Light detection device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

A light detection device of the present disclosure comprises: a light-receiving layer which has a plurality of pixels that each include a plurality of divided pixels and that each detect light of different colors and in which light-receiving elements are disposed with respect to the respective plurality of divided pixels; and a light-condensing layer which condenses incident light toward the light-receiving layer. The plurality of pixels have a first pixel which detects first color light and a second pixel which detects second color light. The light-condensing layer condenses the incident light from a light-condensing region with a first area for each divided pixel with respect to at least the first pixel among the plurality of pixels, and condenses the incident light from a light-condensing region with a second area greater than the first area onto the entire second pixel with respect to at least the second pixel among the plurality of pixels.

Description

Optical Detection Device and Electronic Device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical detection device and an electronic device.

[0002] In an optical detection device applicable to an imaging device or the like, there is a color splitter as a structure having a function equivalent to that of a color filter (see Patent Document 1). The color splitter can perform color separation by having an action of changing the direction of light for each wavelength and splitting it. The color splitter has a structure using a metasurface element (metamaterial structure).

[0003] European Patent Application Publication No. 4161063

[0004] In the optical detection device described in Patent Document 1 above, a technique for enabling detection of a phase difference has been proposed, but in this technique, the resolution decreases.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an optical detection device and an electronic device capable of improving the resolution.

[0006] The optical detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light receiving layer having a plurality of pixels each including a plurality of divided pixels and each detecting different color light, and a light collecting layer that condenses incident light toward the light receiving layer. The plurality of pixels include a first pixel that detects first color light and a second pixel that detects second color light. The light collecting layer condenses incident light from a light collecting region having a first area for each divided pixel with respect to at least the first pixel among the plurality of pixels, and condenses incident light from a light collecting region having a second area wider than the first area with respect to the entire second pixel among the plurality of pixels.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light detection device, the light detection device having a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a plurality of segmented pixels and each which detects light of a different color from each other, and a light receiving layer on which a light receiving element is arranged for each of the plurality of segmented pixels, and a light concentrating layer that focuses incident light toward the light detection layer. The plurality of pixels include a first pixel that detects a first color of light and a second pixel that detects a second color of light. The light concentrating layer focuses incident light from a light concentrating region having a first area for each segmented pixel for at least the first pixel of the plurality of pixels, and focuses incident light from a light concentrating region having a second area that is larger than the first area for the entire second pixel for at least the second pixel of the plurality of pixels.

[0008] In an optical detection device or electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a first area for each divided pixel to at least one of the plurality of pixels, and incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a second area that is larger than the first area for the entire second pixel to the entire second pixel to the entire second pixel.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a photodetector according to a comparative example. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a signal processing system configuration in the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of signal processing in the photodetector according to a comparative example. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of a photodetector according to a comparative example. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a pixel section configuration in a photodetector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a signal processing system configuration in a photodetector according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of signal processing in a photodetector according to one embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to modification 1 of one embodiment. Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to Modification 1 of one embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to Modification 2 of one embodiment. Figure 14 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to Modification 2 of one embodiment. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 3 of one embodiment. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 3 of one embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 4 of one embodiment. Figure 18 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 5 of one embodiment. Figure 19 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 6 of one embodiment. Figure 20 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 6 of one embodiment.

[0010] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order: 0. Comparative Examples 1. One Embodiment 1.1 Configuration and Operation 1.2 Modifications 1.3 Effects 2. Other Embodiments

[0011] <0. Comparative Example> Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first configuration example of a photodetector according to a comparative example. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the pixel structure in the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1.

[0012] The photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1 comprises a light-receiving layer 10, a filter layer 40, and a light-collecting layer 220. A plurality of separation walls 31 are arranged between the light-receiving layer 10 and the light-collecting layer 220 to block (optically separate) the incident light.

[0013] The filter layer 40 is positioned between the light-receiving layer 10 and the light-collecting layer 220. The filter layer 40 has multiple color filters that transmit light of different colors from each other.

[0014] The comparative example shown in Figure 1 is a light detection device in which the light-collecting layer 220 has an OCL (on-chip lens) structure and has microlenses 221 which are light-collecting lenses provided for each of the multiple pixels.

