Light Detection Element Using Ruthenium Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light detection elements using semiconductor pn junctions lack high efficiency and light detection capability in converting light into electrical signals, necessitating the development of new technologies.

Innovation Solution

A light detection element comprising a light-sensitive layer between two electrodes, where the second electrode is made of a metal containing ruthenium, molybdenum, or tungsten, enhancing light reflection and conversion efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If semiconductor pn junctions are used for light detection, then the device structure is well-established and manufacturable, but the light detection capability and conversion efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight detection capabilityVSAvoidconversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the electrode from conventional metals to metals containing ruthenium, molybdenum, or tungsten. This material parameter change increases light reflectivity, thereby improving the light detection capability and conversion efficiency while maintaining the pn junction structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite electrode materials containing ruthenium, molybdenum, or tungsten combined with other metals. These composite materials provide both high light reflectivity for improved detection capability and good electrical conductivity for maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional metals are used for electrodes, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the light reflection and conversion efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlight conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the material composition parameter of the electrode by incorporating ruthenium, molybdenum, or tungsten. This change improves light reflection and energy conversion efficiency while the manufacturing process remains comparable to conventional metal electrode fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed light detection element achieves high efficiency in converting light into electrical signals with improved light detection capability, effectively replacing light intensity changes with electrical signals.

Implementation Method 1

a light-sensitive layer configured to generate a voltage when light is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the second electrode is a metal containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20230194913A1Light detection element

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 TDK CORP

AI summary

The light detection element includes a light-sensitive layer configured to generate a voltage when light is applied, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The light-sensitive layer is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is a metal containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten.