size and spherical symmetry.

[0066] In practical applications, the optical sensor of this invention may further include other processing circuits disposed on the circuit layer 410 and electrically connected to the photoelectric unit 300. These processing circuits may be configured to process, amplify, and convert the electrical signals (e.g., photocurrent) generated by the photoelectric unit 300, and may calculate the intensity of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 based on the electrical signals, and further calculate the distance based on the light intensity.

[0067] It is worth noting that, compared with traditional optical sensors, the optical sensor of this invention includes (multiple) microsphere lenses 100, which effectively enhance the light focusing performance of the optical sensor by guiding more light to the photoelectric unit 300 (e.g., photodiode or other photodetectors mentioned above), thereby improving the overall efficiency and sensitivity of the optical sensor of this invention.

[0068] Please see Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The similarities between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0070] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that, Figure 2 As shown, in the second embodiment, a plurality of microsphere lenses 100 are arranged in a 4-row, 2-column array.

[0071] Please see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the third embodiment of this utility model.

[0072] The similarities between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0073] The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that, Figure 3 As shown, in the third embodiment, a plurality of microsphere lenses 100 are arranged in a 6-row, 3-column array.

[0074] It should be understood that the arrangement and number of microsphere lenses 100 in the various embodiments of this utility model are only illustrative examples, and can be adjusted according to actual needs in practice.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 3 Each or any of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 shown may be identical to, for example Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The microsphere lens 100 shown is described in detail below.

[0076] Please see Figure 4 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the fourth embodiment of this utility model.

[0077] In current applications, the microsphere lens 100 mounted on the microsphere support structure 200 is typically an incomplete spherical lens, for example... Figure 4 The hemispherical lens shown may be a sphere or a smaller sphere than a hemispherical lens.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, in the fourth embodiment, the height of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is equal to the radius R of this microsphere lens 100. The radius R referred to herein is the maximum radius of the circular cross-sectional area of ​​this microsphere lens 100.

[0079] In other words, the distance between the vertex of any one of the multiple microsphere lenses 100 and the front surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200 is equal to the radius R of that microsphere lens 100.

[0080] In practical applications, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 can be between the radius R of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 and one-third of the radius R.

[0081] The thickness T200 of the microsphere support structure 200 is between 10% and 100% of the radius R of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100.

[0082] Please see Figure 5 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the fifth embodiment of this utility model.

[0083] In the fifth embodiment, the height of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is equal to two-thirds of the radius R of the microsphere lens 100. In other words, the distance between the vertex of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 and the front surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200 is equal to two-thirds of the radius R of the microsphere lens 100.

[0084] In practical applications, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 can be between two-thirds and one-third of the radius R of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100.

[0085] Please see Figure 6 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the sixth embodiment of this utility model.

[0086] In the sixth embodiment, the height of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is equal to half the radius R of that microsphere lens 100. In other words, the distance between the vertex of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 and the front surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200 is equal to half the radius R of that microsphere lens 100. In practical applications, the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 may be between one-half and one-third of the radius R of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100.

[0087] Please see Figure 7 This is a side view of the microsphere lens included in the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the seventh embodiment, the height of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is equal to one-third of the radius R of this microsphere lens 100. In other words, the distance between the vertex of any one of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 and the front surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200 is equal to one-third of the radius R of this microsphere lens 100.

[0088] The thirteen configurations of the microsphere lens 100 of this utility model are listed in the first table below:

[0089]

[0090]

[0091] The first table lists the measurement results of thirteen configurations of the microsphere lens 100 of the optical sensor exemplified in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0092] For each configuration of the microsphere lens 100, the external electronic device counts the amount of light received by the photoelectric unit 300 to generate a count value, and generates an evaluation value based on the count value, wherein the evaluation value is positively correlated with the count value.

[0093] The evaluation value of a conventional optical sensor that does not contain any microsphere lens 100 is used as a reference evaluation value, for example, equal to "1".

[0094] If the evaluation value of any configuration of the microsphere lens 100 is higher than the reference evaluation value, it means that the configuration can increase the amount of light received by the photoelectric unit 300 by more than the amount of light received by a conventional optical sensor that does not contain any microsphere lens 200, and the configuration is identified as a positive configuration.

