Photoelectric Conversion Element Using Aromatic Amine Compound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoelectric conversion elements for imaging devices face challenges in achieving higher sensitivity and resolution, particularly in digital cameras, smartphones, and monitoring cameras, due to limitations in light utilization efficiency and pixel micronization.
Innovation Solution
A specific aromatic amine compound is used in the photoelectric conversion element, which enhances hole and electron separation and mobility, reducing leakage current and improving contrast ratio through optimized energy levels and structural design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If RGB color filters are disposed on a plane of the photoelectric conversion element, then the structure is simple, but the light utilization efficiency and resolution are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of color filters to a three-dimensional stacked structure where photoelectric conversion elements for different colors are layered vertically. This dimensional change allows multiple color sensors to occupy the same pixel footprint, thereby improving resolution and light utilization efficiency without complicating the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where photoelectric conversion elements for red, green, and blue colors are stacked one above another within the same pixel region. This nesting approach allows multiple functional layers to coexist in a compact vertical space, achieving high resolution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized stacking processes.
2Productivity
If a bias voltage is applied between electrodes to accelerate charge separation, then the photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved, but leakage current increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blocking layers as intermediary structures between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electrodes. These blocking layers act as mediators that selectively permit charge carriers to pass through while preventing unwanted leakage current, thereby maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency under bias voltage while suppressing harmful leakage effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the photoelectric conversion layer is optimized for high efficiency charge generation, while the blocking layers are specifically designed with localized properties to suppress leakage current at the interface with electrodes. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both conversion efficiency and leakage suppression.
3Reliability
If organic semiconductors are used instead of inorganic semiconductors, then sensitivity can be improved, but the material characteristics are insufficient for commercial practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining multiple organic semiconductor layers with specific blocking layers. This composite approach leverages the high sensitivity of organic semiconductors while using the blocking layers to provide the structural stability and leakage suppression needed for commercial applications, thereby bridging the gap between sensitivity and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters such as HOMO and LUMO energy levels, mobility ratios, and band gap values to achieve the desired balance between sensitivity and stability. By carefully tuning these parameters in the organic semiconductor materials and their combinations, the patent creates materials that are both highly sensitive and suitable for commercial device 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
The aromatic amine compound enables a photoelectric conversion element with low dark current and high contrast ratio, effectively addressing the limitations of existing elements by facilitating efficient light conversion into electric energy.
Implementation Method 1
light having a desired wavelength is absorbed in the photoelectric conversion layer to generate an exciton, and then charge separation of the exciton generates a hole and an electron
Implementation Method 2
charge separation of the exciton generates a hole and an electron
Implementation Method 3
the hole and the electron move toward each electrode to convert the light into an electric signal
Implementation Method 4
a hole blocking layer and/or an electron blocking layer is disposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and the two electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a material that achieves higher sensitivity and higher resolution of a photoelectric conversion element for imaging, and a photoelectric conversion element for imaging using the above material. A material for a photoelectric conversion element for imaging, the material including a compound having a structure of the following general formula (1), wherein Ar1 to Ar3 represent an aromatic hydrocarbon group, an aromatic heterocyclic group, or a linked aromatic group in which two to six of these groups are linked, and at least two groups thereof have an aromatic ring structure represented by any of the following formulae (2) to (4). X represents O or S.