[0015] The light-receiving layer 10 is made of, for example, a semiconductor substrate and has a plurality of light-receiving elements 11, each having a structure in which a plurality of pixels, including a plurality of segmented pixels P1, are arranged. The surface on which the plurality of light-receiving elements 11 are formed is the light-receiving surface. When applied to an imaging device or the like, it has a structure in which the plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally. The light-receiving elements 11 are made of, for example, PDs (photodiodes). The light-receiving elements 11 output a pixel signal corresponding to the incident light. The plurality of light-receiving elements 11 are pixel-separated by a pixel separation unit 12.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an example of a Bayer array configuration in which multiple pixels are arranged such that R pixels detect red (R) light, G pixels detect green (G) light, and B pixels detect blue (B) light. In this case, the filter layer 40 has an R filter that transmits red light, a G filter that transmits green light, and a B filter that transmits blue light. Figure 2 also shows an example configuration in which the R pixels, G pixels, and B pixels each contain four segmented pixels P1.

[0017] In the comparative example shown in Figure 1, one microlens 221 is provided in common for multiple segmented pixels P1 (four segmented pixels P1 in the example of Figure 2) in each of the R, G, and B pixels. In each of the R, G, and B pixels, light from the light-gathering region of one microlens 221 is incident on multiple segmented pixels P1 (four segmented pixels P1 in the example of Figure 2).

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram showing one example of the signal processing system configuration of the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1. The photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1 comprises a pixel unit 101, an AD (Analog to Digital) conversion unit (ADC) 102, and an IF (Interface) unit 103, as shown in Figure 3.

[0019] The AD conversion unit 102 performs pixel readout processing to generate a pixel signal by performing AD conversion on the signals from multiple pixels for each divided pixel P1. The AD conversion unit 102 is configured to perform pixel binning on the pixel signals from each of the multiple divided pixels P1 in the multiple pixels.

[0020] The IF unit 103 consists of, for example, MIPI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface), and outputs the image signal after pixel summing as image data.

[0021] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of signal processing in the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1. In the photodetector according to the comparative example shown in Figure 1, for example, pixel summing is performed on the pixel signals from two vertically divided pixels P1 for each of the R, G, and B pixels, as shown in Figure 4. This makes it possible to detect the phase difference for each color pixel based on the two pixel signals after the pixel summing process.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second configuration example of a photodetector according to a comparative example.

[0023] The comparative example shown in Figure 5 is equipped with a light-collecting layer 20 with a metasurface structure instead of the light-collecting layer 220 with an OCL structure, compared to the comparative example shown in Figure 1. In addition, the comparative example shown in Figure 5 has a spacer layer 30 placed between the light-receiving layer 10 and the light-collecting layer 20.

[0024] The light-gathering layer 20 is a color splitter layer that focuses incident light toward the light-receiving layer 10 according to its wavelength. The light-gathering layer 20 includes a plurality of pillars 21, which are made up of, for example, cylindrical microstructures, and a medium 22. The plurality of pillars 21 produce an optical effect on the incident light according to its wavelength.

[0025] The pillars 21 and the medium 22 are composed of materials with different refractive indices. For example, pillars 21 made of a high refractive index material are placed in a medium 22 made of a low refractive index material. The metasurface has the effect of delaying the phase of incident light according to the wavelength and deflecting the incident light according to the wavelength by arranging a plurality of pillars 21, which are microstructures smaller than the wavelength of light, in the medium 22. As a result, the light-collecting layer 20 has the effect of splitting the light by changing the direction of the light according to the wavelength, thereby enabling color separation.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example configuration in which, in each of the R, G, and B pixels, the light separated by the light-gathering layer 20 is incident on each of the multiple segmented pixels P1.

[0027] In color splitter-type photodetectors, compared to OCL-type photodetectors, light can be focused from a wider focusing area to a single pixel; however, this results in a degradation of the actual resolution. In color splitter-type photodetectors, resolution can be improved by adopting a structure that focuses light to each of multiple segmented pixels P1 for each pixel; however, in this case, it becomes difficult to detect the phase difference for each pixel. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a technology that can detect the phase difference while improving the resolution in color splitter-type photodetectors.