[0095] The optical sensor of this utility model includes, for example, Figure 1 The six microsphere lenses 100 shown are as follows: Figure 2 The eight microsphere lenses shown are 100 or as... Figure 3 In the configuration of the eighteen microsphere lenses 100 shown, the distance between the center points of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 can be 0.26 mm as listed in the first table, and the radius R of each microsphere lens 100 can be 0.09 mm as listed in the first table.

[0096] If the optical sensor of this utility model includes, for example Figure 1 The six microsphere lenses 100 shown have an evaluation value of 1.45, as listed in the first table. If the optical sensor of this invention includes... Figure 2 The eight microsphere lenses 100 shown have an evaluation value of 1.46, as listed in the first table. If the optical sensor of this invention includes... Figure 3 The eighteen microsphere lenses 100 shown have an evaluation value of 1.49, as listed in the first table. These evaluation values ​​of this invention are all greater than the evaluation value "1" of a conventional optical sensor that does not contain any microsphere lenses 100, and also greater than the evaluation values ​​of one of the thirteen configurations of the optical sensor of this invention described above.

[0097] When the optical sensor of this invention includes one, two, three or four microsphere lenses 100, the evaluation value of the optical sensor of this invention is also greater than the evaluation value of the conventional optical sensor.

[0098] An evaluation value of "1" corresponds to 100%, an evaluation value of "1.45" corresponds to 145%, an evaluation value of "1.46" corresponds to 146%, an evaluation value of "1.49" corresponds to 149%, and so on. The higher this percentage, the more light the photoelectric unit 300 receives, and the higher the light collection efficiency of the light sensor.

[0099] It is evident that the optical sensor of this invention comprises (multiple) microsphere lenses 100, and thus has better light collection efficiency than conventional optical sensors.

[0100] Under the same light source emitting the same light, the optical sensor of this invention senses 45% more light than the conventional optical sensor.

[0101] The optical sensor of this invention includes a microsphere lens 100 as its light transmission or light-collecting structure, which differs from the physical structure of traditional optical sensors. As described above, one or more microsphere lenses 100 of the optical sensor of this invention have been proven to effectively guide and concentrate more light to the effective area of ​​the photoelectric unit 300, such as a photodiode, thereby significantly improving the performance of the optical sensor of this invention.

[0102] It should be understood that if the number of microsphere lenses 100 included in the optical sensor of this invention is different from that listed in the first table, the optical sensor of this invention will still have a light-gathering efficiency superior to that of conventional optical sensors. The number of microsphere lenses 100 listed in the first table is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0103] Please refer to R. Figures 8 to 10 ,in Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model. Figure 9 for Figure 8 Side view, Figure 10 This is a plan view of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0104] The differences between the eighth embodiment and the first to third embodiments are described below.

[0105] In the eighth embodiment, the light-transmitting layer 1200 of the optical sensor of the present invention further includes a protrusion 500.

[0106] The protrusion 500 is disposed on the microsphere support structure 200 and arranged on one side of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100. The height of the protrusion 500 is greater than the height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100. In addition, the plurality of microsphere lenses 100, the microsphere support structure 200 and the protrusion 500 provided in this embodiment can be integrally formed into a continuous structure.

[0107] One side surface of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 may be cut to form a plane rather than a surface with spherical curvature, and this plane is one side surface 102 of this microsphere lens 100.

[0108] The microsphere support structure 200 may have a surrounding side 203, and the surrounding side 203 is coplanar with a side 102 of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100.

[0109] In detail, the surrounding side 203 comprises multiple sub-sides. Each sub-side of the surrounding side 203 is coplanar with only one side 102 of a microsphere lens 100. That is, the multiple sub-sides of the surrounding side 203 are coplanar with multiple side 102s of multiple microsphere lenses 100, respectively.

