Image Sensor Mosaic Layout for Infrared Sensitivity and Channel Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solid-state image sensors face challenges with low infrared sensitivity and high channel separation due to small pixel sizes, leading to difficulties in image detection.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state image sensor with a mosaic pattern layer that includes an infrared-passing segment, color filter segments, and a condensing structure, which enhances infrared sensitivity and improves channel separation by optimizing the arrangement and transmittance of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel size is reduced to increase resolution, then image detail is improved, but infrared sensitivity deteriorates due to low infrared absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is divided into multiple light-receiving regions with different functions: a first light-receiving region for visible light and a second light-receiving region for infrared light. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific wavelength range, maintaining infrared sensitivity even as overall pixel size decreases.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the pixel are assigned different optical properties: the first light-receiving region uses a color filter for visible light, while the second light-receiving region uses an infrared-transmitting structure. This local differentiation ensures that infrared light is properly absorbed in its designated region regardless of overall pixel size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If one or more color pixels are replaced by infrared pixels in Bayer pattern, then infrared detection capability is improved, but channel separation deteriorates making image detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is segmented into multiple light-receiving regions with distinct spectral responses. The first region captures visible light through a color filter, while the second region captures infrared light through an infrared-transmitting structure, enabling clear channel separation within each pixel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spectral dimension to the traditional spatial Bayer pattern by creating multiple light-receiving regions within each pixel location. This allows simultaneous capture of visible and infrared information at the same spatial position, improving channel separation while maintaining infrared detection capability.
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 enhances infrared sensitivity and improves image signal quality by optimizing the mosaic pattern layer's design, including transparent and infrared-cutting segments, and condensing structures, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a condensing structure (e.g., micro lens) is disposed on and covers the mosaic pattern layer, which may effectively enhance infrared sensitivity
Implementation Method 2
one or more color pixels (e.g., green pixel) may be replaced by one infrared pixel in one unit Bayer pattern... the infrared pixel may have low infrared sensitivity and low infrared signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) due to low infrared absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state image sensor is provided. The solid-state image sensor includes photoelectric conversion elements. The solid-state image sensor also includes a mosaic pattern layer disposed above the photoelectric conversion elements. The mosaic pattern layer includes an infrared-passing segment and color filter segments disposed on the periphery of the infrared-passing segment. The solid-state image sensor further includes a first condensing structure disposed on the mosaic pattern layer. The infrared-passing segment and the color filter segments share the first condensing structure.