Microlens Pixel Layout for High-Density Image Sensor Light Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving improved image quality due to limitations in the design of microlens layers, which affect the light focusing and integration density of pixel regions.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor incorporates a microlens layer with distinct lens patterns on different pixel regions, where the first lens pattern has a greater width and height than the second lens pattern, optimized to focus light effectively on corresponding photoelectric conversion regions, enhancing optical properties and integration density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a microlens layer with uniform lens patterns is used across all pixel regions, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the light focusing efficiency is reduced for pixel regions of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens layer is designed with different lens patterns for different pixel regions. Specifically, the first lens pattern has a first curvature radius and the second lens pattern has a second curvature radius, optimized according to the respective pixel region sizes. This local differentiation improves light focusing efficiency for each pixel type while maintaining overall device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens layer is segmented into multiple types of lens patterns corresponding to different pixel regions. The lens layer includes first lens patterns for first pixel regions and second lens patterns for second pixel regions, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for its specific function and size requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If pixel regions are made larger to improve light collection, then the optical properties are enhanced, but the integration density of pixels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different curvature radii for lens patterns corresponding to different pixel regions. The first lens pattern has a first curvature radius optimized for first pixel regions, while the second lens pattern has a second curvature radius for second pixel regions. This parameter differentiation allows larger pixels to collect more light while smaller pixels maintain higher integration density, resolving the contradiction between light collection and pixel quantity.
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 design improves image quality by ensuring optimal light incidence on both primary and subsidiary pixel regions, thereby increasing the sensor's optical properties and sensing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens layer on a first surface of the substrate and covering the first and second pixel regions of the substrate. The microlens layer may include a first lens pattern on the first pixel region of the substrate, the first lens pattern having a first curved surface; and a second lens pattern on the second pixel region of the substrate, the second lens pattern having a second curved surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pixels includes a photodiode. The photodiode serves to convert incident light into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a substrate that has a first pixel region and a second pixel region and a microlens layer on a first surface of the substrate. The microlens layer includes a first lens pattern on the first pixel region of the substrate; and a second lens pattern on the second pixel region of the substrate. A width of the first pixel region is greater than a width of the second pixel region, and a height of the first lens pattern is greater than a height of the second lens pattern.