Meta-Micro-Lens Image Sensor With Anti-Reflection Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors using meta-micro-lenses suffer from light reflection at the light-incident surface, which reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an anti-reflection film and a meta-micro-lens array with nano-posts and stacked anti-reflection layers to minimize light reflection and enhance light condensation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a meta-micro-lens array is used to condense incident light, then light condensation efficiency is improved, but light reflection at the light-incident surface increases, reducing overall sensor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
An anti-reflection film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the air and the meta-micro-lens array. This film has a refractive index that is the geometric mean of air and the lens array material, creating a gradual refractive index transition that reduces light reflection at the interface while maintaining the light condensation functionality of the meta-micro-lens array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the meta-micro-lens array with an anti-reflection film layer. This composite design integrates the light-condensing capability of the lens array with the light-transmitting, reflection-reducing property of the anti-reflection film, achieving both improved light condensation efficiency and reduced reflection loss simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple stacked anti-reflection layers are added to reduce reflection, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflection function is segmented into multiple discrete layers rather than using a single complex structure. Each layer has a specific refractive index and thickness optimized for reducing reflection at particular wavelengths. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad-spectrum anti-reflection performance through simple, manufacturable discrete layers rather than a complex single-layer design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the refractive indices and thicknesses of the stacked anti-reflection layers to achieve maximum light transmission efficiency. By carefully selecting material parameters and layer dimensions, the design achieves superior anti-reflection performance while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable, balancing performance improvement with structural complexity.
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
Improves the efficiency and reliability of image sensors by reducing light reflection and enhancing light sensitivity, allowing for ultra-high-resolution and ultra-small image sensors with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-reflection film to reduce the reflectance at a light-incident surface of a micro-lens array
Implementation Method 2
a meta-micro-lens array including a plurality of nano-posts above the transparent spacer and configured to condense incident light onto the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels
Implementation Method 3
refractive indices of the plurality of upper anti-reflection layers may increase toward the at least one meta-micro-lens array in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a sensor substrate including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels, wherein the plurality of first pixels are configured to sense light of a first wavelength, and the plurality of second pixels are configured to sense light of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength, and first color filters and second color filters arranged above the sensor substrate and corresponding the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels, respectively.