Integrated Color Unit with Organic Electrode Layers for Pixel Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light receiving devices face challenges in reducing pixel size while maintaining image quality, leading to decreased light sensitivity, false-color images, and moiré phenomena due to the separation of photoelectric conversion and color filter functions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated color unit is developed, combining a photoelectric conversion device and a color filter using organic electrode layers, where a first p-type electrode layer selectively absorbs non-desired wavelengths, and a second p-type electrode layer absorbs desired wavelengths, with an n-type electrode layer forming a p-n junction for photoelectric conversion, allowing for smaller, highly-integrated pixel design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pixel size is reduced to increase the number of pixels, then the number of pixels increases, but light sensitivity decreases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color filter and photoelectric conversion device into a single integrated structure. The color filter includes a first light-absorbing layer and a second light-absorbing layer with different spectral absorption characteristics, where the second layer is positioned closer to the photodetector. This integration eliminates the need for separate color filter and photodetector components, allowing reduced pixel size while maintaining adequate light sensitivity through optimized light absorption and conversion within the integrated structure.
2Reliability
If conventional separate structures are used, then photoelectric conversion function is achieved, but device size increases and integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the color filter and photoelectric conversion device into one integrated component. The color filter structure includes first and second light-absorbing layers with specific bandgap energies, where the second layer directly interfaces with the photodetector. This merging eliminates the need for separate color filter and photodetector assemblies, significantly reducing device complexity and enabling higher integration density while maintaining full photoelectric conversion functionality.
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 integrated color unit enhances light sensitivity and image quality by selectively transmitting desired wavelengths, reducing production costs and preventing issues like false-color images and decreased resolution, while enabling the fabrication of smaller, high-quality imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first p-type electrode layer disposed on a light receiving side of the color unit, and including a light-absorptive organic material which selectively absorbing a wavelength other than a desired wavelength
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion is performed through a p-n junction between the second p-type electrode layer and the n-type electrode layer, and light of the desired wavelength is converted into electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A color unit is disclosed in which is included in an imaging device. The color unit includes; a first p-type electrode layer disposed on a light receiving side of the color unit, and including a light-absorptive organic material which selectively absorbs a wavelength other than a desired wavelength in a visible light band of the electromagnetic spectrum, a second p-type electrode layer disposed under the first p-type electrode layer and including a light-absorptive organic material which absorbs a desired wavelength and an n-type electrode layer disposed under the second p-type electrode layer and including an organic material, wherein photoelectric conversion is performed through a p-n junction between the second p-type electrode layer and the n-type electrode layer and light of the desired wavelength is converted into electrical current.