Multilayer Optical Element for Pixel-Level Color Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing difficulty of microstructures with high aspect ratios is high due to the large phase wavelength dispersion required for color separation functions, making them challenging to produce.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a transparent layer covering pixels and multiple layers of structures disposed in the plane direction to guide light of specific colors to corresponding pixels, reducing the aspect ratio and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single layer of fine structure is used for color filter function, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the phase wavelength dispersion required for color separation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer planar structure to a multi-layer stacked structure, adding the vertical dimension (Z-axis) to the design. Multiple layers of structures are disposed at different heights, creating three-dimensional light guidance paths that achieve both color separation and lens functions while maintaining manufacturability through standard semiconductor processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where multiple layers of structures are positioned within and around a transparent layer. The structures in different layers are arranged to guide light through nested optical paths, with each layer contributing to the overall color separation and focusing function, similar to nested dolls where each component serves a specific function within the larger system.
2Manufacturing precision
If microstructures with high aspect ratio are used to achieve color separation, then the color separation function is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single high aspect ratio structure into multiple segments or layers, each with a lower aspect ratio. By stacking multiple structures at different heights within the transparent layer, the total optical path length is achieved through cumulative effect rather than a single tall structure, making each individual structure easier to manufacture with standard semiconductor processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the high aspect ratio problem by distributing the optical function across multiple layers in the vertical dimension. Instead of one tall structure extending through the entire thickness, multiple shorter structures are arranged at different Z-heights, achieving the same optical path length through spatial distribution rather than vertical extension.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple layers of structures are disposed to guide light to corresponding pixels, then the lens function and color separation are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multi-layer structures to perform multiple functions simultaneously: color separation, light guidance, and lens focusing. Each structure layer is configured to guide specific wavelength ranges to corresponding pixels while also providing optical focusing, eliminating the need for separate color filter and lens components, thus reducing overall device complexity despite the multi-layer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the color filter function and lens function into a single integrated multi-layer structure system. The structures disposed in the transparent layer simultaneously achieve wavelength-dependent light guidance and focal point formation, combining functions that would traditionally require separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs by allowing for efficient light condensation and color separation while maintaining high light reception efficiency and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of structures are disposed in multiple layers to guide light of a color corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels among incident light to a corresponding pixel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a transparent layer for covering a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of structures disposed in a plane direction of the transparent layer, on a side opposite to the plurality of pixels with at least a part of the transparent layer interposed therebetween. The plurality of structures are disposed in multiple layers to guide light of a color corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels among incident light to a corresponding pixel.