Photoelectric Conversion Apparatus Intermediate Refractive Index Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoelectric conversion apparatuses face issues with light sensitivity due to oblique light rays not being effectively directed into optical waveguides, leading to differences in sensitivity between central and peripheral pixels, especially as the image pickup area increases.
Innovation Solution
A photoelectric conversion apparatus design that includes a semiconductor substrate with a photoelectric conversion portion, an insulator, a waveguide member, an in-layer lens, and intermediate members with specific refractive indices and configurations to refract and direct light efficiently onto the waveguide member, increasing the amount of light incident on the photoelectric conversion portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a highly refractive material is used for the in-layer lens and optical waveguide, then light condensation is improved, but oblique light rays are not effectively directed into the waveguide
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate layer with refractive index介于 the in-layer lens and optical waveguide between the in-layer lens and the optical waveguide. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator to gradually refract oblique light rays, enabling them to enter the waveguide effectively while maintaining the high light condensation capability of the highly refractive in-layer lens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter by introducing an intermediate layer with a specific refractive index that is lower than the in-layer lens but higher than the optical waveguide. This gradual transition of refractive index parameters allows oblique light rays to be properly directed into the waveguide while preserving light condensation efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If the image pickup area is increased, then coverage is improved, but sensitivity difference between central and peripheral pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the intermediate layer specifically in regions where oblique light rays are prominent (peripheral regions with larger incident angles). This localized solution addresses the sensitivity uniformity issue in peripheral areas without affecting the overall image pickup area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the intermediate layer with optimized refractive index parameters, the patent enables uniform light sensitivity across the entire image pickup area, including peripheral regions, thereby maintaining sensitivity uniformity while increasing the image pickup area coverage
3Device complexity
If the in-layer lens is in direct contact with the optical waveguide, then structure is simplified, but light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate layer serves as an intermediary between the in-layer lens and optical waveguide, enabling effective light transmission by properly refracting light rays. While it adds a structural element, the layer is designed to be thin and integrated into the existing structure, minimizing the increase in device complexity while significantly improving light transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure by combining the in-layer lens material, intermediate layer material, and optical waveguide material with specific refractive index relationships. This composite structure optimizes light transmission efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through integrated design
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 design enhances light sensitivity by effectively refracting and guiding light onto the photoelectric conversion portion, reducing light loss and improving the uniformity of light incidence across the image pickup area.
Implementation Method 1
an in-layer lens, as an in-layer lens, made of a second highly refractive material is provided on the first highly refractive material
Implementation Method 2
A first highly refractive material is provided over the planarizing layer such that the through hole is filled with the first highly refractive material, which forms an optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a photoelectric conversion portion provided in the semiconductor substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate having a photoelectric conversion portion. An insulator is provided on the semiconductor substrate. The insulator has a hole corresponding to the photoelectric conversion portion. A waveguide member is provided in the hole. An in-layer lens is provided on a side of the waveguide member farther from the semiconductor substrate. A first intermediate member is provided between the waveguide member and the in-layer lens. The first intermediate member has a lower refractive index than the in-layer lens.