[0110] Alternatively, the protrusion 500 may also serve as a protective structure, configured to protect the multiple microsphere lenses 100, thereby preventing the microsphere lenses 100 from being damaged by foreign objects.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, in the eighth embodiment, multiple microsphere lenses 100 are arranged in a 6-row, 2-column array, and the photoelectric unit 300 may be an integrated circuit integrated on a chip, but this utility model is not limited thereto.

[0112] The surface of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 is at least partially attached to or in direct contact with the surface of the other microsphere lenses 100 adjacent to it.

[0113] A connecting boundary 103 is formed between the spherical surfaces 101 of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the distance H103 between any adjacent connecting boundary 103 of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 and the top surface 201 of the microsphere support structure 200 can be in the range of 10% to 50% of the radius R of each of the two microsphere lenses 100.

[0114] Each of the plurality of microsphere lenses 100 has a vertex CE that is away from the microsphere support structure 200. The vertex CE of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 arranged along the first direction D1 is defined as a first spacing PX, wherein the first spacing PX between any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 may be in the range of 12.5% ​​to 150% of the radius R of either of the two adjacent microsphere lenses 100.

[0115] The second distance PY is defined between the vertices CE of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 arranged along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second distance PY between any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 can be in the range of 75% to 250% of the radius R of either of the two adjacent microsphere lenses 100.

[0116] For example, the first direction D1 is the horizontal direction or the width direction, and the first spacing PX is as follows: Figure 10 The horizontal spacing PX is shown; the second direction D2 is the longitudinal or length direction, and the second spacing PY is as follows. Figure 10 The longitudinal spacing PY is shown.

[0117] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the configuration, the second spacing PY is equal to the first spacing PX. However, in Figure 10 In the configuration, the second spacing PY is different from the first spacing PX, for example, it is greater than the first spacing PX.

[0118] For example, in Figure 10 In this configuration, the ratio of the first spacing PX between any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 to the radius R of either of the two microsphere lenses 100 is between 0.32 and 0.84. For example, the ratio of the second spacing PY between any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 to the radius R of either of the two microsphere lenses 100 is between 1.36 and 2.11.

[0119] Please see Figures 8 to 11 ,in Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the curve showing the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of radius, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0120] Figure 11 The curves show the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 as a function of the radius R of each microsphere lens 100.

[0121] If the radius R of each microsphere lens 100 included in the optical sensor of this utility model is between 0.5 mm and 0.6 mm, the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 will have a larger value.

[0122] Please see Figure 8 and Figures 10 to 12 ,in Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the curve of the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of the horizontal spacing, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0123] The curve showing the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 as a function of the first spacing PX is as follows: Figure 12 As shown.

[0124] If the first distance PX between the center points of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 is in the range of 0.25mm to 0.35mm, the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 will have a larger value.

[0125] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 13 ,in Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the curve of the normalized luminous flux of the microsphere lens of the optical sensor with a microsphere structure as a function of longitudinal spacing, according to the eighth embodiment of this utility model.

[0126] The curve showing the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 as a function of the second spacing PY is as follows: Figure 13 As shown.

[0127] The larger the second distance PY between the center points of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100, the greater the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300. The second distance PY is directly proportional to the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300.

[0128] In other words, when the second distance PY between the center points of any two adjacent microsphere lenses 100 increases, the normalized luminous flux of the light received by the photoelectric unit 300 also increases.

[0129] Please see Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 14 ,in Figure 14 The bar graph constructed for the optical sensor with a microsphere structure in the eighth embodiment of this utility model shows the number of microsphere lenses on the horizontal axis and the normalized flux on the vertical axis.

[0130] Traditional optical sensors do not contain any microsphere lenses 100, therefore the normalized luminous flux is 1 (lm).

[0131] In comparison, the optical sensor of this invention has a normalized luminous flux of approximately 1.18 lm when it includes one microsphere lens 100, and approximately 1.36 lm when it includes six microsphere lenses 100.

[0132] It is evident that the optical sensor of this invention includes (multiple) microsphere lenses 100, which increases the amount of light received by the photoelectric unit 300, thereby improving the sensitivity of the optical sensor of this invention.

[0133] Therefore, the sensitivity of the optical sensor of this invention is superior to that of traditional optical sensors.

