Image Sensor SiO2 Coating for Direct Contact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic faceplates used in direct imaging applications are limited by fiber size and resolution, and can damage image sensors, while alternative plastic-based faceplates are less robust and degrade imaging performance, especially as pixel size decreases in high-performance applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance, optically transparent coating such as Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) is applied to the image sensor to create a protective layer, allowing direct contact imaging without damaging the sensor, with precise thickness control and potential use of sputtering or Diamond-Like Coatings for enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fiber optic faceplate is used to protect the image sensor, then the image sensor is protected from damage, but the resolution is limited by fiber size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fiber optic faceplate from the system entirely and replaces it with a thin transparent coating applied directly to the image sensor surface. This extraction of the intermediate optical element eliminates the resolution limitation imposed by fiber size while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thin transparent coating (such as SiO2) as an intermediary layer between the sample and the image sensor. This coating serves as a protective mediator that allows direct contact imaging while preventing damage to the sensor, replacing the traditional FOP intermediary.
2Measurement precision
If plastic-based faceplate is used, then higher resolution is achieved, but robustness decreases and imaging performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from plastic to transparent coating materials such as SiO2, which provides both high resolution and robustness. The thin coating material properties are optimized to maintain optical performance while enhancing mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining the image sensor with a thin transparent coating layer, creating a composite system that integrates the protective properties of the coating with the sensing capabilities of the sensor, achieving both robustness and high resolution.
3Measurement precision
If pixel size is reduced for high performance imaging, then imaging precision improves, but the image sensor becomes more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a protective transparent coating to the image sensor surface before direct contact imaging. This preliminary protective action prevents damage to the sensor during direct contact applications, enabling the use of smaller pixels for high precision imaging without compromising durability.
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 coating enables high-resolution, robust direct contact imaging without sensor damage, maintaining or improving imaging performance even as pixel size decreases, and avoids the limitations of fiber optic faceplates.
Implementation Method 1
a high-performance coating is applied, such as SiO2, which is optically transparent, can be deposited very uniformly and with a high degree of precision with respect to the thickness
Implementation Method 2
Another embodiment altogether would be to use a Diamond-Like Coating such as those used to make very hard films on optical surfaces using carbon
Data Source
AI summary
The surface of an image sensor is coated in a substance, such as Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), to protect the image sensor from damage when a sample is put in direct contact with the imaging surface to, for instance, collect an image of the sample by direct imaging means is disclosed.