[0028] <1. One Embodiment> [1.1 Configuration and Operation] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing one example of the configuration of the signal processing system of a photodetector according to one embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 9, the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment includes a pixel unit 1, a readout unit 200 having an AD conversion unit 2, a signal processing unit 3, an IF unit 4, and an IF unit 5.

[0030] First, the structure of the pixel section 1 in the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment will be described. Note that parts that are substantially the same as those in the light detection device according to the comparative example (Figures 1 and 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one example of the configuration of the pixel section 1 of a light detection device 201 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 7 and 8 are schematic plan views showing an example of the pixel structure in a light detection device 201 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of the pixel structure along with an example of the light-gathering state in a G pixel. Figure 8 shows an example of the pixel structure along with an example of the light-gathering state in an R pixel.

[0032] A light detection device 201 according to one embodiment comprises a light receiving layer 10, a light collecting layer 20, a spacer layer 30, and a filter layer 40.

[0033] Each light-receiving layer 10 includes multiple segmented pixels P1, each having multiple pixels that detect light of different colors from each other, and a light-receiving element 11 is arranged for each of the multiple segmented pixels P1.

[0034] Figures 7 and 8 show an example of a Bayer array configuration in which multiple pixels are arranged, with R pixels for detecting red light, G pixels for detecting green light, and B pixels for detecting blue light. In this case, the filter layer 40 has an R filter that transmits red light, a G filter that transmits green light, and a B filter that transmits blue light. Figures 7 and 8 also show an example configuration in which the R pixels, G pixels, and B pixels each include four segmented pixels P1.

[0035] Multiple pixels include a first pixel that detects a first color of light and a second pixel that detects a second color of light. Here, we will explain using the example where the first color of light is green light, the first pixel is a G pixel, the second color of light is red or blue light, and the second pixel is an R pixel or a B pixel.

[0036] The light-gathering layer 20 is structured to concentrate incident light from a light-gathering region having a first area for each segmented pixel P1, for at least the first pixel, the G pixel, among the multiple pixels (see Figures 6 and 7). Furthermore, the light-gathering layer 20 is structured to concentrate incident light from a light-gathering region having a second area larger than the first area for the entire pixel, for at least the second pixels, the R pixel and the B pixel, among the multiple pixels (see Figures 6 and 8).

[0037] Multiple pixels may have different optical separation structures for the first pixel, the G pixel, and the second pixels, the R and B pixels, between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 (directly above the light-receiving element 11). For example, as shown in Figure 6, the arrangement of the separation wall 31 that shields the incident light (optical separation) may differ between the first pixel, the G pixel, and the second pixels, the R and B pixels.

[0038] In the configuration example shown in Figure 6, for the first pixels, the G pixels, separation walls 31 are arranged between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 so that optical separation is performed for each segmented pixel P1. In contrast, for the second pixels, the R pixels and B pixels, separation walls 31 are not arranged between adjacent segmented pixels P1. By performing fine optical separation only for the G pixels in this way, it is possible to prevent the mixing of light between pixels of the same color, thereby increasing the resolution. In addition, the difference in light sensitivity between pixels of the same color can be kept small for the G pixels. On the other hand, by not performing optical separation for the R pixels and B pixels, light is focused to the vicinity of the center of each pixel in units of multiple segmented pixels P1 (four segmented pixels P1 in the example of Figure 8), and phase difference can be detected from the difference in light sensitivity between, for example, the left and right segmented pixels P1.

[0039] Next, with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the configuration of the signal processing system in the photodetector 201 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the signal processing in the photodetector 201 according to one embodiment. The upper part of Figure 10 shows an example of processing that prioritizes resolution, and the lower part of Figure 10 shows an example of processing that balances resolution and fps (frame rate).

[0040] The reading unit 200 is capable of performing pixel readout processing, such as generating a pixel signal by performing AD conversion on signals from multiple pixels for each segmented pixel P1.

[0041] The signal processing unit 3 is capable of performing pixel binning, phase difference detection, and resolution restoration on the pixel signals read out by the reading unit 200.

[0042] The reading unit 200 is configured to be able to perform pixel addition processing on pixel signals from a plurality of divided pixels P1 in each of a plurality of pixels. The reading unit 200 may make the number of divided pixels P1 to be added and the addition direction of the divided pixels P1 different between the first pixel and pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the number of divided pixels P1 to be added and the addition direction of the divided pixels P1 may be made different between the G pixel and the R and B pixels.

