Plasmon Resonator Filter for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging devices have limitations in wavelength resolution and are not suitable for applications requiring high functionality with a simple structure, as they rely on organic color filters that deteriorate with external stimuli and are not practical for miniaturization to pixel sizes comparable to electromagnetic wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a plasmon resonator filter formed of a conductive metal structure having an unevenness structure at a predetermined pitch, integrated into a single chip with both imaging and spectrum areas, allowing for high functionality and wavelength resolution without the need for separate sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic color filters are used in conventional solid-state imaging devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the wavelength resolution is low and transmission characteristics deteriorate due to external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the filter material from organic molecules to plasmon resonator structures. The plasmon resonator uses metallic nanostructures with specific geometric parameters (pitch, size, shape) that can be precisely controlled to achieve high wavelength resolution while maintaining durability against external stimuli like UV radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical/organic filter system with a physical/plasmonic system. Instead of relying on organic color filters that degrade under external stimuli, the invention uses plasmon resonators that exploit electromagnetic resonance in metallic nanostructures, providing both high wavelength resolution and environmental stability.
2Measurement precision
If diffractive grating is used to achieve high wavelength resolution, then wavelength resolution improves significantly, but the device size becomes large and limits practical application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by integrating the plasmon resonator structure directly at each pixel location on the imaging chip. Each pixel is equipped with its own plasmon resonator filter, enabling wavelength discrimination to be performed locally without requiring a separate, large diffractive grating system. This localized approach achieves high wavelength resolution while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for practical applications.
3Volume of moving object
If pixel size is reduced to miniaturize the device, then device size decreases, but the plasmon resonator structure becomes unsuitable for such minute dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the plasmon resonator structure to be compatible with miniaturized pixel dimensions. By carefully designing the pitch, size, and shape of the metallic nanostructures to match the reduced pixel scale, the plasmon resonator maintains its wavelength-selective functionality even at minute dimensions, enabling both device miniaturization and high wavelength resolution.
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 high-functionality imaging with improved wavelength resolution and durability against external stimuli, making it suitable for diverse applications while maintaining a simple and cost-effective structure.
Implementation Method 1
a filter that is formed of a plasmon resonator that is a conductive metal structure having an unevenness structure at a predetermined pitch, and that allows an electromagnetic wave with a desired wavelength to pass
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an imaging area in which a plurality of pixels used to acquire an image are provided; a spectrum area in which a plurality of pixels used to acquire a color spectrum are provided; and a filter that is formed above the pixels provided in the spectrum area and allows an electromagnetic wave with a desired wavelength to pass, wherein the filter is formed of a plasmon resonator that is a conductive metal structure having an unevenness structure at a predetermined pitch, and the imaging area and the spectrum area are provided on a single chip.