Optical Sensor Collimator Sidewall Shielding for Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors with collimators face issues such as image distortion due to non-perpendicular light, increased manufacturing costs, and thermal expansion differences between materials, leading to reduced yield and effectiveness in fingerprint sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor design incorporating a collimator layer with openings corresponding to pixels and a light-shielding layer on sidewalls to absorb non-perpendicular light, reducing image distortion and manufacturing complexity, while using a transparent material to fill openings and prevent foreign object entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional collimators are used to ensure parallel light incidence, then light parallelism is improved, but image distortion occurs due to non-perpendicular light reaching pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing light-shielding layers specifically on the sidewalls of the collimator structure. This local modification blocks non-perpendicular light paths while preserving the parallel light incidence function, thereby eliminating image distortion without compromising light parallelism.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional collimator designs are implemented, then light collection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-shielding function with the collimator structure by integrating light-shielding layers directly onto the collimator sidewalls. This combination eliminates the need for separate shielding components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective light collection.
3Reliability
If conventional collimator structures are used, then optical performance is improved, but thermal expansion differences between materials reduce yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by selecting light-shielding layer materials with thermal expansion coefficients matched to the collimator material. This material compatibility reduces thermal stress and deformation during temperature variations, thereby improving manufacturing yield while maintaining optical performance.
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 solution enhances image clarity by ensuring only perpendicular light reaches the pixels, reduces manufacturing costs, and minimizes thermal expansion issues, thereby improving the yield and performance of optical sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light-shielding layer on sidewalls of the openings to absorb non-perpendicular light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor is provided, wherein the optical sensor includes an image sensing array, a collimator layer, and a light-shielding layer. The image sensor array includes a plurality of pixels. The collimator layer is disposed on the image sensor array and includes a plurality of openings corresponding to the pixels. The collimator layer includes a first surface facing the image sensor array and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The light-shielding layer is disposed on sidewalls of the openings.