Depth Imager Pixel Segmentation for Charge Carrier Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth imagers face challenges in efficiently converting light into charge carriers and controlling these carriers, especially with the increasing number of pixels and shrinking pixel sizes, which affects their efficiency and signal processing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a depth imager system based on the time-of-flight principle using a photonic mixing principle, where modulated light is used to determine the phase of reflected light, and control electrodes are employed to direct and process charge carriers efficiently, allowing for high-efficiency light conversion and parallel processing of signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased and pixel size is shrunk, then the resolution and depth imaging capability are improved, but the efficiency of light conversion into charge carriers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: a photoconversion region for light-to-charge conversion, and a separate control region with control electrodes for charge carrier management. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, maintaining high conversion efficiency even as pixel size shrinks and pixel density increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by stacking the photoconversion region and control region at different depths within the pixel structure. Control electrodes are positioned above the photoconversion region, creating a three-dimensional charge control architecture that improves light conversion efficiency without increasing lateral pixel size.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased and pixel size is shrunk, then the resolution is improved, but the control capability of charge carriers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is segmented into a photoconversion region and a control region with dedicated control electrodes. This segmentation enables independent optimization of charge generation and charge control functions, maintaining effective charge carrier management even in high-density pixel arrays with shrunk pixel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Control electrodes are introduced as intermediary elements between the light input and the charge carrier readout circuitry. These electrodes mediate the control of charge carriers generated in the photoconversion region, enabling precise charge manipulation despite the reduced pixel dimensions in high-resolution arrays.
3Ease of operation
If control electrodes are added for efficient charge carrier control, then the charge control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrodes serve multiple functions: they control charge carrier collection, enable depth information extraction, and facilitate signal modulation. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering enhanced imaging capabilities from a single added component layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Control electrodes are positioned in the vertical dimension above the photoconversion region rather than laterally within the pixel plane. This vertical stacking approach adds control capability while minimizing lateral space requirements, thereby reducing the impact on overall device complexity despite the functional enhancement.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of depth imagers by enabling effective conversion of light into charge carriers and efficient control of these carriers, improving the overall performance and signal processing capabilities, particularly in high-density pixel arrays.
Implementation Method 1
efficient conversion of light into charge carriers
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are discloses regarding methods of manufacturing an imager as well as an imager device.