Perylene-Based Molecules for Organic Image Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current organic image sensors face challenges with low photoelectric conversion efficiencies and high dark currents due to the materials used in their photoelectric conversion layers, which also reduce spatial resolution and light collection efficiency, especially when trying to detect light of different wavelengths.

Innovation Solution

The use of perylene-based molecules in absorption and photoelectric conversion layers, specifically designed to absorb in the visible wavelength range (400-700 nm) with tailored substituents for improved absorption efficiency, thermal stability, and tunable energy levels, enhancing exciton diffusion and dissociation efficiencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If organic materials are used in photoelectric conversion layers, then the device can be manufactured with organic materials, but photoelectric conversion efficiency is low and dark current is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidphotoelectric conversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure of perylene compounds by introducing specific substituents (electron-donating groups at positions 2 and 7, electron-withdrawing groups at positions 1 and 6) to change the optical and electrical parameters of the material. This enables tuning of absorption spectra and energy levels to achieve high photoelectric conversion efficiency while maintaining organic material benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite molecular structures combining perylene core with various functional groups (imide, amide, ester, ether, etc.) to create materials that exhibit both high photoelectric conversion efficiency and low dark current. The composite structure allows synergistic effects that overcome the limitations of simple organic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If color filter is used to separate light by color, then light detection is possible, but spatial resolution and light collection efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight detection capabilityVSAvoidspatial resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light detection function into multiple organic photoelectric conversion layers, each containing perylene compounds with different absorption characteristics. This segmentation allows wavelength-specific detection without using color filters, thereby maintaining spatial resolution while enabling color discrimination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical color filter system with a molecular-level solution using perylene compounds with tailored absorption spectra. The molecular structure itself performs the wavelength selection function, eliminating the need for physical filters that reduce spatial resolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If photoelectric conversion units for different wavelengths are stacked, then wavelength detection is possible, but light collection efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength detection capabilityVSAvoidlight collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs perylene compounds that can serve multiple functions within a single layer: they provide both high absorption efficiency for specific wavelengths and effective exciton dissociation. This multi-functionality allows a single layer to achieve wavelength-specific detection without stacking, thereby maintaining light collection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 perylene-based molecules achieve high external quantum efficiency, high exciton diffusion efficiencies, and fast response times, enabling improved photoelectric conversion and charge collection while maintaining high thermal stability and reduced dark currents.

Implementation Method 1

The perylene-based molecules achieve high external quantum efficiency... absorb in the visible wavelength range (400-700 nm)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

enhancing exciton diffusion and dissociation efficiencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExciton diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

photoelectric conversion layers... converting an optical image into an electric signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9978951B2Perylene-based materials for organic photoelectric conversion layers

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to perylene-based molecules and their use in photoelectric conversion layer(s) and/or an organic or hybrid image sensor. The present disclosure also relates to absorption layer(s) and photoelectric conversion layer(s) comprising a molecule according to the present disclosure. The present disclosure also relates to a device, comprising a photoelectric conversion layer comprising at least one perylene-based molecule. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to an organic image sensor or a hybrid Silicon-organic image sensor comprising photoelectric conversion layer(s) according to the present disclosure.