Polarized Image Sensor Layout With Shared Signal Transfer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process for image sensors with light polarizing units is complicated due to the transfer of a light polarizing unit formed on a different substrate to a photoelectric conversion unit.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor design integrates the light polarizing unit and signal transfer units at the same layer, allowing for simultaneous formation with the photoelectric conversion unit, simplifying the manufacturing process by forming light blocking lines and signal transfer units from a common material on a substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a light polarizing unit is formed on a different substrate and then transferred to a photoelectric conversion unit, then the light polarizing unit can be integrated with the photoelectric conversion unit, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light polarizing unit and signal transfer units into the same layer, allowing both to be formed simultaneously from a common material layer on the substrate. This eliminates the need for separate substrate formation and transfer processes, directly resolving the contradiction by integrating functional units while simplifying the manufacturing process through combined formation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a light polarizing unit is formed on a different substrate and then transferred to a photoelectric conversion unit, then the light polarizing unit can be integrated with the photoelectric conversion unit, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming both the light polarizing unit and signal transfer units simultaneously from a common material layer before subsequent processing steps. This preliminary combined formation eliminates the need for later transfer operations, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while achieving integration
3Ease of manufacture
If light blocking lines and signal transfer units are formed from a common material on the same layer, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the functional separation between light polarization and signal transfer may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by forming light blocking lines and signal transfer units from a common material layer but then selectively removing portions of this material to create distinct functional regions. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing simplicity through common material deposition while ensuring functional separation reliability through selective removal and pattern formation
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 approach simplifies the manufacturing process of image sensors with light polarizing units, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of light polarization information acquisition while reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a light polarizing unit that transmits light in a specific light polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
performing photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image sensor including: a light polarizing unit configured to transmit light in a specific light polarization direction out of incident light; a pixel configured to generate an image signal corresponding to the light transmitted through the light polarizing unit; and a signal transfer unit formed simultaneously with the light polarizing unit and configured to transfer either of the image signal and a control signal that controls generation of the image signal.