Image Sensor Color Separation Element Light Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color display devices and image sensors have low light efficiency due to the absorption of unwanted colors by color filters, resulting in significant light loss, as they only transmit one-third of incident light, limiting their ability to effectively utilize incoming light.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design incorporating a pixel array with color separation elements that direct different wavelength bands of light to specific pixels, allowing for the transmission of specific wavelengths and reducing the need for multiple color filters, thereby enhancing light utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color filters are used to display colors or sense colors of incident light, then color information can be obtained, but light efficiency is reduced because most incident light is absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The incident light is segmented into different wavelength bands using color separation elements (prisms or diffraction gratings) positioned above pixels. Each wavelength band is directed to different pixels, allowing multiple wavelength components to be detected simultaneously without absorption losses from traditional color filters
Solution Approach 2:
Color separation elements (prisms or diffraction gratings) are introduced as intermediary components to separate incident light into different wavelength bands before reaching the pixels. This mediator enables wavelength-based light routing without the need for absorptive color filters, thereby maintaining high light efficiency while achieving color information detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RGB color filter method is used with 4 pixels, then color display or sensing is achieved, but only one-third of incident light is transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar color filter arrangement to a three-dimensional light routing architecture using color separation elements. By introducing the vertical dimension with prisms or diffraction gratings that redirect light at different angles, the system achieves color separation without the 33% transmission loss inherent in traditional 2D color filter arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The color separation elements serve multiple functions: they separate wavelengths, redirect light to appropriate pixels, and enable both color detection and high light efficiency simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-function color filters that only provide color separation through absorption
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 image sensor achieves higher sensitivity and color purity by effectively separating and utilizing different wavelength bands of light, reducing optical loss and improving light efficiency compared to traditional color filter-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The color separation element may separate the colors of incident light based on the diffraction or refraction characteristics of light which vary according to the wavelength thereof
Implementation Method 2
The color separation element may separate the colors of incident light based on the diffraction or refraction characteristics of light which vary according to the wavelength thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a pixel array including a first pixel row, in which a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels are alternately arranged, and a second pixel row, in which a plurality of second pixels and a plurality of third pixels are alternately arranged; first color separation elements configured to allow light having a second wavelength band, among incident light, to pass therethrough and travel in a downward direction, and to allow a mixture of light having a first wavelength band and light having a third wavelength band, among the incident light, to pass therethrough and travel in a lateral direction; and first color filters on at least a portion of the plurality of first pixels, the first color filters being configured to transmit only the light having the first wavelength band.