Image Sensor Electrode Layout for Low-Resistance Shutter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilayer image sensors face challenges in maintaining the sensitivity and spectral sensitivity characteristics of the photoelectric conversion film due to material reactivity with oxygen, ozone, or moisture, requiring large-scale inert atmosphere fabrication and complex conveyance, and the resistance of the voltage application path affects power consumption and speed of voltage changes.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design includes a connection layer that aligns with the side surfaces of the transparent electrode, insulating layer, and photoelectric conversion film, allowing for low resistance voltage control and easy fabrication under normal conditions, using conductive semiconductors and metals for electrodes, and employing specific etching methods to protect the film from environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the photoelectric conversion film is exposed to oxygen, ozone, or moisture during fabrication, then the fabrication process becomes simpler, but the sensitivity and spectral sensitivity characteristics of the photoelectric conversion film deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the photoelectric conversion film in an inert atmosphere before exposure to air, and immediately protecting it with an insulating layer. The side surfaces of the photoelectric conversion film, transparent electrode, and insulating layer are aligned to ensure complete coverage, preventing environmental degradation before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or rare gas) during the formation of the photoelectric conversion film to prevent reaction with oxygen, ozone, or moisture. This inert environment is maintained throughout the critical fabrication steps until the protective insulating layer is in place.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the resistance of the voltage application path is reduced, then power consumption decreases and speed of voltage changes increases, but the complexity of the electrode structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage control function into the transparent electrode structure itself. The transparent electrode is directly connected to the control electrode through the aligned side surface configuration, eliminating the need for separate connection structures and reducing overall path resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by aligning the side surfaces of multiple layers (photoelectric conversion film, transparent electrode, and insulating layer). This vertical alignment creates a direct lateral connection path from the control electrode to the transparent electrode, reducing resistance without adding horizontal complexity.
3Reliability
If a connection layer is added to electrically connect the control electrode to the transparent electrode, then voltage control efficiency improves, but the number of fabrication steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation on the top surface of the transparent electrode, and simultaneously forms a lateral connection path through its aligned side surface that connects the control electrode to the transparent electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate connection layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic connection path where the insulating layer's side surface acts as both an insulator and a conductor depending on the configuration. The aligned side surfaces enable the insulating layer to provide both insulation and electrical connection functions through its geometric arrangement rather than requiring separate static components.
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 enables efficient control of voltage for electronic shutter operations and spectral sensitivity changes while minimizing film deterioration and power consumption, facilitating easier and more cost-effective fabrication processes.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-detecting element that generates an electrical signal in relation to the amount of incident light
Implementation Method 2
a connection layer that electrically connects the control electrode to the transparent electrode. The connection layer is in contact with at least one side surface of the transparent electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes pixel electrodes, a control electrode, a photoelectric conversion film arranged on the pixel electrodes, a transparent electrode arranged on the photoelectric conversion film, an insulating layer arranged on at least a portion of a top surface of the transparent electrode, and a connection layer that electrically connects the control electrode to the transparent electrode. The connection layer is in contact with at least one side surface of the transparent electrode. A side surface of the insulating layer, the at least one side surface of the transparent electrode, and a side surface of the photoelectric conversion film are aligned with each other.