Color Filter Pixel Layout With Light Attenuation for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging elements with color filters arranged in a Bayer array suffer from reduced sensitivity due to light not reaching the photoelectric conversion section, leading to lowered image quality, as linking regions of green color filters at pixel corners block incident light.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating incident light attenuation sections between adjacent pixels, configured at a different surface height from the color filters, to either reduce or attenuate light not transmitted through the color filters, thereby improving sensitivity and preventing color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color filters are linked together at pixel corners to prevent peeling, then reliability is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to reduced light reaching the photoelectric conversion section
Solution Approach 1:
The incident light attenuation section is divided into multiple regions: a first region with a first surface height and a second region with a second surface height. This segmentation allows different portions of the attenuation section to perform different functions - the first region blocks oblique light while the second region allows normal light transmission to the photoelectric conversion section, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing color filter peeling and maintaining sensitivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If incident light attenuation sections are added to block oblique light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The incident light attenuation section is merged with the color filter layer, forming an integrated structure. The attenuation section includes a first region and a second region that work together with the color filter to simultaneously achieve light blocking and light transmission functions. This merging approach reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate structures.
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 implementation of incident light attenuation sections enhances image quality by optimizing light transmission to the photoelectric conversion section, reducing sensitivity loss and minimizing optical noise.
Implementation Method 1
an incident light attenuation section that is disposed between the color filters of the adjacent pixels, is configured to be different in surface height from the color filters, and attenuates light not transmitted through the color filter but incident on the photoelectric conversion section
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric conversion section that produces an electric charge according to the light transmitted through the color filter
Data Source
AI summary
Image quality of an imaging element having a configuration in which pixels having color filters are arranged two-dimensionally is prevented from being lowered. An imaging element includes a plurality of pixels and incident light attenuation sections. The pixel includes a color filter transmitting incident light having a predetermined wavelength, and a photoelectric conversion section that produces an electric charge according to the light transmitted through the color filter. The incident light attenuation section is disposed between the color filters of the adjacent pixels, is configured to be different in surface height from the color filters, and attenuates light not transmitted through the color filter but incident on the photoelectric conversion section of the pixel where the color filter is disposed.