Image Sensor Infrared Filter Barrier Layer Against Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state image sensors face challenges in maintaining the accuracy of visible and infrared light detection due to oxidation of infrared filters, which affects their light resistance and performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a barrier layer between color microlenses and an infrared filter to suppress the transmission of oxidation sources, combined with a laminate structure that limits oxygen transmittance to 5.0 cc/m2/day/atm or less, enhances the light resistance of the infrared filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an infrared filter is disposed on a photoelectric conversion element to cut off infrared light, then the accuracy of detection of visible light is improved, but the infrared filter is oxidized over time which deteriorates its light resistance and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the infrared filter and the color microlenses. This barrier layer specifically blocks oxidation sources from reaching the infrared filter, thereby preventing oxidation and maintaining the filter's light resistance and detection accuracy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer creates a protected environment around the infrared filter by blocking oxidation sources (such as oxygen and water vapor) from reaching it. This effectively isolates the infrared filter from the reactive atmosphere, preventing oxidative degradation and maintaining its optical properties.
2Reliability
If a barrier layer is added to prevent oxidation of the infrared filter, then the light resistance and durability are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer is integrated into the existing layer structure of the solid-state image sensor, combining the oxidation protection function with the existing optical path components. This merging approach adds the protective function without creating a completely separate subsystem, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer serves multiple functions: it blocks oxidation sources to protect the infrared filter, and it is positioned within the optical path structure to work cooperatively with the color microlenses and infrared filter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
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 solution effectively prevents oxidation of the infrared filter, improving the light resistance and detection accuracy of visible and infrared light, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the solid-state image sensor.
Implementation Method 1
transmission of an oxidation source that oxidizes the infrared filter is suppressed
Implementation Method 2
oxygen transmittance of 5.0 cc/m2/day/atm or less
Implementation Method 3
color microlenses which have a light-incident surface on which light is incident and collect the light incident on the light-incident surface toward a photoelectric conversion element
Implementation Method 4
infrared filter positioned between the color microlenses and the photoelectric conversion element
Implementation Method 5
photoelectric conversion elements that convert the intensity of light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image sensor filter includes: a light-incident surface on which light is incident; an infrared filter located on a side of a photoelectric conversion element on which the light-incident surface is disposed; and a barrier layer located on a side of the infrared filter on which the light-incident surface is disposed, the barrier layer being provided to suppress transmission of an oxidation source to thereby prevent the infrared filter from being oxidized.