Integrated Photo Detector for Broad Spectrum Light Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras can only capture visible light, limiting their ability to take high-quality pictures at night or in low-light conditions and requiring additional cameras for infrared and ultraviolet light capture, which increases device size.
Innovation Solution
A photo detector with a first photo diode for visible light, a second photo diode for infrared or ultraviolet light, and a first isolation region between them, allowing for the capture of a broad spectrum of light, including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet, in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate photo detectors are used to capture visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, then the ability to capture broad spectrum light is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photo detectors with different spectral sensitivities (visible light Si photodetector, infrared InGaAs photodetector, and ultraviolet GaN photodetector) into a single integrated device. This merging approach allows the system to capture broad spectrum light while reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated photo detector device performs multiple functions by incorporating photodetector elements that respond to different wavelengths of light. The single device can simultaneously capture visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, making it a universal light detection system that replaces multiple specialized cameras.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate photo detectors are used to capture visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light, then the ability to capture broad spectrum light is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple photo detectors into a single integrated structure, significantly reducing the area required on the smartphone. Instead of allocating separate space for visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet cameras, the combined device occupies a single footprint while providing all three spectral detection capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional photo detectors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to capture infrared and ultraviolet light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated photo detector is segmented into distinct functional regions, each with specific spectral response characteristics. The device includes a visible light photodetector region, an infrared photodetector region, and an ultraviolet photodetector region, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific wavelength range while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the photo detector are designed with local quality variations to achieve different spectral responses. The visible light region uses silicon with specific properties, the infrared region uses InGaAs with different characteristics, and the ultraviolet region uses GaN with yet another set of properties. This local differentiation enables broad spectrum coverage while maintaining ease of manufacture through specialized regional optimization.
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
Enables the capture of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light in a single camera, reducing the need for multiple cameras and enhancing low-light photography capabilities without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
a first photo diode configured to capture visible light
Implementation Method 2
a second photo diode configured to capture one of infrared light or ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A photo detector comprises a first photo diode configured to capture visible light, a second photo diode configured to capture one of infrared light or ultraviolet light, and an isolation region between the first photo diode and the second photo diode. The photo detector is capable of capturing infrared light and ultraviolet light in addition to visible light.