Imaging Device Asymmetric Auxiliary Electrode Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stacked-layer type imaging devices struggle to maintain image quality in environments with significant brightness changes, lacking the ability to adjust sensitivity effectively.

Innovation Solution

The imaging device incorporates a photoelectric conversion layer with a pixel electrode, a counter electrode, a second electrode, and an auxiliary electrode, where the auxiliary electrode is spaced differently from the other electrodes, allowing for sensitivity adjustment by applying varying voltages to control the trapping of signal charges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional stacked-layer type imaging devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity cannot be adjusted in environments with significant brightness changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity adjustment capabilityVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device divides the electrode structure into multiple segments: a first electrode, a second electrode, and an auxiliary electrode positioned between them. This segmentation allows independent control of each electrode's potential, enabling dynamic adjustment of the electric field distribution within the photoelectric conversion layer, thereby achieving sensitivity adjustment in varying brightness conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment by applying variable voltages to the auxiliary electrode relative to the first and second electrodes. This creates a dynamically controllable electric field that can adapt to different lighting conditions, transforming the static electrode structure into a dynamic system capable of real-time sensitivity modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary electrode is positioned equidistantly from the first and second electrodes, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but the sensitivity adjustment range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity adjustment rangeVSAvoidelectrode spacing symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the electrode configuration by positioning the auxiliary electrode at different distances from the first electrode and the second electrode. This asymmetric arrangement creates an uneven electric field distribution that can be dynamically adjusted, significantly expanding the sensitivity adjustment range compared to symmetric configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By positioning the auxiliary electrode asymmetrically, the patent creates localized variations in the electric field strength at different regions of the photoelectric conversion layer. This local quality variation allows for more nuanced control over charge carrier separation and collection, thereby expanding the overall sensitivity adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If no auxiliary electrode is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the ability to control signal charge trapping regions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal charge trapping control precisionVSAvoidnumber of electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary electrode serves as an intermediary element between the first and second electrodes, providing an additional control point for modulating the electric field. This intermediary structure enables precise control over the formation and positioning of signal charge trapping regions, significantly improving measurement precision without requiring a complete redesign of the electrode system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables the imaging device to adjust its sensitivity dynamically, ensuring high-quality image capture in varying light conditions by altering the region where signal charges are trapped, thereby improving its performance in environments with changing brightness.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion film is stacked on the outermost surface of a semiconductor substrate. Charges generated by photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion film are stored in a charge storage region.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11532652B2Imaging device and image acquisition device

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

An imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a counter electrode on the first surface; a first electrode on the second surface; a second electrode on the second surface, the second electrode being spaced from the first electrode; and an auxiliary electrode on the second surface between the first electrode and the second electrode. The auxiliary electrode is spaced from the first electrode and the second electrode, where a shortest distance between the first electrode and the auxiliary electrode is different from a shortest distance between the second electrode and the auxiliary electrode.