BLC Pixel Optical Blocking Structure for Accurate Black Level Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor image sensors face challenges in accurately measuring thermal background current due to significant light leakage from prior art light blocking materials, which compromises the accuracy of black level correction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a composite light blocking structure within black level correction pixels, comprising a vertically alternating sequence of material layers with different refractive indices and metal layers, tailored to block specific wavelength ranges and provide enhanced reflectivity, along with an infrared blocking material layer for improved light suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If prior art light blocking materials are used in black level correction pixels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but significant light leakage occurs which compromises measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of thermal background current measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of light blocking structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple light blocking layers with different properties (metal layer, dielectric layer, and optionally infrared blocking layer) to achieve superior light blocking performance across different wavelengths. This composite structure effectively reduces light leakage compared to single-material blocks, thereby improving measurement accuracy while managing the increased structural complexity through systematic layer integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a metal layer for general light blocking, a dielectric layer for optical interference effects, and optionally an infrared blocking layer for specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, achieving comprehensive light blocking across the spectrum while maintaining manufacturability through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a composite light blocking structure with multiple layers is implemented, then light leakage is reduced and measurement accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of black level correctionVSAvoidease of fabricating light blocking structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The composite light blocking structure serves multiple functions within a single integrated design: the metal layer provides general light blocking, the dielectric layer contributes to optical interference for enhanced blocking, and the infrared blocking layer addresses specific wavelength ranges. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to accomplish what would otherwise require multiple separate components, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased layer complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the optical properties of each layer by carefully controlling parameters such as layer thickness, refractive index, and material composition. By adjusting these parameters, the structure achieves maximum light blocking efficiency at different wavelengths through constructive and destructive interference effects, thereby improving measurement accuracy while keeping the manufacturing process within standard semiconductor fabrication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively enhances the accuracy of black level correction by minimizing light penetration, thereby improving the fidelity of image capture and reducing thermal noise interference.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion of a layer stack including a vertically alternating sequence of first material layers having a first refractive index and second material layers having a second refractive index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

Each of the at least two metal layers (741A, 741B, 741C, 741D) comprises a respective wavelength sub-range having a greater reflectivity than another metal layer selected from the at least two metal layers within a wavelength range from 200 nm to 1,600 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one light blocking structure may include an infrared blocking material layer that provides a higher absorption coefficient than color filter materials within image pixel optics assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11996428B2Optical blocking structures for black level correction pixels in an image sensor
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD
  • US11996428B2 patent drawing
  • US11996428B2 patent drawing
  • US11996428B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image sensor includes an array of image pixels and black level correction (BLC) pixels. Each BLC pixel includes a BLC pixel photodetector, a BLC pixel sensing circuit, and a BLC pixel optics assembly configured to block light that impinges onto the BLC pixel photodetector. Each BLC pixel optics assembly may include a first portion of a layer stack including a vertically alternating sequence of first material layers having a first refractive index and second material layers having a second refractive index. Additionally or alternatively, each BLC pixel optics assembly may include a first portion of a layer stack including at least two metal layers, each having a respective wavelength sub-range having a greater reflectivity than another metal layer. Alternatively or additionally, each BLC pixel optics assembly may include an infrared blocking material layer that provides a higher absorption coefficient than color filter materials within image pixel optics assemblies.