Image Sensor Phase-Modulating Polarization Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors suffer from optical energy loss due to the use of polarization splitters that only allow light waves of a specific polarization to transmit, while reflecting or absorbing others, leading to compromised quantum efficiency and performance, especially in low luminance conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of polarization splitters with a meta feature that allows light waves of different polarizations to be transmitted and directed towards specific sensing portions within the image sensor, minimizing optical energy loss and optimizing quantum efficiency by varying the phase of the wavefront to guide light waves to their intended targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional polarization splitters are used to allow only specific polarization light waves to transmit, then polarization selectivity is improved, but optical energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the polarization splitter from a selective filter to a phase-modulating element. By varying the phase of the wavefront rather than blocking light, the meta-feature polarization splitter directs both horizontally and vertically polarized light waves to different sensing portions without energy loss, resolving the contradiction between polarization selectivity and optical energy loss.
2Measurement precision
If polarization splitters block certain polarizations to achieve polarization discrimination, then polarization resolution is improved, but quantum efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/optical filtering mechanism of polarization splitters with a meta-feature structure that modulates wavefront phase. This substitution allows polarization discrimination to be achieved through phase variation and directional steering rather than through blocking or absorbing light, thereby maintaining quantum efficiency while achieving polarization resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional polarization splitters are used to separate polarized light, then polarization separation capability is improved, but light intensity received by sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric structure as an intermediary between the polarization splitters and the sensor units. This dielectric structure, combined with the meta-feature polarization splitters, acts as a phase-modulating intermediary that directs different polarized light waves to different sensing portions without blocking or absorbing them, thereby maintaining high light intensity while achieving polarization separation.
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 enhances quantum efficiency to approximately 70-80% by ensuring that both horizontally and vertically polarized light waves are properly received, allowing for higher sensitivity and improved image resolution, especially in low luminance environments.
Implementation Method 1
optimizing quantum efficiency by varying the phase of the wavefront to guide light waves to their intended targets
Implementation Method 2
polarization splitters disposed corresponding to the color filter layer. Each of the plurality of polarization splitters has a first meta element extending in a first direction from top view and a second meta element extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a group of sensor units and a color filter layer disposed within the group of sensor units. The image sensor further includes a dielectric structure and a plurality of polarization splitters disposed corresponding to the color filter layer. Each of the plurality of polarization splitters has a first meta element extending in a first direction from top view and a second meta element extending in a second direction from top view. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.