Image Sensor Embedded Wells Light-Blocking Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges with low light collection efficiency and high crosstalk when detecting light emitted by samples placed above the sensor, particularly in high-resolution applications, leading to reduced sensitivity and accuracy in detecting weak luminescence signals.
Innovation Solution
The development of an image sensor with embedded wells and light-blocking barriers between pixels, where each well is aligned with a doped sensing region to enhance light detection efficiency and reduce crosstalk, allowing for improved sensitivity and accurate detection of light emitted by samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are placed above the image sensor for detection, then the sensor can detect light emitted by samples, but light collection efficiency is low and crosstalk between adjacent pixels is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surface is segmented into discrete wells that are etched into the substrate, with each well containing a single sample. This segmentation isolates light emission from individual samples and prevents light from spreading to adjacent detection regions, thereby reducing crosstalk while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Light-blocking barriers are strategically positioned between adjacent wells to create localized light containment. The barriers are placed only where needed to block stray light between neighboring wells, while leaving the detection regions within each well open and sensitive. This local modification optimizes light collection efficiency without introducing unnecessary obstruction to valid signal paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If light-blocking barriers are added between pixels to reduce crosstalk, then crosstalk is suppressed, but light collection efficiency for valid signals may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into discrete wells separated by light-blocking barriers. Each well acts as an independent detection chamber that confines light emission to its designated sensing region. The barriers are positioned to block only the inter-well light paths while leaving intra-well light paths open, thus suppressing crosstalk without compromising valid signal collection.
Solution Approach 2:
Light-blocking barriers serve as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent wells. These barriers mediate the interaction between neighboring light-emitting regions by selectively blocking stray light paths while allowing direct light paths from each well to its corresponding sensing region to remain unobstructed. The barriers thus eliminate harmful lateral light propagation without interfering with useful vertical light collection.
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 embedded wells and light-blocking barriers significantly enhance light collection efficiency and suppress crosstalk, enabling the detection of weak luminescence signals and improving the overall sensitivity of the image sensor, particularly beneficial in DNA sequencing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor substrate including an array of doped sensing regions respectively corresponding to an array of photosensitive pixels of the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a light-blocking barrier to reduce propagation of light to the doped sensing-region of each photosensitive pixel from wells not aligned therewith
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor with embedded wells for accommodating light emitters includes a semiconductor substrate including an array of doped sensing regions respectively corresponding to an array of photosensitive pixels of the image sensor. The semiconductor substrate forms an array of wells. Each well is aligned with a respective doped sensing region to facilitate detection, by the photosensitive pixel that includes said respective doped sensing region, of light emitted to the photosensitive pixel by a light emitter disposed in the well. The image sensor further includes, between adjacent doped sensing regions, a light-blocking barrier to reduce propagation of light to the doped sensing-region of each photosensitive pixel from wells not aligned therewith.