Organic Image Sensor Protruding Insulating Region Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in pixel size of image sensors leads to a decrease in light receiving area and optical sensitivity, which affects the performance of organic image sensors, and existing technologies face challenges in maintaining adhesion between the organic photoelectric conversion layer and other components during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The organic image sensor design includes a pixel electrode with protruding insulating regions and a second electrode opposite the organic photoelectric conversion layer, enhancing adhesion and manufacturing reliability by increasing contact areas between layers, thereby reducing peeling phenomena during the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel size is reduced to increase the number of pixels, then the resolution is improved, but the light receiving area is reduced and optical sensitivity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar structure to a three-dimensional stacked structure by adding vertical layers (organic photoelectric conversion layer, insulating layers, electrodes) above the semiconductor photoelectric device. This dimensional change allows the light receiving area to remain compact while increasing the effective photoelectric conversion volume through multiple stacked layers, thereby maintaining resolution while improving optical sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic photoelectric conversion layer is nested within a stacked structure that includes the semiconductor photoelectric device below and insulating layers with protruding portions above. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional layers to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, effectively increasing the photoelectric conversion capacity without increasing the lateral pixel size.
2Measurement precision
If the pixel size is reduced, then the number of pixels is increased, but the adhesion between the organic photoelectric conversion layer and other components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is segmented into multiple portions including a first insulating portion and a second insulating portion with protruding portions that extend between the pixel electrode and the organic photoelectric conversion layer. This segmentation creates distinct adhesion zones that improve the bonding between layers while allowing for better stress distribution in the reduced-size pixel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer extends in the vertical dimension with protruding portions that reach between the pixel electrode and the organic photoelectric conversion layer. This vertical extension creates additional adhesion interfaces without increasing the lateral footprint, thereby maintaining strong adhesion in compact pixels.
3Illumination intensity
If a stacked structure is used to maintain optical sensitivity, then the optical sensitivity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer is formed with protruding portions before the organic photoelectric conversion layer is deposited. This preliminary structuring of the insulating layer creates pre-defined adhesion zones and alignment features that guide subsequent manufacturing steps, simplifying the overall fabrication process despite the stacked architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves multiple functions: electrical isolation between the pixel electrode and organic photoelectric conversion layer, mechanical support, and adhesion promotion through its protruding portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure and manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
Organic image sensors are provided. An organic image sensor includes a pixel electrode including a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other. The organic image sensor includes an insulating region including a protruding portion that protrudes beyond surfaces of the plurality of first electrodes. The organic image sensor includes an organic photoelectric conversion layer on the pixel electrode and the protruding portion of the insulating region. Moreover, the organic image sensor includes a second electrode opposite the pixel electrode and on the organic photoelectric conversion layer.