Image Sensor Same-Level Color Filter and Black Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in structural stability and fabrication complexity due to step differences between color filters and optically black patterns, which can lead to defects and reduced optical properties.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a substrate with a pixel area, an optically black area, and a pad area, featuring color filters on the pixel area and optically black patterns on the optically black area, where the top surfaces of the color filters and optically black patterns are at the same level, and a color separation lens array layer with nano-posts to branch incident light rays, enhancing structural stability and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional image sensors are fabricated with separate color filters and optically black patterns at different levels, then fabrication processes become complex and structurally unstable, but achieving same-level alignment requires advanced manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the formation of color filters and optically black patterns into a single coating process. Both patterns are formed simultaneously from the same resin layer, eliminating the need for separate alignment processes. This combining approach resolves the technical contradiction by achieving same-level alignment without requiring advanced manufacturing precision, thereby improving structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin layer serves multiple functions: it forms both color filters and optically black patterns, provides structural support, and ensures planar alignment. This multi-functionality allows a single material layer to accomplish what previously required multiple separate processes, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and manufacturing precision requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If color filters and optically black patterns are formed at different levels, then fabrication is simpler, but optical performance deteriorates due to step differences and light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the formation of color filters and optically black patterns into a single resin layer, the patent eliminates step differences that cause light scattering. This merging maintains fabrication simplicity while dramatically improving optical performance, as the same-level surface prevents unwanted light reflection and scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical absorption characteristics of the resin material to create optically black patterns. By controlling the resin composition and thickness, the material naturally absorbs light in specific regions, achieving the optically black function without requiring separate colored layers. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while improving optical performance through material property utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processes are used to form color filters and optically black patterns, then material selection is flexible, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: forming color filters, creating optically black patterns, and providing structural support. This universality reduces fabrication process complexity from multiple separate steps to a single integrated process, while still allowing material composition flexibility to achieve desired optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite resin materials with specific optical absorption characteristics. By combining different resin components and pigments in controlled ratios, the material can simultaneously provide color filtering, optical absorption for black patterns, and structural integrity. This composite approach reduces fabrication complexity while maintaining material selection adaptability for different optical requirements.
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 design increases structural stability and optical performance by minimizing step differences and facilitating easier fabrication, while also improving the image sensor's ability to handle incident light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The nano-posts may be arranged to branch rays toward the color filters. The rays may have different wavelengths included in incident light.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an image sensor comprising a substrate including a pixel area and an optically black area and having a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other, a plurality of color filters on the second surface of the substrate on the pixel area, and a first optically black pattern in a first recess on the second surface of the substrate on the optically black area. The first optically black pattern includes a material that is the same as a material of one of the color filters. Top surfaces of the color filters and a top surface of the first optically black pattern are at the same level.