Dual Isolation Layer Image Sensor Light Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in enhancing performance across various applications due to limitations in design and material usage, particularly in effectively guiding and converting incident light into electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design incorporates a substrate with first and second isolation layers, where the second isolation layer has a closed line shape and is made of a different material than the first, surrounding a photoelectric conversion device to improve light guidance and conversion efficiency, and includes a color filter and infrared filter for specific sensing regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single isolation layer is used in conventional image sensors, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing is easier, but the light guidance and conversion efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation layer is divided into two distinct layers: a first isolation layer extending from the first surface to a first depth, and a second isolation layer extending from the first surface to a second depth greater than the first depth. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specialized functions in light guidance and isolation, improving overall conversion efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through clear functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical depth dimension differentiation where the second isolation layer extends deeper into the substrate than the first isolation layer. This depth-based dimensional differentiation enables multi-level light guidance and isolation functions, enhancing light conversion efficiency by controlling light paths at different depths without significantly increasing lateral structural complexity.
2Reliability
If different materials are used for first and second isolation layers, then light guidance performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are assigned to different isolation layers based on their specific functional requirements: the first isolation layer uses a material optimized for its depth range and isolation function, while the second isolation layer uses a different material optimized for deeper light guidance and conversion. This local quality differentiation improves overall light guidance performance while allowing each material to be optimized for its specific operational context, reducing the burden on manufacturing precision.
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 design enhances the reliability and performance of image sensors by effectively guiding incident visible light and improving light conversion, leading to improved image capture capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pixels includes a photodiode (PD). The PD functions to convert incident light into an electrical signal.
Implementation Method 2
effectively guiding incident visible light and improving light conversion
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is provided comprising a substrate comprising first and second surfaces opposite to each other. A first isolation layer is disposed on the substrate and forms a boundary of a sensing region. A second isolation layer is disposed at least partially in the substrate within the sensing region and has a closed line shape. A photoelectric conversion device is disposed within the closed line shape of the second isolation layer, and a color filter is disposed on the first surface of the substrate.