Image Sensor Peripheral Recess Structure for Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stray light in imaging apparatuses causes flare or ghost phenomena in captured images due to unintended reflection of light outside the imaging region, degrading image quality.
Innovation Solution
The imaging apparatus incorporates a recessed interface in its peripheral region structure, which includes a member different from the optical element, to scatter stray light and reduce its impact on the effective pixel region, utilizing a combination of insulating layers, light shielding parts, and a protruding body with uneven surfaces to manage light reflection effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If light shielding parts are positioned close to effective pixels to reduce stray light, then stray light reduction is improved, but adhesive bleeding risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary substance between the light shielding part and the semiconductor substrate. This insulating layer acts as a barrier that prevents adhesive from bleeding onto the light shielding part while allowing the light shielding part to be positioned close to effective pixels for optimal stray light reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the insulating layer is specifically positioned between the light shielding part and substrate where adhesive contact is a concern, while other regions maintain their original properties. This localized application of insulating material solves the adhesive bleeding problem without affecting the overall compact design.
2Volume of moving object
If element distances are restricted to maintain compact design, then device size is reduced, but stray light control flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator that enables the light shielding part to be positioned in optimal locations for stray light control without concern for adhesive bleeding. This intermediary allows flexible arrangement of optical elements while maintaining compact overall 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
The recessed interface effectively scatters stray light, reducing flare and ghost effects in captured images while preventing bonding material from adhering to the optical elements, thus enhancing image quality and allowing for a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a part of light incident on the imaging apparatus is unexpectedly reflected on the surfaces of various members constituting the imaging apparatus to become so-called stray light
Implementation Method 2
The recessed interface effectively scatters stray light, minimizing flare and ghosting
Implementation Method 3
a light shielding part positioned on the semiconductor substrate with the insulating layer interposed between the first light shielding part and the semiconductor substrate
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an imaging apparatus that is advantageous for reducing the influence of stray light on a captured image. The imaging apparatus includes: a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of effective pixels that performs photoelectric conversion; an effective covering part including an optical element and covering the plurality of effective pixels in the semiconductor substrate; and a peripheral covering part covering a portion positioned outside the plurality of effective pixels in the semiconductor substrate, in which the plurality of effective pixels and the effective covering part are included in an effective pixel region structure, the portion positioned outside the plurality of effective pixels in the semiconductor substrate and the peripheral covering part are included in a peripheral region structure, and the peripheral region structure includes a recessed interface forming body having a recessed interface.