Angle-Dependent Optical Element for Peripheral Pixel Light Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices experience reduced light receiving sensitivity in the peripheral portions of sensors due to varying incident angles of light, leading to differing modes of light condensation by microlenses between central and peripheral areas.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a transparent layer and structure bodies arranged to condense light of specific colors on corresponding pixels based on incident angles, achieving both wavelength separation and lens functions to improve light reception across the sensor area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional microlens is used for light condensation, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but light receiving sensitivity deteriorates in the peripheral portion of the sensor due to varying incident angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the structure bodies have different configurations in different regions of the sensor. Specifically, the structure bodies in the peripheral portion are designed with different shapes, sizes, or orientations compared to those in the central portion, allowing each region to optimize light condensation for its specific incident angle range, thereby improving light receiving sensitivity uniformly across the entire sensor surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical properties of the structure bodies angle-dependent. The structure bodies are designed to dynamically adapt their light condensation behavior based on the incident angle of incoming light, with each structure body configured to effectively condense light within a specific incident angle range, thus maintaining high sensitivity across varying angles without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism
2Reliability
If structure bodies are arranged to condense light according to incident angle, then light receiving sensitivity in peripheral portions is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the geometric parameters of the structure bodies (such as height, width, shape, or orientation) across different regions of the sensor. This gradual parameter transition allows the optical performance to adapt to incident angle variations while maintaining manufacturability, as the parameter changes can be implemented through standard photolithography techniques with conventional precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the sensor surface into multiple regions, each with structure bodies optimized for specific incident angle ranges. This segmentation strategy allows the complex overall function to be achieved through simpler, localized structures that are easier to manufacture with standard precision, while collectively providing improved light receiving sensitivity across the entire sensor
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 solution enhances light receiving sensitivity in the peripheral sensor areas, ensuring uniform image generation with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, while maintaining high aperture ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of structure bodies 160 arranged on the transparent layer 150 or in the transparent layer 150 in a plane direction (xy plane direction) of the transparent layer 150, and the plurality of structure bodies 160 is arranged in such a manner that, among incident light, light of a first color is condensed on a first pixel located immediately below
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of structure bodies 160 is arranged in such a manner that, among incident light, light of a first color is condensed on a first pixel located immediately below, and light of a second color is condensed on a second pixel located immediately below according to an incident angle of incident light of each of the structure bodies 160
Implementation Method 3
an optical element 120 according to the present invention includes a transparent layer 150 for covering a plurality of pixels 130 each including a photoelectric conversion element 110
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging 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, in which the plurality of structure bodies is arranged in such a manner that, among incident light, light of a first color is condensed on a first pixel located immediately below, and light of a second color is condensed on a second pixel located immediately below according to an incident angle of incident light of each of the structure bodies.