[0134] In summary, this invention provides an optical sensor with a microsphere structure. Compared to traditional optical sensors, the optical sensor of this invention further includes one or more microsphere lenses, which can very effectively focus incident light onto a small area, such as the effective area of ​​a photoelectric unit (e.g., a photodiode), thereby significantly increasing the collected light flux and improving the sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the optical sensor. Therefore, the optical sensor of this invention has superior light focusing efficiency compared to traditional optical sensors.

[0135] Furthermore, due to the small size and simple shape of the microsphere lens, the optical sensor of this invention is easier to integrate into semiconductor chips or micro-optical systems compared to traditional optical sensors with larger and bulkier lenses.

[0136] Furthermore, the numerous microsphere lenses of the optical sensor of this invention can be manufactured through simple processes such as self-assembly or mold forming, thereby reducing production costs and improving the consistency between components.

[0137] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present utility model, and is not intended to limit the claims of the present utility model. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made based on the content of the present utility model specification and drawings are included in the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An optical sensor with a microsphere structure, characterized in that, The optical sensor with a microsphere structure includes: substrate; The light-transmitting layer includes: A microsphere support structure is disposed on the substrate; and A microsphere lens is disposed on the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of the microsphere lens is less than or equal to the radius of the microsphere lens; as well as The optoelectronic unit is electrically connected to the substrate; The photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through the microsphere lens or the microsphere support structure.

2. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the microsphere lens is between the radius of the microsphere lens and one-third of the radius.

3. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the microsphere lens is between two-thirds and one-third of the radius of the microsphere lens.

4. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the microsphere lens is between one-half and one-third of the radius of the microsphere lens.

5. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric unit is encapsulated between the microsphere support structure and the substrate.

6. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the microsphere support structure is in the range of 10% to 100% of the radius of the microsphere lens.

7. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric unit is configured to receive light reflected at least once inside the microsphere support structure.

8. An optical sensor with a microsphere structure, characterized in that, The optical sensor with a microsphere structure includes: substrate; The light-transmitting layer includes: A microsphere support structure is disposed on the substrate; and Multiple microsphere lenses are disposed on the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of each of the multiple microsphere lenses is less than or equal to the radius of each of the multiple microsphere lenses; as well as The optoelectronic unit is electrically connected to the substrate; The photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through at least one of the plurality of microsphere lenses or the microsphere support structure.

9. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, Multiple microsphere lenses are arranged in an array.

10. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The multiple microsphere lenses do not intersect or overlap with each other.

11. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, A connecting boundary is formed between the spherical surfaces of any two adjacent microsphere lenses, and the distance between the connecting boundary and the top surface of the microsphere support structure is in the range of 10% to 50% of the respective radius of each of the microsphere lenses.

12. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is within the range of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses to one-third of the radius.

13. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is between two-thirds and one-third of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses.

14. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses is between one-half and one-third of the radius of each of the plurality of microsphere lenses.

15. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The microsphere support structure and the multiple microsphere lenses are integrally formed into a continuous structure.

16. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, Each of the microsphere lenses has a vertex away from the microsphere support structure, and a first spacing is defined between the vertices of any two of the plurality of microsphere lenses arranged along a first direction and adjacent to each other, the first spacing being in the range of 12.5% ​​to 150% of the radius of either of the adjacent lenses.

17. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 16, characterized in that, A second spacing is defined between the vertices of any two of the plurality of microsphere lenses arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and adjacent to each other, the second spacing being in the range of 75% to 250% of the radius of either of the adjacent lenses.

18. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The light-transmitting layer further comprises: A protrusion is provided on one side of the microsphere support structure, wherein the height of the protrusion is greater than the height of each microsphere lens.

19. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The microsphere support structure has a surrounding side surface, and each of the microsphere lenses has at least one side surface that is coplanar with the surrounding side surface.

20. The optical sensor with a microsphere structure according to claim 8, characterized in that, The photoelectric unit is configured to receive light traveling through at least one of the plurality of microsphere lenses and the microsphere support structure.

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