Micro Prism Micro Lens Image Sensor Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face issues with optical crosstalk and brightness differences due to incident light being deflected to adjacent pixels, affecting image quality, despite previous attempts to mitigate these problems using micro lens arrays and other optical elements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a micro prism with an inclined angle, which deflects incident light to be parallel to a specific side, combined with an intermediate layer for increased refraction, and configuring the micro prism, micro lens, and photo sensor in a non-decenter arrangement to reduce crosstalk and brightness differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a micro lens array is disposed above the color filter array for condensing incident light, then the photosensitivity of the image sensor is increased, but optical crosstalk occurs when light is deflected to adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
A micro prism array is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the micro lens array and the color filter array. The micro prisms refract and redirect light paths, serving as a mediator that prevents direct deflection of light to adjacent pixels while maintaining the light-condensing function for improving photosensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro prism array adds a new dimensional layer to the optical path control. By introducing this intermediate layer with specific refractive geometry, the patent creates an additional degree of freedom in controlling light propagation, enabling separation of the light-condensing function from the light-direction function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the micro prism array is disposed between the micro lens array and the color filter array, then optical crosstalk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro prism array and micro lens array are integrated into a single composite optical component structure. This merging approach allows both the light-condensing function of the micro lenses and the light-redirection function of the micro prisms to be achieved within a unified device architecture, reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro prism array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light paths to prevent crosstalk, maintains optical alignment, and works in conjunction with the micro lenses to condense light. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the micro prism array is disposed between the color filter array and the semiconductor photo sensing device, then crosstalk is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The micro prism array is positioned and configured in advance during the manufacturing process to pre-establish correct light paths. By performing the light-redirection function at an earlier stage in the optical path (before light reaches the photo sensing device), the system reduces the precision requirements for subsequent alignment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the micro prisms (such as apex angle, height, and spacing) to achieve effective crosstalk reduction while maintaining manufacturability. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design balances optical performance with manufacturing precision 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 micro prism effectively adjusts larger chief ray angles to smaller ones, enhancing light distribution uniformity and reducing crosstalk effects among adjacent pixels, thereby improving image sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a micro prism and a micro lens, wherein the micro prism has an inclined angle, and said inclined angle is a function of a first side, a second side, and a third side of the micro prism, and wherein the micro prism deflects incident light with a chief ray angle entering the micro prism to an exit light which is parallel to a line normal to said third side of said micro prism
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer separating the micro lens and the micro prism for increasing the refraction of the incident light
Implementation Method 3
a photo sensor for receiving photo signals from the exit light and for converting the photo signals into electronic signals
Data Source
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AI summary
An image sensing device for receiving an incident light having an incident angle and photo signals formed thereby is provided. The image sensing device includes a micro prism (75; 84; 93; 105) and a micro lens (74; 85; 95; 103) for adjusting the incident angle and converging the incident light, respectively, a photo sensor (71; 81; 91; 101) for converting the photo signals into electronic signals, and an IC stacking layer (72; 82; 92; 102) for processing the electronic signals.