Photosensor with Lateral and Vertical Detection Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photosensors face challenges in increasing integration density without reducing image quality, and in achieving ultrahigh-speed broadband performance while maintaining responsivity across specific wavelength ranges.
Innovation Solution
A photosensor with a double channel structure incorporating a lower electrode, a semiconductor layer, a 2-dimensional material layer, and an upper electrode, which operates in multiple detection modes (lateral and vertical) to enhance responsivity and wavelength detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of photodiode is reduced to increase integration density, then the number of unit cells can be increased, but the area of light-receiving unit is reduced and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical detection mode that utilizes the thickness dimension of the photodiode structure. By detecting light not only in the lateral plane but also through the vertical depth, the effective light-receiving volume is increased without expanding the chip footprint, thus maintaining image quality while achieving high integration density
Solution Approach 2:
The photodiode is designed to operate in multiple detection modes (lateral and vertical) simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same photodiode structure to serve dual purposes: maintaining compact size for high integration density while preserving light-receiving capability through vertical detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between size reduction and image quality
2Measurement precision
If responsivity is increased in a specific wavelength range, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the advantages of ultrahigh speed and broadband performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple independent channels with different characteristics. By having both lateral and vertical detection channels, each channel can be optimized for different wavelength ranges and speed requirements, allowing the system to achieve high responsivity in specific bands while maintaining overall broadband capability through channel combination
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between or combines lateral and vertical detection modes depending on the wavelength and application requirements. This dynamic operation allows optimization of responsivity for specific wavelengths when needed, while maintaining the ability to operate in broadband mode by utilizing both detection channels, thus resolving the trade-off between specialized responsivity and general broadband performance
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 photosensor improves light detection efficiency and precision by alternately executing lateral and vertical detection modes, allowing for higher responsivity and accurate wavelength determination of incident light.
Implementation Method 1
A photosensor is a semiconductor device configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a photosensor and a method of operating the same. The photosensor includes a lower electrode, a semiconductor layer, a 2-dimensional material layer, and an upper electrode. Photocurrent generated due to externally radiated light may be operated in a multiple detection mode including a lateral detection mode and a vertical detection mode. The upper electrode may include a plurality of electrode elements, which may be formed of the same conductive material or different conductive materials.