Optical Sensor U-Shaped Electrode Light Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touchscreen optical sensors face challenges in enhancing light absorption and signal detection, especially under low light conditions, due to limitations in design and structure that affect the efficiency of incident light concentration and light absorption.
Innovation Solution
The optical sensor design includes a substrate with a transistor, a dielectric layer, a U-shaped first electrode, a photodiode, a second electrode, and a gap, where the photodiode is positioned between the electrodes, and an anti-reflective layer is used to concentrate incident light through convex portions, enhancing light absorption and signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional touchscreen optical sensor design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but light absorption efficiency and signal detection capability deteriorate under low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode is divided into a U-shaped portion and a cap portion, creating a segmented structure that forms a gap above the photodiode. This segmentation allows incident light to be concentrated into the gap region, improving light absorption efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is extended into the vertical dimension by creating a U-shaped portion that lines a gap above the photodiode and a cap portion that covers the top. This three-dimensional configuration concentrates light from multiple angles into the photodiode active area, enhancing detection capability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If light concentration structures are added to improve signal detection, then signal detection strength is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light concentration function is merged with the existing electrode structure by forming the U-shaped portion and cap portion as part of the first electrode. This integration eliminates the need for separate light concentration components, reducing manufacturing steps while achieving improved signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrode serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection to the transistor, forms a light-concentrating structure with its U-shaped portion and cap portion, and defines the gap region above the photodiode. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing
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 configuration improves light absorption and signal detection strength, particularly in low light environments, by concentrating incident light onto the photodiode, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the optical sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an anti-reflective layer is used to concentrate incident light through convex portions, enhancing light absorption and signal detection
Implementation Method 2
an anti-reflective layer is used to concentrate incident light through convex portions, enhancing light absorption and signal detection
Implementation Method 3
the photodiode is positioned between the electrodes... improves light absorption and signal detection strength
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor is provided. The optical sensor includes a substrate, a transistor, a dielectric layer, a first electrode, a photodiode, a second electrode and a gap. The transistor is disposed over the substrate. The dielectric layer is disposed over the transistor. The first electrode is disposed over the dielectric layer and includes a U-shaped portion electrically connected to the transistor. The second electrode is disposed over the first electrode, and the photodiode is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The gap is surrounded by the U-shaped portion of the first electrode and is sealed by the first electrode or the second electrode.