Aperture-Filtered Image Sensor for Color Separation Without Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors require infrared filters, lose significant light intensity through color filters, have limited color separation, and are inefficient for light collection independent of angle, and passive optical components suffer from chromatic aberrations.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor with a first layer containing apertures of varying sizes and cutoff frequencies that filter out infrared light and efficiently separate colors, reducing light spillover and angle dependence, fabricated using standard chip technology without a conventional color filter array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional color filter arrays are used for color separation, then color filtering is achieved, but light intensity is lost by 50% or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional color filter arrays (mechanical/optical filtering) with a computational approach. The image sensor captures full-color light without physical filters, and color separation is achieved through software algorithms that process the raw sensor data, thereby eliminating light loss while maintaining color separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from optical parameter manipulation (physical filters) to computational parameter processing. By capturing all wavelengths simultaneously and using algorithms to separate colors based on spectral characteristics, the system avoids the energy loss inherent in physical filtering while achieving the same color separation goal.
2Measurement precision
If conventional image sensors are used, then light measurement is achieved, but infrared light contaminates visible light colors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical infrared filters with computational methods. The sensor captures infrared and visible light together, and software algorithms distinguish and separate infrared contamination from visible light colors based on their spectral properties, eliminating the need for physical filtering while maintaining color accuracy.
3Area of moving object
If small pixels are used to increase resolution, then pixel density is improved, but color separation becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical color filter arrays (which become problematic at small pixel scales) with computational color separation. This allows small pixels to maintain high resolution while color information is extracted through software processing of the raw sensor data, overcoming the limitations of physical filters at miniaturized scales.
4Measurement precision
If light hits the sensor at narrow angles, then direct light measurement is achieved, but light spillover to neighboring pixels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical light blocking structures with computational methods to identify and correct light spillover. By analyzing the spectral characteristics and spatial distribution of captured light, software algorithms distinguish between light from the intended pixel and spillover from neighboring pixels, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy without physical barriers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Achieves improved color separation and light collection efficiency with reduced light loss and angle dependence, enabling structurally simple fabrication and effective color filtering.
Implementation Method 1
The cross sectional size of the at least one aperture is configured to provide a cutoff frequency so that incident radiation with a frequency below the cutoff frequency is attenuated inside the at least one aperture and that incident radiation with a frequency above the cutoff frequency propagates through the at least one aperture
Implementation Method 2
incident radiation with a frequency below the cutoff frequency decays exponentially inside the at least one aperture
Implementation Method 3
incident radiation with a frequency above the cutoff frequency propagates through the at least one aperture by coupling to one or more propagating modes inside the at least one aperture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image sensor for recording incident radiation may include a first layer for filtering the incident radiation by attenuating incident radiation with a frequency below a cutoff frequency and a second light-sensitive layer for absorbing radiation passing through the first layer. The first layer may precede the second light-sensitive layer in a direction of propagation of the incident radiation and the first layer includes at least one aperture passing through the first layer to the second light-sensitive layer for propagating radiation therethrough. The cross sectional size of the at least one aperture may be configured to provide a cutoff frequency so that incident radiation with a frequency below the cutoff frequency is attenuated inside the at least one aperture and incident radiation with a frequency above the cutoff frequency propagates through the at least one aperture.