Light Detection Structure With Uneven Surface for Interference Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light detection devices with wire grid polarizers suffer from high light reflectance and interference issues due to their metal materials, leading to transmission polarization loss and sensitivity variations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a semiconductor layer with a photoelectric conversion region and an optical element featuring a metal film with an aperture arrangement or dielectric layers of varying refractive indices, both disposed to overlap the photoelectric conversion region, and including an uneven portion on the surface of the photoelectric conversion region to redirect incident light and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a wire grid polarizer made of metal material is used to suppress transmission polarization loss, then light reflectance is improved, but light interference and sensitivity variations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light into a beneficial effect by introducing an uneven portion that redirects the reflected light away from the photoelectric conversion region. The metal film's high reflectance is transformed from a source of interference into a mechanism for controlling light direction, where the reflected light is purposely redirected to suppress interference rather than cause it.
Solution Approach 2:
The uneven portion acts as an intermediary element between the metal film and the photoelectric conversion region. It mediates the interaction by redirecting the reflected light from the metal film, preventing direct interference with the photoelectric conversion process while maintaining the beneficial polarization selection of the metal film structure.
2Measurement precision
If a metal film with high reflectance is used in the optical element, then polarization selection is improved, but light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the harmful reflected light generated by the high-reflectance metal film into a beneficial directional control mechanism. The uneven portion redirects the reflected light away from interfering with the optical detection, converting what would be interference into a controlled light path that supports the polarization selection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The uneven portion introduces a spatial dimension change by redirecting light in a different direction. Instead of light reflecting back along the incident path (one-dimensional), the uneven portion redirects it at an angle (adding spatial dimension), thereby separating the reflected light path from the detection path and eliminating interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If the photoelectric conversion region surface is made flat, then manufacturing is simplified, but light interference and ripple effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the photoelectric conversion region surface by introducing an uneven portion with a curved or angled surface. This curvature redirects the reflected light away from the detection path, suppressing interference and ripple effects while remaining compatible with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes.
4Measurement precision
If an optical element with metal film is disposed over the photoelectric conversion region, then specific light selection is improved, but light interference and sensitivity variations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The uneven portion serves as an intermediary between the metal film optical element and the photoelectric conversion region. It redirects the reflected light from the metal film away from the photoelectric conversion region, preventing interference while allowing the metal film to perform its light selection function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reflected light from the metal film into a beneficial directional control feature. By redirecting the reflected light away from the detection path, the uneven portion ensures that the metal film's high reflectance property benefits polarization selection without causing interference or sensitivity variations.
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 configuration effectively suppresses light interference and enhances sensitivity by redirecting reflected light, thereby minimizing ripple effects and improving the stability of light detection performance.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor layer 20 having a photoelectric conversion region 20a that converts incident light into signal charges
Implementation Method 2
the photoelectric conversion region on a side of the optical element has an uneven portion... effectively suppresses light interference and enhances sensitivity by redirecting reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
Light interference is suppressed. A light detection device includes: a semiconductor layer that has a photoelectric conversion region which photoelectrically converts incident light; and an optical element that has a metal film and an aperture arrangement formed in the metal film, selects specific light, supplies the selected light to the photoelectric conversion region, and is disposed to overlap the photoelectric conversion region in a plan view, wherein the photoelectric conversion region on a side of the optical element has an uneven portion.