Compact Multispectral CMOS Sensor Using Metasurface Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers are bulky and have low angular tolerances, limiting their use on mobile devices, and there is a need for a compact spectrometer with high angular tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The development of an image sensor system comprising an aperture, a dispersion array with a scattering layer of nanostructures, a lens, an image sensor, and a processor, which scatters and disperses incident light to create polarized light that is then reconstructed to obtain spectral and polarization data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectrometers use dispersive elements like diffraction gratings or prisms with focusing optics, then spectral measurement capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and has low angular tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 3D optical paths with separate dispersive elements to a 2D metasurface architecture where dispersion, polarization filtering, and scattering functions are integrated into a single planar layer. This dimensional reduction enables compact integration while maintaining spectral measurement capability through wavelength-dependent angular dispersion encoded in the metasurface pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (dispersion, polarization filtering, scattering) into a single integrated metasurface structure. The dispersion array merges the roles of diffraction grating, polarizer, and scattering element, eliminating the need for separate bulky components and enabling miniaturization while preserving spectral measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If traditional spectrometers use dispersive elements like diffraction gratings or prisms, then spectral measurement capability is achieved, but angular tolerance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface architecture encodes angular dispersion information in the 2D spatial pattern of subwavelength structures, allowing the system to accept light from a wide range of incident angles and still achieve wavelength-dependent angular separation. This planar geometry provides inherent angular tolerance compared to traditional 3D optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wavelength-dependent angular dispersion as the key parameter, where the metasurface is designed to produce different output angles for different wavelengths regardless of incident angle variations. This parameter transformation approach enables high angular tolerance while maintaining spectral measurement capability through the reconstructed spectral data processing.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact spectrometer design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but maintaining high angular tolerances and spectral resolution becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D metasurface dispersion array achieves spectral resolution through spatial encoding of wavelength information in the angular domain, eliminating the need for long optical paths required in traditional spectrometers. The subwavelength periodic structures create wavelength-dependent phase delays that resolve spectral features while maintaining a compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms spectral information into angular distribution patterns through the metasurface, where spectral resolution is achieved through precise control of the angular dispersion parameter. The reconstructed spectral data processing algorithm recovers high-resolution spectral information from the angularly dispersed light patterns, enabling compact design without sacrificing measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If dispersion structures with nanostructures and filter layers are used, then spectral and polarization data can be obtained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies subwavelength dimension parameters for the metasurface nanostructures, which enables fabrication using standard semiconductor lithography techniques. By scaling the structure dimensions to the subwavelength regime, the design becomes compatible with existing manufacturing processes while achieving the desired spectral and polarization filtering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersion array uses composite layered structures combining metasurface patterns with dielectric or metallic filter layers. These composite materials enable simultaneous control of polarization and spectral properties through material selection and layer configuration, achieving multifunctionality while maintaining compatibility with conventional thin-film deposition and lithography fabrication processes.
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 solution enables the creation of a compact, ultra-high angular tolerance spectrometer that can be integrated into handheld devices, providing high-resolution spectral and polarization data while maintaining a small form factor.
Implementation Method 1
scattering incident light through a scattering and polarization filter layer to create scattered polarized light
Implementation Method 2
dispersing a subset of the scattered polarized light through a dispersion layer to create dispersed polarized light
Implementation Method 3
the scattering layer includes a row of nanostructures that filter light by a first polarization state
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An image sensor is provided, which comprises: an aperture; a dispersion array; a lens; an image sensor; and a processor,wherein the dispersion array further comprises a dispersion structure including a scattering layer, wherein the scattering layer includes a row of nanostructures that filter light by a first polarization state. Moreover a corresponding method method to obtain spectral data from a sensor is provided.