Meta Lens Image Sensor Layout for Color-Guided Light Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensing devices face challenges in achieving high quantum efficiency due to the inefficiencies in light guidance and separation, particularly in miniaturized devices that require improved image clarity.
Innovation Solution
The proposed image sensing device incorporates a (2×2) matrix structure of microlenses with an optical element at the center, capable of separating incident light into different wavelength ranges and guiding each color of light to corresponding optical filters, thereby enhancing light utilization and quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microlenses are arranged in a (2×2) matrix structure with an optical element at the center, then light separation and guidance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is segmented into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different nanoparticle arrangements, allowing each region to handle specific wavelength ranges independently. This segmentation enables efficient light separation while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element have different local properties - the first region has nanoparticles arranged for blue light separation, the second region for green light, and the third region for red light. This local quality variation allows the single optical element to perform multiple wavelength separation functions simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If the optical element separates light into different wavelength ranges and guides each color to corresponding filters, then image clarity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of nanoparticle arrangement (density, size, spacing) in different regions to achieve wavelength-specific light separation. By adjusting these parameters, the optical element can guide different colors to appropriate filters without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element uses composite structures combining multiple materials with different optical properties - transparent resin matrix with dispersed nanoparticles of different sizes and materials. This composite approach enables wavelength-selective separation while being manufacturable with standard precision techniques.
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 significantly increases the quantum efficiency of the image sensing device by ensuring that each color of light is effectively guided to the appropriate optical filter, leading to improved image quality and clarity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element disposed at a center of the (2×2) matrix structure among the first to fourth microlenses and configured to separate incident light into light rays of in different wavelength ranges of different colors
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of microlenses including first to fourth microlenses arranged in a (2×2) matrix structure
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical filters disposed under the first to fourth microlenses, and configured to correspond to the first to fourth microlenses, one microlens per optical filter, respectively
Implementation Method 4
Image sensing devices are devices that capture images using the properties of semiconductors that respond to light
Data Source
AI summary
Image sensing devices including meta lenses and methods for manufacturing the image sensing devices are disclosed. In an embodiments, an image sensing device includes a plurality of microlenses including first to fourth microlenses arranged in a (2×2) matrix structure, a plurality of optical filters disposed under the first to fourth microlens, and configured to correspond to the first to fourth microlenses, one microlens per optical filter, respectively, and an optical element disposed at a center of the (2×2) matrix structure among the first to fourth microlenses and configured to separate incident light into light rays of in different wavelength ranges of different colors to guide each of the light rays to one of the plurality of optical filters of a corresponding color.