[0043] Further, the reading unit 200 may perform pixel reading processing so that the number of pixel readings for the first pixel is greater than the number of pixel readings for pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, pixel reading processing may be performed so that the number of pixel readings for the G pixel is greater than the number of pixel readings for the R and B pixels.

[0044] Further, the reading unit 200 may perform pixel reading processing so as to make at least one of the pixel reading direction and the order of pixel reading different between the first pixel and pixels other than the first pixel. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, pixel reading processing may be performed so as to make at least one of the pixel reading direction and the order of pixel reading different between the G pixel and the R and B pixels.

[0045] The signal processing unit 3 is capable of performing resolution restoration processing on the pixel signal and phase difference detection processing on the pixel signal.

[0046] The signal processing unit 3, for example, acquires information for performing resolution restoration processing based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel, and performs resolution restoration processing on the pixel signal after pixel addition processing. The signal processing unit 3, for example, performs direction determination based on information acquired from the G pixel, which is the first pixel, and performs edge enhancement and resolution restoration processing based on the direction determination result.

[0047] Further, the signal processing unit 3 performs a phase difference detection process based on pixel signals read from R pixels and B pixels, which are pixels other than the first pixel, for example.

[0048] The IF unit 4 is, for example, composed of MIPI, and outputs the image signal after signal processing by the signal processing unit 3 as image data to an external image processing device, an AP (Application Processor) 202. The AP 202 may be an ISP (Image Signal Processor). The AP 202 has an image processing unit 203.

[0049] The IF unit 5 has, for example, a virtual channel of MIPI. The IF unit 5 can output information for performing a resolution restoration process based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel as a resolution correction signal to the AP 202. The image processing unit 203 of the AP 202 may perform image processing including a resolution restoration process based on the information for performing the resolution restoration process output from the IF unit 5.

[0050] The signal processing unit 3 or the image processing unit 203 may perform signal processing for obtaining a high dynamic range effect using only pixel signals that are not saturated among the read pixel signals.

[0051] [1.2 Modification Example] (Modification Example 1) FIGS. 11 and 12 are plan views schematically showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetection device according to Modification Example 1 of an embodiment.

[0052] In the photodetection device 201 according to an embodiment, the configuration of a plurality of pixels is not limited to RGB. For example, an RYB configuration in which an R pixel that detects red light, a Y pixel that detects yellow (Y) light, and a B pixel that detects blue light are arranged may be used (FIG. 11). Further, the configuration of a plurality of pixels is not limited to RGB. For example, a CMY configuration in which a C pixel that detects cyan (C), an M pixel that detects magenta (M) light, and a Y pixel that detects yellow (Y) light are arranged may be used (FIG. 12).

[0053] Other configurations include RGBW, which adds a W pixel to detect white (W) light instead of three colors, and RGBIR, which adds an IR pixel to detect infrared (IR) light. Configurations such as RGBCMY are also acceptable.

[0054] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0055] (Modification 2) Figures 13 and 14 are schematic plan views showing an example of a pixel structure in a photodetector according to Modification 2 of one embodiment.

[0056] In the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment, the configuration of the multiple segmented pixels P1 in each pixel is not limited to a 2x2 pixel array. For example, the configuration of the multiple segmented pixels P1 in each pixel may be a 3x3 pixel array. Furthermore, the shape of the segmented pixels P1 is not limited to a square shape, but may also be a rectangular pixel (Dual PD) as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In Dual PD, the resolution can be increased by focusing light onto pixels that are divided horizontally or vertically.

[0057] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0058] (Modification 3) Figures 15 and 16 are schematic cross-sectional views showing one example configuration of a photodetector according to Modification 3 of one embodiment.

[0059] In one embodiment of the light detection device 201, the distance between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 may differ between the first pixel and the other pixels among the plurality of pixels. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the distance between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 may be shorter only for the G pixel compared to the R pixel and B pixel. In the example configuration in Figure 15, the distance between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 is shortened by making only the light-receiving layer 10 corresponding to the G pixel, which has a narrower light-collecting area compared to the R pixel and B pixel, a two-stage metasurface structure.

