Image Sensor Modules with Segmented Beam Shaping Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fabricating image sensor modules with a small footprint while maintaining desired optical characteristics is challenging, especially when integrating high-resolution primary imagers and secondary imagers for depth information on the same semiconductor chip.
Innovation Solution
The module incorporates two or more imagers with respective stacks of beam shaping elements, where some elements form a laterally contiguous array and others form a laterally non-contiguous array, including achromatic doublets for chromatic aberration correction and field-dependent aberration correction, allowing for a compact design with shared optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple imagers are integrated on the same semiconductor chip to reduce footprint, then the area is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and optical characteristic maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping elements are segmented into different lateral arrays (contiguous and non-contiguous) with distinct optical functions. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently for its specific purpose (chromatic aberration correction vs. field-dependent aberration correction), making the overall system manufacturable despite the complex multi-imager integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the beam shaping element structure are assigned different optical properties and functions. The laterally contiguous array provides field-dependent aberration correction while the laterally non-contiguous array provides chromatic aberration correction. This local differentiation of optical quality allows each region to address specific optical challenges, enabling successful fabrication with desired optical characteristics.
2Reliability
If beam shaping elements are configured for optimal optical performance, then the optical characteristics are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam shaping elements serve multiple functions through their different lateral array configurations. Both the contiguous and non-contiguous arrays work together to provide comprehensive aberration correction (both chromatic and field-dependent) for multiple imagers simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate correction elements, thereby managing complexity while maintaining optimal optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses composite beam shaping element structures combining different lateral array configurations (contiguous and non-contiguous) with different optical properties. This composite approach allows the system to achieve superior optical characteristics by combining the strengths of different structural configurations, rather than relying on a single complex element design.
3Reliability
If achromatic doublets are used for chromatic aberration correction, then the optical quality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses chromatic aberration correction by introducing lateral non-contiguity in the beam shaping element array, which is a spatial dimension consideration. This dimensional approach to organizing beam shaping elements provides chromatic aberration correction through the achromatic doublet configuration in the lateral direction, while the contiguous arrays handle field-dependent corrections, thereby distributing manufacturing precision requirements across different spatial configurations rather than concentrating them in a single element type.
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 configuration enables a compact imager with high-quality primary and secondary imagers capturing the same field-of-view, reducing the overall footprint while providing desired optical properties, including chromatic and field-dependent aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
a first stack of beam shaping elements disposed over the one or more image sensors to direct incoming light to a first photosensitive region
Implementation Method 2
The high-dispersion beam shaping element of the first stack forms part of an achromatic doublet at the object side of the first stack
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic module includes one or more image sensors including photosensitive regions. The module includes a first imager including a first stack of beam shaping elements disposed over the image sensor(s) to direct incoming light to a first photosensitive region, and a second imager including a second stack of beam shaping elements disposed over the image sensor(s) to direct incoming light to a second photosensitive region. Each particular stack includes a respective high-dispersion beam shaping element, where the high-dispersion beam shaping element of the first stack forms part of an achromatic doublet at an object side of the first stack. The high-dispersion beam shaping element in the second stack is part of a laterally contiguous array of beam shaping elements that does not include the high-dispersion beam shaping element that forms part of the achromatic doublet at the object side of the first stack.