Metamaterial Spectral Filter for Multi-Wavelength Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors divide the wavelength band into only three sections (red, green, and blue), limiting the accuracy of color expression and object recognition. There is a need for an image sensor with a spectral filter that can divide the wavelength band into more than three sections, integrated with a semiconductor chip.
Innovation Solution
A spectral filter is designed with a first metal reflective layer, a second metal reflective layer, and a plurality of cavities between the layers, each cavity having different center wavelengths. Additionally, lower pattern films are provided below the first metal reflective layer, also with different center wavelengths. This configuration allows for improved wavelength division and integration with a semiconductor chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spectral filter is used to divide the wavelength band into more than three sections, then the accuracy of color expression and object recognition is improved, but the device complexity increases due to large and complex optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical elements with a metamaterial-based spectral filter that uses subwavelength structures to achieve wavelength-selective filtering. This substitution eliminates the need for large, complex optical components while maintaining spectral division capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters of the filter by using metamaterials with specific geometric patterns and material compositions that enable spectral division into more than three sections. By adjusting the physical and chemical parameters of the metamaterial structures, the filter achieves enhanced color expression accuracy without requiring complex optical systems
2Reliability
If a spectral filter with more than three wavelength sections is developed, then the performance of object recognition is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases as technology is still being researched and developed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral filter into multiple discrete wavelength sections, each handled by specific metamaterial structures. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing approaches where each wavelength channel can be fabricated and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty while maintaining high object recognition performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite metamaterial structures combining different materials with complementary optical properties to achieve multi-wavelength filtering. These composite materials can be manufactured using existing semiconductor fabrication techniques, improving ease of manufacture while enabling advanced object recognition capabilities
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 spectral filter enhances the accuracy of color expression and object recognition by dividing the wavelength band into multiple sections, improving the performance of the image sensor and enabling more advanced applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first metal reflective layer; a second metal reflective layer provided above the first metal reflective layer
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of cavities provided between the first and second metal reflective layers, the plurality of cavities including first patterns respectively corresponding to different center wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of cavities may include: a first dielectric material; and a second dielectric material having a refractive index different from that of the first dielectric
Implementation Method 4
the plurality of cavities including first patterns respectively corresponding to different center wavelengths; and a plurality of lower pattern films being provided below the first metal reflective layer, the plurality of lower pattern films including second patterns respectively corresponding to the different center wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a spectral filter, and an image sensor and an electronic device including the spectral filter. The spectral filter includes: a first metal reflective layer; a second metal reflective layer provided above the first metal reflective layer; a plurality of cavities provided between the first and second metal reflective layers, the plurality of cavities including first patterns corresponding to different center wavelengths; and a plurality of lower pattern films provided below the first metal reflective layers, the plurality of lower pattern films including second patterns corresponding to the different center wavelengths.