Solid-State Imaging Device Pixel Array Resolution Sensitivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging devices face challenges in achieving higher resolution while maintaining sensitivity, as reducing pixel size degrades pixel characteristics and sensitivity, and existing techniques lack effective methods to enhance sensitivity for higher resolution.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state imaging device with a pixel array unit comprising pixels that utilize a combination of first and second photoelectric conversion units, where the second unit, formed with a photodiode, performs photoelectric conversion on different color components after passing through color filters, allowing for the generation of signal charges for various color components, including white, thereby increasing sensitivity and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixel size is reduced to achieve higher resolution, then resolution is improved, but sensitivity degrades
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is segmented into multiple photoelectric conversion units (first and second photoelectric conversion units), allowing each unit to be optimized for specific color components. This segmentation enables maintaining larger effective photoelectric conversion area while achieving high resolution through the multi-unit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer photoelectric conversion structure to a stacked multi-layer structure with first and second photoelectric conversion units at different depths. This vertical dimensionality allows capturing different color components at different layers, improving both resolution and sensitivity simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If organic photoelectric conversion film is stacked on silicon substrate to achieve higher resolution, then resolution is improved, but sensitivity cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of organic photoelectric conversion materials (high resolution, color selectivity) with silicon photodiodes (high sensitivity, established technology) into a stacked structure. The first photoelectric conversion unit uses organic material for specific color components while the second uses silicon photodiodes for other color components, achieving both high resolution and high sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure combining organic photoelectric conversion materials and silicon photodiodes in a stacked configuration. Each material type is strategically selected and positioned to exploit its unique properties: organic materials for certain color components and silicon for others, creating a composite system that outperforms individual materials.
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 enables the achievement of higher resolution while increasing sensitivity by effectively utilizing multiple color components to generate signal charges, reducing incident light loss, and maintaining pixel characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first photoelectric conversion unit that generates a signal charge by absorbing light of a first color component
Implementation Method 2
a second photoelectric conversion unit that generates a signal charge in accordance with an amount of incident light, the second photoelectric conversion unit being formed with a photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device that can achieve a higher resolution while increasing sensitivity. In a pixel array unit, pixels are formed with a combination of a first pixel that performs photoelectric conversion on light of a first color component with a first photoelectric conversion unit, and photoelectric conversion on light of a third color component with a second photoelectric conversion unit; a second pixel that performs photoelectric conversion on light of the first color component with a first photoelectric conversion unit, and on light of a fifth color component with a second photoelectric conversion unit; and a third pixel that performs photoelectric conversion on light of the first color component with a first photoelectric conversion unit, and on light of a sixth color component with a second photoelectric conversion unit. The first color component and the sixth color component are mixed, to generate white (W).