[0060] Furthermore, the configuration may include a member having a different refractive index than the material used in the region corresponding to the first pixel among the multiple pixels, in the region corresponding to the first pixel. For example, as shown in Figure 16, a microlens 90 (OCL) made of a material having a different refractive index than the material used in the other regions may be placed between the light-collecting layer 20 and the light-receiving layer 10 only for the G pixel, which has a narrower light-collecting area compared to the R and B pixels.

[0061] The OCL may be positioned between the filter layer 40 and the light-receiving layer 10. Alternatively, the OCL may be positioned above the filter layer 40. Furthermore, the component with a different refractive index, not limited to the OCL, may be in the form of a film. The component with a different refractive index is not limited to a lens shape.

[0062] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0063] (Modification 4) Figure 17 is a schematic plan view showing one example of the configuration of a light detection device according to Modification 4 of one embodiment.

[0064] In the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment, the position of the center of light collection by the light-collecting layer 20 for each segmented pixel P1 of the first pixel, the G pixel, may be a position other than near the center of each segmented pixel P1, as shown in Figure 17. The light detection device 201 according to one embodiment is characterized in that the pixel signal for each segmented pixel P1 in a specific color is used for resolution restoration processing. In this case, even if the position of the center of light collection for each segmented pixel P1 is a position other than near the center, the obtained pixel signal can be used for resolution restoration processing.

[0065] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0066] (Modification 5) Figure 18 is a schematic plan view showing one example of the configuration of a light detection device according to Modification 5 of one embodiment.

[0067] In one embodiment of the light detection device 201, there may be a plurality of first pixels, which are G pixels. In this case, the light-gathering layer 20 may, for example as shown in Figure 18, gather incident light from a light-gathering region having a different area from the first area for some of the G pixels among the plurality of G pixels. That is, even pixels of the same color may have partially different light-gathering regions.

[0068] In one embodiment of the light detection device 201, in order to improve resolution, light is individually focused on pixels of a specific color (e.g., G pixels) for each segmented pixel P1. For this reason, it is desirable to increase the proportion of pixels of a specific color that are focused on each segmented pixel P1, or to make it more than half. On the other hand, in order to obtain phase difference information, the proportion of pixels that are focused on the center of a single pixel unit (e.g., a 2x2 segmented pixel P1 unit) may be mixed in at a rate of a few percent or less than half. This makes it possible to obtain phase difference information even for pixels of a specific color without wavelength loss while obtaining sufficient resolution. Note that since the pixels used for phase difference detection have different characteristics from other pixels, defect correction may be performed in subsequent signal processing.

[0069] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0070] (Modification 6) Figures 19 and 20 are schematic plan views showing one example of the configuration of a light detection device according to Modification 6 of one embodiment.

[0071] In the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment, a light-shielding portion 91 that partially blocks light may be provided in the first pixel, which is the G pixel. The light-shielding portion 91 may be, for example, a light-shielding metal. This makes it possible to detect the phase difference even in the first pixel. When providing the light-shielding portion 91, instead of providing the light-shielding portion 91 to one of the divided pixels P1 on the left or right side of the multiple divided pixels P1 as shown in Figure 19, the light-shielding portion 91 may be provided for each divided pixel P1 so that the left and right sides are separated, as shown in Figure 20.

[0072] Other configurations and operations may be substantially the same as those of the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10 above.

[0073] (Other Modifications) In the photodetector 201 according to one embodiment, the light-receiving layer 10 may have a structure in which an organic photoelectric conversion film is used in the longitudinal direction. Also, the metasurface structure of the light-collecting layer 20 is not limited to the pillar type.

[0074] (Examples of application to electronic devices) The light detection device 201 according to one embodiment is applicable to electronic devices including image sensors, imaging devices, and smartphones. The light detection device 201 according to one embodiment is also applicable to electronic devices including display devices capable of displaying captured information. For example, it is applicable to electronic devices such as HMDs (head-mounted displays) and AR (augmented reality) glasses. It is also applicable to electronic devices such as medical devices and vehicles (automobiles, etc.). By using electronic devices including the light detection device 201 according to one embodiment, high image quality, highly visible viewing performance, or sensing performance can be obtained.

