Image Sensor Beam Splitter Infrared Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face reduced infrared ray sensitivity due to smaller pixel sizes and modified pixel arrangements, which compromise light utilization efficiency when attempting to capture both visible and infrared images simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating beam splitters in the image sensor structure to redirect infrared ray components of incident light towards dedicated infrared pixels, enhancing light utilization and sensitivity by optimizing the arrangement of color filters and optical detection devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to improve image quality, then the pixel size is reduced, but the amount of light reaching each pixel is reduced, worsening infrared sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pixels (including color pixels and infrared pixels) are merged to collectively receive and direct infrared light to a single infrared pixel, combining their light-gathering capabilities to overcome the limitation of small individual pixel size
Solution Approach 2:
Beam splitters are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the pixels and the infrared pixel. These beam splitters redirect light from adjacent pixels toward the infrared pixel, enabling efficient light transfer without requiring direct physical contact or changing the pixel arrangement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel arrangement is modified to add infrared pixels, then infrared imaging capability is improved, but the light utilization efficiency is reduced due to smaller pixel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitters serve as intermediary optical components that efficiently transfer light from adjacent pixels to the infrared pixel without significant loss, enabling the modified pixel arrangement to maintain high light utilization efficiency while achieving infrared imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution operates in the optical path dimension by introducing beam splitters that redirect light at specific angles, creating an additional light transfer path that complements the spatial pixel arrangement and improves overall light utilization
3Measurement precision
If beam splitters are added to redirect infrared light, then infrared sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitters are selectively placed only in specific pixels adjacent to the infrared pixel, rather than throughout the entire sensor array. This localized approach provides the necessary infrared light redirection while minimizing the overall increase in device complexity
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
The solution significantly increases the sensitivity and optical efficiency of infrared ray images by effectively redirecting and concentrating infrared light onto infrared pixels, improving image quality in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of beam splitters that are disposed in a plurality of pixels... and that are configured to change a direction of an infrared ray component of incident light towards the infrared ray pixel
Implementation Method 2
beam splitters... configured to change a direction of an infrared ray component of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor is provided. The image sensor may include; an optical detection device layer including a plurality of optical detection devices; a filter array layer including a plurality of color filters and at least one infrared filter, and disposed on the optical detection device layer; and a plurality of beam splitters disposed in a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels being in contact with an infrared ray pixel including the at least one infrared ray color filter, and that are configured to change a direction of an infrared ray component of incident light towards the infrared ray pixel.