Solid-State Imaging Device Light Condenser and Separating Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging devices face challenges in enhancing sensitivity and resolution due to light loss during color separation, especially as pixel density increases, and existing technologies are inefficient in managing light transmission and reflection across multiple color filters.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two-dimensionally arranged photodiodes with light condensers and separating units that selectively transmit or reflect light, reducing light loss by separating incident light into two wavelengths and allocating them to corresponding photodiodes, along with the use of multilayer films and insulator layers for improved light transmission characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional color filters are used to separate light into multiple colors, then color separation is achieved, but light loss increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light separation function is divided into two stages: first separating light into two wavelength groups using a dichroic mirror, then further separating each group using wavelength-selective reflective type color filters. This segmentation reduces light loss compared to conventional single-stage separation into three colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces transmissive color filters with reflective type color filters that use reflection rather than absorption to separate wavelengths. This substitution reduces light loss because reflected light is directed to photodiodes without being absorbed by filter materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel density is increased to improve resolution, then more photodiodes are packed, but light loss during color separation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the color separation process into two stages with wavelength-selective reflective filters, the system achieves efficient light separation even at high pixel densities, reducing light loss while maintaining resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation wavelength parameters by first separating light into two broad wavelength groups, then further separating each group. This parameter change allows for more efficient light utilization at higher pixel densities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple color filters are used for complete color separation, then color accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color separation is segmented into two sequential stages: first separating light into two wavelength groups, then further separating each group into specific color components. This two-stage approach achieves complete color separation with reduced structural complexity compared to conventional single-stage three-color separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirror acts as an intermediary element that first divides incident light into two wavelength groups before the wavelength-selective reflective type color filters perform further separation. This intermediary step simplifies the overall filter structure while maintaining color separation accuracy.
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 enhances sensitivity and resolution by minimizing light loss during separation, allowing for better light condensation and improved image quality, particularly in visible light, while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing unnecessary light absorption.
Implementation Method 1
a light-selecting unit which selectively allows transmission of one of the first light and the second light and reflect the other one of the first light and the second light
Implementation Method 2
a light-reflecting unit which reflects the light, reflected by the light-selecting unit, towards the other one of the corresponding two of the photodiodes
Implementation Method 3
light condensers each of which condenses light and is provided in a position to correspond to two of the photodiodes which are adjacent to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The solid-state imaging device of the present invention includes: photodiodes which are two-dimensionally arranged; light condensers each of which condenses light and is provided in a position to correspond to two of the photodiodes which are adjacent to each other; and separating units each of which separates the light entering through the light condensers into first light having a wavelength within a predetermined range, and second light having a wavelength out of the predetermined range, and is provided in a position to correspond to one of the light condensers. Each of the separating units includes: a light-selecting unit which selectively allows transmission of one of the first light and the second light and reflect the other one of the first light and the second light, and allow entering of the transmitted light to one of the corresponding two of the photodiodes; and a light-reflecting unit which reflects the light, reflected by the light-selecting unit, towards the other one of the corresponding two of the photodiodes.