Image Sensor Nano-Photonic Lens Array for Low-Loss Color Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors using color filters suffer from low light utilization efficiency, as only about 33% of incident light is transmitted, while the remaining 2/3 is absorbed, leading to significant light loss.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor incorporating a nano-photonic lens array that separates incident light based on color and condenses it onto pixels, utilizing a periodically two-dimensionally disposed supercell structure with varying nano-structure sizes and shapes to improve optical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color filter is used to sense light color, then light color separation is achieved, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates (only 33% transmission)
Solution Approach 1:
A nano-photonic lens array is introduced as an intermediary component between the incident light and the color filter. This lens array performs preliminary color separation and light condensation, allowing the color filter to work more efficiently by receiving pre-separated light, thereby improving overall light utilization while maintaining color separation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional reliance on color filter absorption with a photonic-based light manipulation system. The nano-photonic lens array uses photonic crystals and nano-structures to guide, separate, and focus light through optical path control rather than absorption-based filtering, significantly improving light transmission efficiency
2Measurement precision
If nano-structure cross-sectional sizes vary at boundaries, then color separation precision is improved, but pattern artifacts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different nano-structure configurations to different regions: the central region uses varied cross-sectional sizes for optimal color separation, while the boundary regions use standardized sizes to prevent pattern artifacts. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function without causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The nano-photonic lens array is divided into multiple unit patterns arranged in supercells. Each unit pattern contains nano-structures with specific cross-sectional sizes, and these unit patterns are systematically arranged to achieve both color separation precision and artifact reduction through the segmentation of functional regions
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 nano-photonic lens array enhances light utilization efficiency and reduces pattern artifacts, resulting in improved image quality and reduced light loss, even when a color filter is used.
Implementation Method 1
a nano-photonic lens array configured to separate incident light based on color and condense the separated incident light onto the plurality of pixels
Implementation Method 2
the nano-photonic lens array includes a plurality of supercells that are periodically two-dimensionally disposed
Implementation Method 3
each of the plurality of pixel corresponding regions includes a plurality of nano-structures configured to separate the incident light based on color and condense the incident light onto the plurality of pixels
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an image sensor including a sensor substrate including a plurality of pixels configured to sense light, and a nano-photonic lens array configured to separate incident light based on color and condense the separated incident light onto the plurality of pixels, wherein the nano-photonic lens array includes a plurality of supercells two-dimensionally disposed and including first unit patterns and second unit patterns, respectively including a plurality of pixel corresponding regions corresponding to the plurality of pixels, and wherein each of the plurality of pixel corresponding regions includes a plurality of nano-structures configured to separate the incident light based on color and condense the incident light onto the plurality of pixels, and wherein a cross-sectional size or a cross-sectional shape of a first nano-structure is different from a cross-sectional size or a cross-sectional shape of a second nano-structure.