[0075] [1.3 Effects] As described above, according to the light detection device 201 of one embodiment, incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a first area for each divided pixel P1 to at least one first pixel (e.g., G pixel) among the plurality of pixels. In addition, incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a second area larger than the first area for the entire second pixel to the entire second pixel. This makes it possible to improve the resolution.

[0076] According to the photodetector 201 of one embodiment, in order to achieve high resolution, for example, by designing only the first pixel, the G pixel, to focus light on each divided pixel P1 unit, while for example, the second pixels, the R pixel and the B pixel, to focus light in the same way as the photodetector according to the comparative example, it is possible to achieve both improved resolution and detection of phase difference.

[0077] The effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also exist. The same applies to the effects of other embodiments described later.

[0078] <2. Other Embodiments> The technology described herein is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0079] For example, this technology can also take the following configuration. According to this technology with the following configuration, for at least a first pixel among a plurality of pixels, incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a first area for each divided pixel, and for at least a second pixel among a plurality of pixels, incident light is focused from a light-gathering region having a second area larger than the first area for the entire second pixel. This makes it possible to provide an optical detection device and electronic device that can improve resolution.

[0080] (1) A light detection device comprising: a light-receiving layer having a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a plurality of segmented pixels, and each of which detects light of a different color from each other, with a light-receiving element arranged for each of the plurality of segmented pixels; and a light-collecting layer that focuses incident light toward the light-receiving layer, wherein the plurality of pixels include a first pixel that detects a first color of light and a second pixel that detects a second color of light, and the light-collecting layer focuses the incident light from a light-collecting region having a first area for each of the plurality of pixels, for at least the first pixel, and for at least the second pixel, from a light-collecting region having a second area that is larger than the first area for the entire second pixel. (2) The light detection device according to (1) above, wherein the plurality of pixels have different optical separation structures for at least the first pixel and at least the second pixel between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer. (3) The light detection device according to (2) above, wherein the first pixel has a structure that optically separates each of the divided pixels between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer. (4) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, further comprising a reading unit capable of performing pixel reading processing such as performing AD conversion on the signals from the plurality of pixels for each of the plurality of divided pixels to generate a pixel signal, wherein the reading unit is configured to perform pixel addition processing on the pixel signals from each of the plurality of divided pixels in the plurality of pixels, and the number of divided pixels to be added and the direction of addition of the divided pixels when performing the pixel addition processing are different for the first pixel and for the pixels of the plurality of pixels other than the first pixel. (5) The light detection device according to (4) above, wherein the reading unit performs the pixel reading processing such that the number of pixel readings for the first pixel is greater than the number of pixel readings for the pixels of the plurality of pixels other than the first pixel. (6) The light detection device according to (4) or (5) above, wherein the reading unit performs the pixel reading process such that at least one of the pixel reading direction and the pixel reading order is different between the first pixel and the pixels other than the first pixel.(7) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, having a structure in which the distance between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer differs between the first pixel and the pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels. (8) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, having a member having a refractive index different from that of the material in the region corresponding to the first pixel between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer. (9) The light detection device according to any one of (4) to (6) above, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of performing a resolution restoration process on the pixel signal after the pixel addition process based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel. (10) The light detection device according to any one of (4) to (6) above, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of performing resolution restoration processing for the pixel signal and phase difference detection processing for the pixel signal, wherein the signal processing unit acquires information for performing resolution restoration processing based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel, and performs phase difference detection processing based on the pixel signal read from a pixel other than the first pixel. (11) The light detection device according to any one of (4) to (6) above, further comprising an interface unit capable of outputting information for performing resolution restoration processing based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel to an external image processing unit. (12) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein the first pixel is provided with a light-shielding portion that partially blocks light. (13) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the light-collecting layer has a plurality of first pixels, and for some of the plurality of first pixels, the incident light is collected from a light-collecting region having an area different from the area of ​​the first pixels. (14) The light detection device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, wherein the light-collecting layer is a color splitter layer having a metasurface structure, which collects the incident light toward the light-receiving layer according to the wavelength.(15) An electronic device including a light detection device, wherein the light detection device has a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a plurality of segmented pixels and each of which detects light of a different color, and a light receiving layer on which a light receiving element is arranged for each of the plurality of segmented pixels, and a light concentrating layer that concentrates incident light toward the light detection layer, wherein the plurality of pixels include a first pixel that detects a first color light and a second pixel that detects a second color light, and the light concentrating layer concentrates the incident light from a light concentrating region having a first area for each of the plurality of pixels, for at least the first pixel, and concentrates the incident light from a light concentrating region having a second area that is larger than the first area for the entire second pixel, for at least the second pixel.

