Light-Receiving Pixel Structure With Shielding Electrode Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sensors using semiconductor light receiving elements face challenges in improving sensitivity due to light leakage and color mixture between pixels, especially when a light-shielding film is not disposed between pixels.
Innovation Solution
A light receiving element with a stacked structure includes a photoelectric converter layer made of compound semiconductor material and a first electrode layer with light-shielding properties disposed between pixels on the light incident surface side, reducing light leakage and color mixture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light-shielding film is disposed between pixels, then light leakage and color mixture are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light-shielding function with the electrode structure by making the electrode layer itself have light-shielding properties. This merges two previously separate functions (electrode conduction and light shielding) into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for a separate light-shielding film between pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical conduction for photoelectric conversion and acts as a light-shielding barrier between adjacent pixels. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the device.
2Reliability
If a transparent electrode layer is provided over the photoelectric conversion layer, then electrical connection is improved, but light-shielding capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the electrode layer by selecting materials with appropriate properties. The electrode is made from a compound semiconductor material that provides both adequate electrical conductivity and sufficient light-shielding capability, unlike traditional transparent electrodes that allow light passage.
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 implementation of the light receiving element with a light-shielding first electrode layer enhances sensitivity by minimizing light leakage and color mixture, while also reducing the need for a transparent electrode and minimizing the thickness of the photoelectric converter layer.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric converter that is provided as a layer common to the plurality of pixels, and contains a compound semiconductor material
Implementation Method 2
a first electrode layer that is provided between the plurality of pixels on light incident surface side of the photoelectric converter, and has a light-shielding property
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A first light receiving element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of pixels, a photoelectric converter that is provided as a layer common to the plurality of pixels, and contains a compound semiconductor material, and a first electrode layer that is provided between the plurality of pixels on light incident surface side of the photoelectric converter, and has a light-shielding property.