Color Routing Meta-Structure for High-Resolution Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges with low light efficiency due to the reduction in size of micro-lenses and color filters, which affects color separation efficiency as pixels become ultra-fine, leading to constrained light collection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a meta-optical device with a color routing meta-structure layer that includes a symmetrical meta-structure with varying refractive indices, allowing for efficient light separation and collection without being affected by polarization characteristics, integrated into the image sensor pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-lenses and color filters are miniaturized to achieve high-resolution pixels, then pixel density and resolution are improved, but light efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the color filter layer by introducing a multi-layer structure with varying refractive indices (first, second, and third layers with different refractive indices). This parameter change enables more effective light routing and color separation, improving light efficiency without requiring further pixel miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite multi-layer structure where each layer uses materials with distinct refractive indices. This composite approach creates optimized optical paths for different wavelengths, allowing efficient color separation and light guidance to appropriate pixels while maintaining high resolution.
2Loss of energy
If conventional color filters are used for color separation, then color filtering is achieved, but polarization dependence reduces light efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a multi-layer structure with varying refractive indices instead of conventional single-layer color filters. This structural parameter change enables wavelength-based color separation that is independent of light polarization, eliminating the harmful polarization dependence effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the conventional color filter mechanism (which relies on absorption and is polarization-dependent) with a refractive index-based optical routing mechanism. This substitution uses refraction and total internal reflection principles to achieve color separation without polarization sensitivity, improving light efficiency.
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 enhances light efficiency and maintains performance across different polarization states, improving the overall image capture capabilities of the image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-layer structure having a refractive index that varies in a direction perpendicular to a light-incident surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides meta-optical elements and image sensors using a meta-pattern and apparatuses including the image sensors. In an embodiment, an image sensor includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel of the plurality of pixels includes a photoelectric conversion layer including at least one photoelectric conversion element, and a color routing meta-structure layer provided at a position facing the photoelectric conversion layer. The color routing meta-structure layer includes a meta-structure having a symmetrical structure with respect to a center of a corresponding pixel, and a multi-layer structure having a refractive index that varies in a direction perpendicular to a light-incident surface.