Meta-Surface Optical Element for Dynamic Range and Light Guiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges in improving both dynamic range and light utilization efficiency, particularly due to the reduction in aperture ratio and light utilization efficiency when multiple photodiodes are used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a meta-surface optical element with fine structures that control phase and light intensity, guiding incident light to different photodiodes with varying condensing positions and sizes, allowing for high light utilization efficiency and improved dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple photodiodes are provided in one pixel to improve dynamic range, then dynamic range is improved, but aperture ratio is lowered and light utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel is segmented into multiple photodiodes with different light-receiving areas, where a first photodiode has a larger area for capturing dim light and a second photodiode has a smaller area for capturing bright light, enabling dynamic range improvement without sacrificing overall light utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel are assigned different photodiode sizes tailored to specific light intensity conditions, with the first photodiode optimized for low-light regions and the second photodiode optimized for bright-light regions, allowing each photodiode to operate at optimal efficiency for its designated function
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 approach achieves both high light utilization efficiency and enhanced dynamic range by optimizing light condensation on photodiodes, enabling effective imaging in varying light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element and a plurality of photodiodes PD41 and PD42. The optical element includes a transparent layer 60 and a plurality of structures 70. The plurality of structures 70 are disposed on the transparent layer 60 or inside the transparent layer 60 in a plane direction of the transparent layer 60
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical element includes a transparent layer which covers a pixel including a first photoelectric conversion element and a second photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of structures disposed on the transparent layer or in the transparent layer in a plane direction of the transparent layer, in which the transparent layer includes a first region which guides incident light to the first photoelectric conversion element, and a second region which guides incident light to the second photoelectric conversion element, the plurality of structures are disposed in at least the second region among the first region and the second region, and the first region is smaller than the second region.