Diffraction-Grating Light Sensor for Thin-Layer Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensors are less efficient due to incomplete absorption of light rays, with some rays being reflected or transmitted through the photoelectric material layer, leading to reduced charge generation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffraction grating between the photoelectric material layer and the light-receiving face, which guides light rays to enhance absorption and increase charge generation by ensuring most rays are directed parallel to the layer for extended contact time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional light sensor uses a simple photoelectric material layer, then the device structure is simple, but light absorption is incomplete leading to reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A diffraction grating is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the light-receiving face and the photoelectric material layer. This grating mediates the light propagation by diffracting incident light rays into guided modes that propagate parallel to the photoelectric layer, thereby increasing the interaction length and absorption efficiency without requiring a thicker layer or more complex sensor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the light propagation from direct transmission (one-dimensional path) into guided modes that travel parallel to the photoelectric layer (adding a lateral dimension). This dimensional change allows light to interact with the photoelectric material over an extended path length, significantly improving absorption efficiency without increasing the layer thickness or device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the photoelectric material layer is made thinner to reduce device complexity, then light rays pass through more easily, but absorption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing guided modes that propagate laterally parallel to the photoelectric layer, the patent effectively increases the interaction path length without increasing the layer thickness. This allows thin layers to achieve high absorption efficiency by utilizing the extended lateral propagation path created by the diffraction grating.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating acts as an intermediary that couples incident light into guided modes, enabling thin photoelectric layers to achieve high absorption efficiency. The grating mediates the energy transfer from incident light to the guided modes, which then interact with the thin photoelectric layer over an extended path length.
3Productivity
If the photoelectric material layer is made thicker to improve light absorption, then charge generation efficiency increases, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high charge generation efficiency in thin layers by transforming light propagation into guided modes that travel laterally parallel to the photoelectric layer. This dimensional change provides an extended interaction path without requiring thick layers, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating serves as an intermediary that enables thin photoelectric layers to achieve high charge generation efficiency by coupling light into guided modes. This approach avoids the need for thick layers, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior efficiency.
4Productivity
If light rays travel directly through the photoelectric layer, then the interaction time is short, but this leads to incomplete absorption and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the light-ray contact time by transforming direct transmission into guided modes that propagate laterally parallel to the photoelectric layer. This dimensional change creates an extended interaction path, allowing light to interact with the photoelectric material over a longer duration and improving absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating acts as an intermediary that couples incident light into guided modes, thereby extending the interaction time between light and the photoelectric material. This mediation transforms the brief direct transmission into prolonged lateral propagation, significantly improving absorption efficiency.
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 solution enhances light sensor sensitivity by increasing absorption and reducing the thickness of the absorbing layer, thereby improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating located between said first layer and the face of the sensor configured to receive light rays
Implementation Method 2
a layer or region of a photoelectric material (i.e., a material that absorbs photons and generates electrical charges)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an image sensor comprising a first layer of photoelectric material and a diffraction grating located between said first layer and the face of the sensor configured to receive light rays.