Photoelectric Conversion Layer Layout for Wide-Range Sensitivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilayer imaging devices face challenges in maintaining constant sensitivity with respect to the voltage of the counter electrode due to potential changes in the pixel electrode, and they struggle to vary sensitivity over a wide range due to the placement of shield electrodes between pixels.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a photoelectric conversion layer with a pixel electrode, a control electrode for sensitivity control, a counter electrode, and a charge accumulator. The control electrode is strategically positioned to overlap with the pixel electrode and is connected by a line segment, allowing for varying sensitivity while maintaining constant sensitivity with respect to applied voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control electrode is added to vary sensitivity, then sensitivity can be adjusted over a wide range, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrode is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls sensitivity by adjusting the electric field distribution in the photoelectric conversion layer, and simultaneously serves as a structural element integrated with the pixel electrode through the line segment connection. This multi-functionality allows sensitivity adjustment without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control electrode and pixel electrode are merged through the line segment connection, creating an integrated structure where the control electrode extends from or connects to the pixel electrode. This merging reduces the number of completely separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to adjust sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If the control electrode is positioned to overlap the pixel electrode, then sensitivity control effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The line segment connection between the control electrode and pixel electrode creates an equipotential relationship that stabilizes the electric field distribution. This equipotential design reduces sensitivity to alignment variations, as the connected structure naturally equalizes potential differences and maintains effective sensitivity control even with minor manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The control electrode is segmented into portions that overlap the pixel electrode and portions connected through the line segment. This segmentation allows the overlapping region to provide effective sensitivity control while the line segment connection provides structural support and electrical continuity, distributing the manufacturing precision requirements across different functional regions
3Measurement precision
If shield electrodes are placed between pixels, then sensitivity control is achieved, but the ability to vary sensitivity over a wide range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control electrode configuration enables dynamic sensitivity adjustment by varying the voltage applied to the control electrode. The overlapping arrangement with the pixel electrode creates a controllable electric field that can be dynamically adjusted over a wide voltage range, allowing sensitivity to be varied from low to high levels unlike fixed shield electrode arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The control electrode acts as an intermediary between the pixel electrode and the external control circuitry. By positioning it to overlap the pixel electrode and connecting through the line segment, it mediates the electric field distribution in a way that enables wide-range sensitivity adjustment while maintaining effective control capability
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 enables the imaging device to vary sensitivity over a wide range while maintaining sensitivity constant with respect to the applied voltage, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion layer that includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and that generates signal charge
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion layer that includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and that generates signal charge, at least one pixel electrode located on the first surface of the photoelectric conversion layer, a control electrode located on the first surface of the photoelectric conversion layer, a counter electrode located on the second surface of the photoelectric conversion layer and opposite the at least one pixel electrode and the control electrode, and a charge accumulator that is connected to the at least one pixel electrode and that accumulates the signal charge. There is a line segment connecting two points on the at least one pixel electrode to each other and overlapping the control electrode in plan view.