Nanopatterned Prism Image Sensor for Light Separation and Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in improving light use efficiency, particularly with the use of microlenses or color filters, which can be bulky and limit the miniaturization and performance of image sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized image sensor design incorporating a substrate with a prism structure featuring nanopatterns and an anti-reflection structure with a spaced-apart opening array, which enhances light separation and condensation by using nanopatterns to selectively reflect specific wavelengths and transmit others, thereby improving light use efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microlenses or color filters are used to improve light use efficiency, then light separation and focusing performance is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the light interaction by using nanopatterns with specific geometries (size, shape, spacing) to control light reflection and transmission characteristics. The nanopatterns are designed with precise dimensional parameters to achieve wavelength-selective optical effects without requiring bulky microlens or color filter structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying nanopatterns across the substrate, where different regions have nanopatterns with specific local geometries and arrangements tailored to achieve desired optical functions at each location, replacing uniform but bulky traditional optical components.
2Reliability
If microlenses or color filters are used to improve light use efficiency, then light separation and focusing performance is improved, but device miniaturization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of microlenses and color filters with a nanoscale surface pattern system. Instead of using three-dimensional optical components that rely on geometric optics, the invention uses two-dimensional nanopatterns that manipulate light through diffraction and interference effects at the nanoscale, dramatically reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional optical components (microlenses with curved surfaces and color filters with thickness) to two-dimensional nanopatterns on the substrate surface. This dimensional reduction enables miniaturization while maintaining optical functionality through surface-based light manipulation.
3Reliability
If nanopatterns are used to selectively reflect and transmit wavelengths, then light use efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by using self-assembly processes or pre-formed templates to create nanopatterns. The nanopatterns are formed through controlled deposition, self-organization, or replication from master templates, which establishes precise geometries before the final device assembly, reducing the need for high-precision post-processing.
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 proposed design enhances light use efficiency and miniaturization, leading to improved performance and integration of image sensors by effectively separating and focusing light across different wavelengths, reducing reflection, and increasing the accuracy of light reception.
Implementation Method 1
nanopatterns to selectively reflect specific wavelengths and transmit others
Implementation Method 2
prism structure including at least one nanopattern
Implementation Method 3
an anti-reflection structure on the prism structure, the anti-reflection structure including at least one opening array
Implementation Method 4
prism structure on the plurality of pixel regions, the prism structure including at least one nanopattern
Implementation Method 5
separating and focusing light across different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor with improved performance is provided. The image sensor includes a substrate, a prism structure on the substrate, the prism structure including at least one nanopattern, and an anti-reflection structure on the prism structure, the anti-reflection structure including at least one opening array, the opening array including a plurality of spaced-apart openings.