Image Sensor Block Layer for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in optimizing the field of view (FOV) and reducing optical crosstalk while maintaining a thin and efficient design, which affects their performance in capturing images with high resolution and minimal distortion.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a block layer with alternately stacked absorption and transparent layers, featuring apertures that adjust based on the FOV and refractive index, along with a lens element that refracts light to form a focal point on a sensing element, and a spacer to maintain the necessary interval, allowing for improved light transmission and reduced crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a block layer with absorption and transparent layers is introduced to reduce optical crosstalk and improve FOV, then image quality and FOV are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The block layer is segmented into multiple alternating absorption layers and transparent layers. Each absorption layer contains apertures positioned at specific depths, creating a multi-level light control structure that reduces optical crosstalk while maintaining FOV. This segmentation allows precise control of light paths without requiring a single complex component.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture positions are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the block layer, with apertures at different depths (first aperture at first depth, second aperture at second depth). This 3D arrangement enables light control in multiple dimensions, improving image quality and FOV while distributing the complexity across multiple simple layers rather than one complex element.
2Length of moving object
If the block layer is positioned closer to the sensing element to reduce distance, then device thickness is reduced, but light transmission and focal point formation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption layers are positioned between the lens element and sensing element to preliminarily block oblique light rays before they can cause optical crosstalk. This preliminary light control action allows the block layer to be placed at an optimized position that maintains both thin device profile and effective light transmission to the sensing element.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the block layer have different properties: absorption layers with apertures for light control, and transparent layers for light transmission. The aperture sizes and positions are locally optimized based on their specific depth positions, with first apertures and second apertures having different characteristics to control light at different stages of its path.
3Use of energy by moving object
If aperture size is increased to improve light quantity, then more light reaches the sensing element, but optical crosstalk increases and FOV control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light control function is segmented across multiple absorption layers, each with its own apertures. Instead of relying on a single large aperture that would cause crosstalk, the light path is controlled through a series of smaller apertures at different depths, collectively allowing sufficient light transmission while maintaining FOV control and reducing optical crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
Light control transitions from a two-dimensional aperture plane to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple apertures at different depths. This 3D configuration allows the system to gather light from multiple angular directions while maintaining precise FOV control, effectively increasing light quantity without proportionally increasing optical crosstalk.
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 enhances the image sensor's ability to capture images with a wider FOV and reduced optical crosstalk, resulting in improved modulation transfer function (MTF) and sharper images, suitable for applications in ultrathin cameras and 3D depth information extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The lens element may be configured to refract the light and to form a focal point on the sensing element
Implementation Method 2
The absorption layer may include a black matrix material configured to absorb light
Implementation Method 3
The transparent layer may be configured to transmit light in a wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor and a method of manufacturing the image sensor are provided. The image sensor includes a block layer including an absorption layer and a transparent layer that are alternately stacked, a lens element is located below the block layer, and a sensing element is located to face the lens element.