Pixel Separation Structure for Imaging Crosstalk and Pupil Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in simultaneously improving imaging performance and pupil separation performance, as enhancing pupil separation can deteriorate image quality, while reducing it compromises pupil separation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a semiconductor substrate with photoelectric conversion sections, a first lens for each pixel, a second lens between the substrate and the first lens, a first separation section between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections, and a second separation section between pixels that protrudes further in the light incident direction, reducing crosstalk and enhancing both imaging and pupil separation performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the second separation section protrudes farther than the first separation section in the light incident direction, then pupil separation performance is improved, but crosstalk between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation structure is divided into two distinct segments: a first separation section that extends through the semiconductor substrate, and a second separation section that protrudes from the light incident surface. This segmentation allows each section to perform different functions - the first section provides baseline separation while the second section enhances pupil separation performance without excessive crosstalk
Solution Approach 2:
The separation sections are positioned at specific locations with different protrusion depths tailored to local requirements. The second separation section protrudes farther in regions where enhanced pupil separation is needed, while the first separation section provides uniform separation across all photoelectric conversion sections. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between pupil separation performance and crosstalk reduction
2Manufacturing precision
If the second separation section protrudes farther than the first separation section, then imaging performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second separation sections are merged into a unified separation structure that is formed as an integrated part of the semiconductor device. Both sections work together synergistically to achieve high imaging performance without requiring separate, independent separation mechanisms, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining precision
3Productivity
If the first lens and second lens are disposed for each pixel and photoelectric conversion section, then light guidance efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first lens and second lens are designed as multi-functional optical elements that simultaneously perform multiple functions: the first lens collects and directs incident light, while the second lens further guides light to the specific photoelectric conversion section. This universal lens design achieves high light guidance efficiency while avoiding the need for additional specialized optical components, thereby managing manufacturing complexity
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 effectively reduces crosstalk between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections while allowing light to enter corresponding to incident angles, thereby improving imaging performance while maintaining enhanced pupil separation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections that each generate electric charge corresponding to a light receiving amount by photoelectric conversion for each of the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a semiconductor substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposed to each other, and in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in matrix, the semiconductor substrate including a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections that each generate electric charge corresponding to a light receiving amount by photoelectric conversion for each pixel; a first lens disposed for each pixel; a second lens disposed between the semiconductor substrate and the first lens for each photoelectric conversion section; a first separation section provided between adjacent photoelectric conversion sections in each pixel and optically separating the adjacent photoelectric conversion sections from each other; and a second separation section provided between adjacent pixels, optically separating the adjacent pixels from each other, and protruding farther than the first separation section in a light incident direction.