Organic Image Sensor Pixel Isolation for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors with organic photoelectric layers face resolution issues due to electrical noise and crosstalk between pixels, which hinder their miniaturization and performance.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a semiconductor substrate with pixel regions separated by isolation regions, transparent electrodes, and an organic photoelectric layer, where a drain electrode is positioned in a trench of the isolation pattern to reduce crosstalk and enhance quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If image sensors use organic photoelectric layers to reduce pixel size, then miniaturization is achieved, but electrical noise and crosstalk between pixels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pixel structure into multiple isolated regions using isolation patterns. The isolation pattern includes a first isolation pattern between adjacent pixels and a second isolation pattern within each pixel, creating segmented regions that prevent electrical noise and crosstalk while maintaining miniaturization. This segmentation physically separates charge collection regions, solving the crosstalk problem inherent in small-pixel organic photoelectric sensors.
2Volume of moving object
If pixel size is reduced for miniaturization, then device size decreases, but image resolution deteriorates due to electrical noise
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting each pixel into multiple isolated charge collection regions using isolation patterns, the patent reduces electrical noise within each pixel while maintaining small overall sensor size. The isolation patterns create distinct regions that prevent noise propagation, thereby preserving image resolution despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different regions: the photoelectric conversion layer uses organic material for high efficiency, while isolation regions use insulating materials to suppress noise. This local differentiation of material properties and structures optimizes both miniaturization and image quality by tailoring each region's characteristics to its specific function.
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 reduces crosstalk between pixels, improving image resolution and quantum efficiency while maintaining a compact image sensor size.
Implementation Method 1
An image sensor may be used to capture electromagnetic energy (e.g., visible light) associated with an image, and convert the electromagnetic energy into a corresponding electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes pixel regions separated by an isolation region and receiving incident light, color filters respectively disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to the pixel regions, a cover insulating layer disposed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and covering the color filters, first transparent electrodes disposed on the cover insulating layer and spaced apart to respectively overlap the color filters, an isolation pattern disposed on the cover insulating layer between the first transparent electrodes and having a trench spaced apart from the first transparent electrodes, a drain electrode disposed in the trench of the isolation pattern, and an organic photoelectric layer and a second transparent electrode sequentially disposed on the first transparent electrodes and the isolation pattern.