Color Splitter Light Detection Element for Higher Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light detection elements lack optimization in light transmission within the color splitter, limiting sensitivity improvement.
Innovation Solution
A light detection element with a color splitter layer comprising a low refractive index layer and high refractive index portions, along with condensers, is designed to enhance light incidence on photodiodes by aligning the phase of incident light and maintaining plane wave states, thereby improving sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional color splitter structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The color splitter layer is segmented into multiple functional components: a low refractive index layer and multiple columnar high refractive index portions arranged in a matrix pattern. This segmentation allows light from adjacent regions to be directed to specific photodiodes while maintaining structural organization and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the color splitter layer have different refractive indices - the low refractive index layer provides one optical property while the high refractive index portions provide another. This local variation in optical properties enables precise control of light propagation paths to improve sensitivity without requiring complex overall structure.
2Reliability
If light transmission is not optimized in color splitter, then manufacturing is simpler, but sensitivity improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index parameter is changed by using materials with different optical properties in the color splitter layer. The low refractive index layer and high refractive index portions create parameter variations that optimize light transmission and phase alignment, improving sensitivity while using standard semiconductor materials and processes.
3Reliability
If phase alignment of incident light is not maintained, then structure is simpler, but spectral characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The columnar high refractive index portions have curved surfaces that act as micro-lenses to focus and align light phases. This curvature design naturally guides light rays to maintain phase alignment as they pass through the color splitter layer, improving spectral characteristics without requiring complex additional alignment mechanisms.
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 enhances sensitivity by ensuring efficient light incidence from both immediate and adjacent regions, reducing color mixing and improving spectral characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of condensers disposed on a light incident side with respect to the color splitter layer and condensing incident light to the corresponding high refractive index portions
Implementation Method 2
The color splitter layer is disposed on a light incident side with respect to the plurality of photoelectric converters, and includes a low refractive index layer and a plurality of columnar high refractive index portions
Data Source
AI summary
A light detection element according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of photoelectric converters, a color splitter layer, and a plurality of condensers. The plurality of photoelectric converters are disposed side by side in a matrix in a semiconductor layer. The color splitter layer is disposed on a light incident side with respect to the plurality of photoelectric converters, and includes a low refractive index layer and a plurality of columnar high refractive index portions. The plurality of condensers are disposed on the light incident side with respect to the color splitter layer, and condenses incident light to the corresponding high refractive index portions.