Pixel-Coupled Optical Element for Visible and Near-Infrared Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging elements face reduced light sensitivity due to light absorption outside the transmission wavelength band by color filters, necessitating color calibration to generate color images, especially when capturing both visible and near-infrared light.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a transparent layer and structure bodies that condense near-infrared light onto specific pixels, while directing visible light wavelengths to corresponding pixels, thereby improving light reception without absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If color filters are used to capture both visible and near-infrared light, then color information can be acquired, but light receiving sensitivity decreases due to absorption of light outside the transmission wavelength band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the color filter component entirely from the imaging system. Instead of using filters to separate wavelengths, the system directly captures light across the visible and near-infrared spectrum using a photoelectric conversion element without any filtering layers, thereby eliminating light absorption losses while still enabling color information acquisition through wavelength-dependent photoelectric conversion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoelectric conversion element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it captures both visible light and near-infrared light, and generates color information through its inherent wavelength-dependent response characteristics. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate color filters while maintaining color accuracy and improving light sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If color filters are used to separate near-infrared and visible light, then wavelength separation can be achieved, but the structure becomes more complex and requires color calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the color filter layer from the imaging element structure. By eliminating this component, the system achieves wavelength separation through the photoelectric conversion element's inherent properties rather than through physical filtering layers, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining wavelength discrimination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The photoelectric conversion element performs wavelength separation and color information generation through its own inherent characteristics without requiring external color filters or complex calibration mechanisms. The element's natural wavelength-dependent photoelectric conversion properties enable it to self-differentiate between visible and near-infrared light, reducing system complexity.
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
Enhances light receiving sensitivity for both visible and near-infrared light without the need for color calibration, simplifying the imaging device structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of structure bodies is arranged in such a manner that, among incident light, first light having a wavelength in a near-infrared light region is condensed on a first pixel among the plurality of pixels
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of structure bodies arranged on the transparent layer or in the transparent layer in a plane direction of the transparent layer
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 structure bodies arranged on the transparent layer or in the transparent layer in a plane direction of the transparent layer. The plurality of structure bodies is arranged in such a manner that, among incident light, first light having a wavelength in a near-infrared light region is condensed on a first pixel among the plurality of pixels, and light of a second color having a wavelength in a region outside the near-infrared light region is condensed on a second pixel.