Bragg Resonance Spectral Filter for Miniaturized Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors using spectral filters are often bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for miniaturization and integration with semiconductor chips.
Innovation Solution
A spectral filter design utilizing a layered structure of Bragg reflective layers and resonance layers, including a cavity, to selectively transmit and block specific wavelengths, allowing for a compact and efficient image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spectral filters are used, then light filtering function is achieved, but the image sensor becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral filtering functions into a single integrated filter structure. The first and second resonance layers are integrated within a unified filter body, sharing common Bragg reflective layers (first, second, third, and fourth Bragg reflective layers). This merging eliminates the need for separate filter components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining effective light filtering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first resonance layer and second resonance layer are positioned between shared Bragg reflective layers. Specifically, the first resonance layer is between the first and second Bragg reflective layers, while the second resonance layer is between the third and fourth Bragg reflective layers. This nesting arrangement allows multiple filtering functions to be contained within a compact structure, reducing the overall footprint and weight of the image sensor.
2Reliability
If traditional spectral filters are used, then light filtering function is achieved, but the image sensor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral filtering functions into a single integrated filter structure. The first and second resonance layers share common Bragg reflective layers, eliminating the need for separate filter components. This consolidation reduces the overall area occupied by filtering components while maintaining effective light filtering functionality across multiple wavelength ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where resonance layers are positioned between shared Bragg reflective layers. The first resonance layer sits between the first and second Bragg reflective layers, while the second resonance layer is positioned between the third and fourth Bragg reflective layers. This nesting enables multiple filtering functions to be contained within a compact footprint, significantly reducing the image sensor area.
3Reliability
If multiple resonance layers are integrated, then filtering efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral filtering functions into a single integrated filter structure. By sharing Bragg reflective layers between the first and second resonance layers, the design achieves enhanced filtering efficiency across multiple wavelength ranges while avoiding the complexity of completely separate filter assemblies. The shared structure reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality within a single filter structure. The first resonance layer filters a first wavelength range, while the second resonance layer filters a second wavelength range. Both resonance layers utilize the same Bragg reflective layers (first, second, third, and fourth), allowing a single structure to perform multiple spectral filtering functions simultaneously, thereby improving filtering efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The proposed design enables a miniaturized image sensor that effectively filters light by wavelength, enhancing its integration capabilities with semiconductor chips and supporting applications in various electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first Bragg reflective layer, a second Bragg reflective layer that is spaced apart from the first Bragg reflective layer
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first Bragg reflective layer, the second Bragg reflective layer, the third Bragg reflective layer, and the fourth Bragg reflective layer may include a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR)
Implementation Method 3
a first resonance layer including a cavity, the first resonance layer being provided between the first Bragg reflective layer and the second Bragg reflective layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a spectral filter including a first Bragg reflective layer, a second Bragg reflective layer that is spaced apart from the first Bragg reflective layer and includes a cavity, the first resonance layer being provided between the first Bragg reflective layer and the second Bragg reflective layer, a second resonance layer including at least a portion of the first Bragg reflective layer, the second Bragg reflective layer, and the cavity, a third Bragg reflective layer, a fourth Bragg reflective layer spaced apart from the third Bragg reflective layer, wherein the second resonance layer is provided between the third Bragg reflective layer and the fourth Bragg reflective layer.