[0081] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-169357, filed with the Japan Patent Office on 27 September 2024, and all contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, subcombinations, and changes can be conceived depending on design requirements and other factors, and that these fall within the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A light detection device comprising: a light-receiving layer having multiple pixels, each containing multiple segmented pixels, and each having multiple pixels that detect different colored light from each other, with a light-receiving element arranged for each of the multiple segmented pixels; and a light-collecting layer that focuses incident light toward the light-receiving layer, wherein the multiple pixels include a first pixel that detects a first colored light and a second pixel that detects a second colored light, and the light-collecting layer focuses the incident light from a light-collecting region having a first area for each of the multiple segmented pixels, for at least the first pixel among the multiple pixels, and focuses the incident light from a light-collecting region having a second area larger than the first area for the entire second pixel among the multiple pixels.

2. The photodetector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixels have different optical separation structures between at least the first pixel and at least the second pixel between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer.

3. The light detection device according to claim 2, wherein the first pixel has a structure that allows each of the divided pixels to be optically separated between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer.

4. The photodetector according to claim 1, further comprising a readout unit capable of performing pixel readout processing such as performing AD conversion on signals from the plurality of pixels for each of the divided pixels to generate a pixel signal, wherein the readout unit is configured to perform pixel addition processing on the pixel signals from each of the plurality of divided pixels in the plurality of pixels, and the number of divided pixels to be added and the direction of addition of the divided pixels when performing the pixel addition processing are different for the first pixel and for the pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels.

5. The light detection device according to claim 4, wherein the reading unit performs the pixel reading process such that the number of pixel readings for the first pixel is greater than the number of pixel readings for the pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels.

6. The photodetector according to claim 4, wherein the reading unit performs the pixel reading process such that at least one of the pixel reading direction and the pixel reading order is different for the first pixel and the pixels other than the first pixel.

7. The photodetector according to claim 1, having a structure in which the distance between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer differs between the first pixel and the pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels.

8. The light detection device according to claim 1, wherein, between the light-collecting layer and the light-receiving layer, a member having a refractive index different from that of the material in the region corresponding to the pixels other than the first pixel among the plurality of pixels is provided in the region corresponding to the first pixel.

9. The light detection device according to claim 4, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of performing a resolution restoration process on the pixel signal after the pixel addition process based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel.

10. The optical detection device according to claim 4, further comprising a signal processing unit capable of performing resolution restoration processing for the pixel signal and phase difference detection processing for the pixel signal, wherein the signal processing unit acquires information for performing resolution restoration processing based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel, and performs the phase difference detection processing based on the pixel signal read from a pixel other than the first pixel.

11. The light detection device according to claim 4, further comprising an interface unit capable of outputting to an external image processing device information for performing resolution restoration processing based on the pixel signal read from the first pixel.

12. The light detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel is provided with a light-shielding portion that partially blocks light.

13. The light detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light-collecting layer has a plurality of first pixels, and for some of the plurality of first pixels, the incident light is collected from a light-collecting region having an area different from the area of ​​the first pixels.

14. The photodetector according to claim 1, wherein the light-collecting layer is a color splitter layer having a metasurface structure that focuses the incident light toward the light-receiving layer according to its wavelength.

15. An electronic device including a light detection device, wherein the light detection device has a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a plurality of segmented pixels and each of which detects light of a different color, and a light receiving layer on which a light receiving element is arranged for each of the plurality of segmented pixels, and a light concentrating layer that concentrates incident light toward the light detection layer, wherein the plurality of pixels include a first pixel that detects a first color light and a second pixel that detects a second color light, and the light concentrating layer concentrates the incident light from a light concentrating region having a first area for each of the plurality of pixels, for at least the first pixel, and concentrates the incident light from a light concentrating region having a second area larger than the first area for the entire second pixel, for at least the second pixel.

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