Image Sensor Grid Structure Reducing Cross-Talk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving high electrical and optical characteristics, particularly in consumer electronic devices, where improved performance is demanded for applications such as digital cameras and medical micro-cameras.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design incorporates a substrate with a pixel separation structure, a grid structure with fence segments, and color filters with flat top surfaces, along with a micro-lens array, to enhance light collection and reduce cross-talk between pixel regions, thereby improving electrical and optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional image sensor structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but light-receiving efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel separation structure is divided into multiple segments including first pixel separation structures extending in a first direction and second pixel separation structures extending in a second direction. This segmentation approach improves light-receiving efficiency by creating more effective separation between pixels while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic arrangement of the segmented elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor employs different types of pixel separation structures in different regions: first pixel separation structures in certain areas and second pixel separation structures in other areas. This local differentiation optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio in specific regions while managing overall structural complexity through region-specific design.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel separation structures are added to reduce cross-talk, then optical characteristics improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel separation structure is segmented into first and second pixel separation structures that extend in different directions. This segmentation enables precise optical separation to reduce cross-talk while simplifying the manufacturing process by breaking down the complex separation requirement into manageable directional components that can be fabricated systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pixel separation structures extending in multiple directions (first direction and second direction perpendicular to the first). This dimensional approach improves optical characteristics by providing separation in multiple spatial dimensions, effectively reducing cross-talk while the systematic multi-directional arrangement facilitates manufacturing by distributing the complexity across different spatial dimensions.
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 configuration increases light-receiving efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio, leading to improved image sensor performance and sensitivity in consumer electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array disposed on the plurality of color filters
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of color filters disposed in the openings defined by the grid structure
Implementation Method 3
each of the color filters having a flat top surface, the flat top surface of each color filter being parallel to a bottom surface thereof
Implementation Method 4
a pixel separation structure defining a plurality of pixel regions, and a grid structure disposed on the substrate and including first fence segments provided between the sub-pixel regions, and second fence segments provided between neighboring pixel regions
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor and a method of manufacturing thereof are provided. The image sensor includes a substrate, a grid structure, and color filters. The substrate includes a pixel separation structure defining pixel regions, and a sub-pixel regions for each pixel region. The grid structure is disposed on the substrate and includes first fence segments provided between the sub-pixel regions, and second fence segments provided between neighboring pixel regions. The grid structure defines openings corresponding respectively to the sub-pixel regions. The color filters are disposed in the openings defined by the grid structure. Each of the color filters has a flat top surface and the flat top surface of each color filter is parallel to a bottom surface thereof.