Image Sensor Alignment Measurement via Intermediary Current Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors lack an effective method to measure the alignment state of photoelectric conversion layers and electrodes, which affects their integration density and performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a measurement unit connected to an image sensor with a substrate, lower electrodes, a photoelectric conversion layer, and an upper electrode, where an electric current flows through the electrodes and connection lines to assess the alignment state by measuring current and resistance, allowing for adjustment of the alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement method is introduced to measure the alignment state of photoelectric conversion layer and electrodes, then the alignment measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional measurement units and connection lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a measurement unit as an intermediary device that connects to the image sensor through connection lines. This measurement unit serves as a mediator between the alignment measurement requirement and the existing sensor structure, enabling alignment state detection without fundamentally altering the core sensor architecture. The measurement unit applies test voltages and measures resulting currents to determine alignment, thus resolving the contradiction by adding measurement capability through a separate intermediary system rather than integrating measurement functions directly into the sensor elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the alignment state is accurately measured using electric current flow through electrodes, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional fabrication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment measurement capability during the manufacturing process. By incorporating measurement units and connection lines that enable alignment verification before final assembly completion, the system allows for real-time feedback and adjustment. This preliminary measurement action enables manufacturers to detect and correct alignment issues early in the fabrication process, improving overall manufacturing precision while managing complexity through staged verification rather than requiring perfect alignment in a single fabrication step.
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 accurate measurement and adjustment of the alignment state, thereby improving the integration density and performance of the image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
producing an electric current, which sequentially flows through the second connection line, the second lower electrodes, the upper electrode, the first lower electrodes, and the first connection line, using the measurement unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring an image sensor is disclosed. The method includes connecting a measurement unit to an image sensor, producing an electric current, which sequentially flows through a second connection line, second lower electrodes, an upper electrode, first lower electrodes, and a first connection line of the image sensor, using the measurement unit, and measuring an alignment state of the lower electrodes, the photoelectric conversion layer, and the upper electrode.