Image Sensor Optical Element With Stacked Color-Guiding Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high aspect ratio of microstructures required for color separation functions increases manufacturing difficulty due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a transparent layer and multiple layers of structures disposed in the plane direction to guide light of specific colors to corresponding pixels, reducing the aspect ratio and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single layer of microstructure with high aspect ratio is used for color separation, then the phase wavelength dispersion required for color separation function becomes large, but the manufacturing difficulty increases due to the high aspect ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single high-aspect-ratio microstructure into multiple lower-aspect-ratio microstructure layers stacked together. Each layer contributes a portion of the total optical path difference, and their combined effect achieves the required color separation function without requiring any single layer to have a high aspect ratio, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer structure to a multi-layer stacked structure, adding the vertical stacking dimension to the design. This dimensional change allows the optical path difference to be accumulated across multiple layers rather than requiring a single thick layer, thus reducing the aspect ratio of individual structures while maintaining the color separation performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of filters and microlenses are used for color separation, then the color separation function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of color separation and light guidance into a single integrated optical element consisting of multiple microstructure layers. This merged structure eliminates the need for separate filter layers and microlens arrays, reducing device complexity while achieving the same color separation function through the stacked microstructure configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each microstructure layer serves multiple functions: it contributes to the optical path difference for color separation, guides light to appropriate pixels, and can be configured with different refractive indices to optimize performance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances light reception efficiency and sensitivity by allowing for efficient light condensation and color separation without the need for multiple layers of filters and microlenses.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of structures 7 disposed in multiple layers to guide light of a color corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels among incident light to a corresponding pixel
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of structures 7 disposed in multiple layers to guide light of a color corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels among incident light to a corresponding pixel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a transparent layer for covering a pixel layer including a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element, wherein the transparent layer includes a transparent substrate and an air layer, wherein the air layer is located between the pixel layer and the transparent substrate; and a plurality of structures disposed in multiple layers including at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein structures in the first layer are disposed in the air layer, and structures in the second layer are disposed in the transparent layer.