Color-Separating Lens Array for Low-Loss Image Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors utilize color filters, which result in low light utilization efficiency due to absorption of unwanted light wavelengths, leading to significant light loss in color display apparatuses and image sensors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a color separating lens array that focuses incident light separately according to its wavelengths, allowing each pixel to independently sense specific wavelengths of light, thereby improving light utilization efficiency and auto-focusing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color filter is used to sense light color, then the image sensor can identify different wavelengths, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates because most light is absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple photosensitive cells (first photosensitive cell, second photosensitive cell, etc.) that are two-dimensionally arranged. Each photosensitive cell independently senses light, with specific cells configured to detect different wavelengths. This segmentation allows the sensor to identify colors while maintaining higher light utilization efficiency compared to traditional color filters.
2Measurement precision
If a color filter absorbs unwanted light wavelengths, then color separation is achieved, but significant light loss occurs reducing overall light utilization efficiency to about 33%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength discrimination function from the traditional color filter approach and implements it through a color separating lens array combined with multiple photosensitive cells. Instead of using a color filter to block unwanted wavelengths, the system uses the lens array to focus specific wavelengths onto corresponding photosensitive cells, thereby achieving wavelength discrimination without absorbing and losing light.
Solution Approach 2:
A color separating lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the incident light and the photosensitive cells. This lens array separates different wavelengths of light and directs them to appropriate photosensitive cells, enabling wavelength discrimination while maintaining high light utilization efficiency. The intermediary lens array replaces the traditional color filter mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If multiple photosensitive cells are arranged in a pixel to independently sense light, then light utilization efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photosensitive cells are merged within a single pixel structure, allowing them to function collectively as one imaging unit. This merging approach enables the pixel to maintain a unified structural framework while incorporating multiple light-sensing elements, thereby achieving improved light utilization efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Loss of energy
If a color separating lens array is used to focus light by wavelength, then light utilization efficiency and auto-focusing performance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color separating lens array utilizes parameter changes in light properties (wavelength, focal length) to achieve wavelength-specific focusing. By designing the lens array with varying optical parameters across different regions, the system can focus different wavelengths onto corresponding photosensitive cells. This parameter-based approach enables efficient light utilization while providing a manufacturable solution through controlled optical parameter variations.
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 color separating lens array enhances light utilization efficiency and improves auto-focusing performance by allowing each pixel to effectively capture specific wavelengths of light, reducing light loss and enhancing image sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a color separating lens array configured to condense the light of the first wavelength onto the plurality of first pixels and condense the light of the second wavelength onto the plurality of second pixels
Implementation Method 2
a color separating lens array capable of focusing incident light separately according to wavelengths of the incident light
Implementation Method 3
a sensor substrate including a plurality of first pixels configured to sense light of a first wavelength and a plurality of second pixels configured to sense light of a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image sensor including a color separating lens array and an electronic apparatus. The image sensor includes: a sensor substrate including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, wherein each of the first pixels includes a plurality of photosensitive cells that are two-dimensionally arranged in a first direction and a second direction, and, a first pixel of a first group includes a first edge region and a second edge region that are arranged at opposite edges of the first pixel in the first direction and outputs first and second photosensitive signals with respect to the light incident on the first and second edge regions.