Image Sensor Optical Underlayer Layout for Lower Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup devices with integrated optical elements face challenges in reducing transmitted light loss due to the use of barrier metals, which are difficult to process and opaque, leading to attenuation of transmission axis light.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image pickup device with an underlying film of barrier metal or laminated metal film strategically placed in regions between optical elements and photoelectric conversion units, specifically in light-shielding and contact regions outside effective pixel areas, to prevent diffusion and mutual reaction while allowing light transmission in open regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier metal is formed as an underlying film of optical elements, then diffusion and mutual reaction of metallic material are prevented and adhesion to substrate is strengthened, but the barrier metal projects to the metallic material causing attenuation of transmission axis light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming the barrier metal only in specific regions (light-shielding regions and contact regions) rather than uniformly across the entire substrate. This localized approach allows the barrier metal to provide adhesion and prevent diffusion where needed, while avoiding light attenuation in open regions where light transmission is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the barrier metal formation into distinct regions: light-shielding regions between pixels, contact regions for electrical connections, and open regions for light transmission. This segmentation allows each region to have the appropriate barrier metal coverage, resolving the contradiction between adhesion needs and light transmission requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a barrier metal is formed as an underlying film, then stress migration of metallic material is prevented, but the barrier metal is opaque causing attenuation of transmission axis light
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier metal is applied locally in light-shielding regions and contact regions where stress migration prevention is critical, while open regions remain free of barrier metal to maintain light transmission. This localized application prevents stress migration in critical areas without causing light attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is segmented into regions requiring stress prevention (light-shielding and contact regions) and regions requiring light transmission (open regions). The barrier metal is selectively formed in the former regions, achieving stress migration prevention without compromising light transmission.
3Reliability
If barrier metal is used as underlying film, then diffusion of metallic material is prevented, but processing conversion difference causes shape projection to metallic material
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier metal is formed only in light-shielding regions and contact regions where diffusion prevention is necessary, while open regions maintain a flat surface for optimal light transmission. This local application prevents diffusion-related issues without creating shape projection problems in optical paths.
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 approach effectively reduces light loss by optimizing the placement of barrier metals, enhancing light-shielding characteristics and preventing stress migration, thereby improving the overall performance of the image pickup device.
Implementation Method 1
forming the barrier metal as the underlying film of the wire grid polarizers can provide effects such as the prevention of diffusion and mutual reaction of the metallic material
Implementation Method 2
strengthening adhesion to a substrate
Implementation Method 3
prevention of stress migration of the metallic material
Implementation Method 4
photoelectric conversion units that convert incident light into electric signals
Data Source
AI summary
Transmitted light loss in an image pickup device is reduced in forming an underlying film of optical elements.The image pickup device includes photoelectric conversion units, optical elements, and an underlying film of the optical elements. The photoelectric conversion units convert incident light into electric signals. The optical elements provide the incident light to the photoelectric conversion units. The underlying film of the optical elements is provided in a region between a first open region and a second open region of the optical elements in a layer between the optical elements and the photoelectric conversion units. Furthermore, the underlying film of the optical elements may be provided in a light-shielding region and a contact region outside an effective pixel region.