Graphene Photon Sensor Layered Structure for Single-Pixel Color Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors, such as CMOS and CCD sensors, face limitations in efficiently separating different wavelengths of light, which hinders their ability to produce high-quality color images with a single pixel, and they often require multiple pixels for color separation.
Innovation Solution
A layered structure comprising multiple graphene photon sensing layers with intermediate reflective or absorbing layers that prevent specific color components from proceeding, allowing for color separation and image formation with a single pixel, similar to CMOS or CCD sensors, using graphene transistors and coatings to detect visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional CMOS or CCD sensors are used, then image sensing is achieved, but efficient color separation with a single pixel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor divides the detection function into multiple graphene layers, each sensitive to different wavelength ranges. Intermediate filtering layers segment the light paths to direct specific wavelengths to appropriate sensing layers, enabling color separation without requiring multiple pixels for each color component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar pixel arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked structure with multiple graphene sensing layers separated by intermediate filtering layers. This vertical stacking enables spectral discrimination in the depth dimension, allowing a single pixel location to detect multiple wavelengths through layered sensing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pixels are used for color separation, then color image quality improves, but device area and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single pixel location by stacking graphene layers with different spectral responses. The intermediate filtering layers enable each layer to detect specific wavelength ranges, combining red, green, and blue color detection capabilities within one pixel footprint, thereby maintaining color image quality while reducing sensor area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each stacked graphene layer structure serves multiple functions: the graphene provides broadband photon detection, while the intermediate filtering layers provide wavelength-specific routing. This multi-functional design allows a single pixel to perform what traditionally required multiple dedicated pixels for each color channel.
3Measurement precision
If conventional filtering methods are used, then wavelength separation is achieved, but material costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the inherent parameter differences of graphene layers, specifically their universal broadband absorption characteristic combined with wavelength-dependent transmission through intermediate layers. By adjusting the optical properties of intermediate filtering layers rather than using complex conventional filters, the system achieves wavelength separation with simpler manufacturing processes.
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 enables efficient color separation and image formation with a single pixel, improving color image quality, reducing material costs, and providing a flexible and efficient photoresponse, suitable for both black and white and RGB-coded systems.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate layer between each two adjacent sensing layers, the sensing layers being of graphene, and each intermediate layer being configured to prevent a respective color component of light from proceeding into the photon sensing layer next to it
Implementation Method 2
the apparatus comprises the intermediate layer(s) configured to prevent a predetermined color component from proceeding via absorption of the color component
Implementation Method 3
An image sensor is an apparatus that converts an optical image into an electric signal... a graphene transistor is used to detect photons
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, including a plurality of photon sensing layers arranged on top of each other, and an intermediate layer between each two adjacent sensing layers, the sensing layers being of graphene, and each intermediate layer being configured to prevent a respective color component of light from proceeding into the photon sensing layer next to it.