Solid-State Imaging Element Lattice Light Shielding Walls Infrared Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid-state imaging elements that simultaneously acquire visible and infrared images, infrared light can leak to adjacent visible light receiving pixels, causing color mixing due to the longer wavelength of infrared light and its longer optical path length, leading to image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging element is designed with a pixel array unit where first and second light receiving pixels for visible and infrared light are separated by a lattice patterned separation region with light shielding walls, including first and second light shielding walls that are spaced apart at intersection portions, preventing infrared light leakage and color mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a visible light receiving pixel and an infrared light receiving pixel are formed in the same pixel array unit, then the imaging element can simultaneously acquire visible and infrared images, but infrared light may leak to adjacent visible light receiving pixels causing color mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array unit is divided into distinct first pixel units and second pixel units with different light receiving characteristics. Separation regions are introduced between adjacent pixels to segment the optical paths, preventing infrared light from leaking into adjacent visible light pixels while maintaining the dual-function capability of the imaging element
Solution Approach 2:
Light shielding walls are introduced as intermediary structures within the separation regions. These walls act as mediators that block infrared light transmission between adjacent pixels while allowing the pixel array to maintain its dual light receiving capability, thus resolving the color mixing issue without sacrificing versatility
2Area of moving object
If the pixel array unit is miniaturized, then the imaging element achieves higher resolution and compactness, but color mixing becomes more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding walls extend in the depth direction (third dimension) of the pixel array unit, creating vertical barriers that block infrared light paths. This dimensional approach allows effective color mixing prevention even when the horizontal area of pixels is reduced for miniaturization, enabling compact high-resolution imaging
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 solution effectively suppresses color mixing by confining infrared light within its intended pixels, improving image quality and allowing for miniaturization of pixel array units without significant color mixing issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light shielding wall provided in the separation region... the first light shielding wall and the second light shielding wall are spaced apart at the intersection portion
Data Source
AI summary
The solid-state imaging element includes a plurality of first light receiving pixels that receives visible light, a plurality of second light receiving pixels that receives infrared light, a separation region, and a light shielding wall. The plurality of first light receiving pixels and the plurality of second light receiving pixels are arranged in a matrix, and the separation regionis arranged in a lattice pattern, light and has a plurality of intersection portions The light shielding wall is provided in the separation region and includes a first light shielding wall provided along a first direction in plan view, and a second light shielding wall provided along a second direction intersecting the first direction in plan view. In addition, the first light shielding wall and the second light shielding wall are spaced apart at the intersection portionof at least a part of the separation region.