Imaging Pixel Layout With Incident Light Attenuation for Color Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing imaging elements face challenges in manufacturing due to the roughness caused by light shielding films, which complicates the formation of color filters and reduces image quality due to light mixing from adjacent pixels.
Innovation Solution
An imaging element with a pixel structure that includes a color filter and a photoelectric conversion section, where an incident light attenuating section is arranged between the subject and the color filter to attenuate light without being transmitted through the color filter, thereby preventing light mixing and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light shielding film is arranged between color filters to prevent light mixing, then light mixing is reduced, but roughness is generated and formation of color filter becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light shielding function into two separate components: a light shielding film arranged between pixels and a light absorbing layer formed within the color filter material itself. This segmentation allows the color filter to be formed without roughness issues while the light shielding film provides the necessary isolation between adjacent pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different light shielding strategies to different locations: a light shielding film is placed between pixels where light mixing occurs, while the color filter regions maintain their optical properties for light transmission. The light absorbing layer is selectively formed in specific regions of the color filter to provide additional localized light shielding where needed.
2Reliability
If a light shielding film is arranged in the same layer as color filter, then light mixing is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the light shielding function from the color filter formation process by using a distinct light shielding film layer and a light absorbing layer within the color filter. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to trying to integrate light shielding directly into the color filter layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding film is arranged between pixels before the color filters are formed, establishing the light shielding structure in advance. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps by providing a stable foundation for color filter deposition without requiring complex simultaneous patterning.
3Reliability
If light enters photoelectric conversion section without passing through color filter, then color mixing is caused, but image quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light shielding selectively at pixel boundaries where light mixing occurs, while maintaining full light transmission through the color filters in the center of each pixel. This localized approach preserves color purity by blocking only the harmful oblique light from adjacent pixels while allowing sufficient light to reach the photoelectric conversion section for high-quality image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding film acts as an intermediary element between adjacent pixels, blocking oblique light from neighboring pixels before it can enter the photoelectric conversion section. This intermediary structure prevents color mixing while allowing the color filters to perform their wavelength-selective function for maintaining image quality.
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 solution allows for the formation of color filters without being affected by the incident light attenuating section, resulting in improved image quality and simplified manufacturing by ensuring only selected wavelength light enters the photoelectric conversion section.
Implementation Method 1
an incident light attenuating section arranged between the subject and the color filter and attenuating the light entering the photoelectric conversion section without being transmitted through the color filter arranged in the pixel
Implementation Method 2
a pixel including a color filter through which light having a predetermined wavelength of light from a subject is transmitted and a photoelectric conversion section generating charges responding to the light transmitted through the color filter
Data Source
AI summary
Manufacture of an imaging element in which light entering a pixel without being transmitted through a color filter arranged in the pixel is attenuated is simplified. An imaging element includes a pixel and an incident light attenuating section. The pixel includes a color filter through which light having a predetermined wavelength of light from a subject is transmitted, and a photoelectric conversion section generating charges responding to the light transmitted through the color filter. The incident light attenuating section is arranged between the subject and the color filter, and attenuates the light entering the photoelectric conversion section without being transmitted through the color filter arranged in the pixel.