Quantum Dot Layer Image Sensor for UV and IR Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in detecting infrared or ultraviolet light effectively, with existing technologies being complex and having low photoelectric conversion efficiency, especially when trying to display images based on these wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design incorporating a quantum dot layer that absorbs light in the ultraviolet or infrared wavelength band and emits visible light, using photoelectric conversion elements, wiring layers, color filters, and microlenses to enhance sensitivity and simplify the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photodiodes with high sensitivity in infrared or ultraviolet wavelength bands are used to detect these lights, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a quantum dot layer as an intermediary component between the incident light and the photodiode. This quantum dot layer converts infrared or ultraviolet light into visible light through photoluminescence, allowing standard visible-light-sensitive photodiodes to detect infrared or ultraviolet wavelengths. This mediator approach maintains high detection sensitivity while using conventional photodiode manufacturing processes, thereby resolving the contradiction between sensitivity improvement and manufacturing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If photodiodes are used to detect infrared or ultraviolet light, then the quantity of light can be measured, but imaging capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple types of pixels, including first pixels for visible light detection and second pixels for infrared or ultraviolet light detection through the quantum dot layer. This segmentation allows different regions to perform specialized functions while maintaining overall imaging capability. The quantum dot layer is selectively positioned over specific pixels to enable wavelength-specific detection, thereby providing both quantitative measurement and imaging versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If quantum dot layer is added to convert ultraviolet or infrared light to visible light, then imaging capability is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The quantum dot layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength converter for infrared or ultraviolet light, provides photoluminescence enhancement, and can be integrated into existing image sensor architectures. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent achieves improved imaging capability without proportionally increasing overall device structural 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
The image sensor can detect both visible and ultraviolet or infrared light by converting these wavelengths into visible light, improving sensitivity and simplifying the manufacturing process, enabling effective imaging based on the amount of light in these bands.
Implementation Method 1
a quantum dot layer which absorbs light and emits visible light having a specific range of wavelengths converted from the absorbed light
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion elements formed on a substrate to correspond to a plurality of pixel regions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an image sensor including a quantum dot layer. The image sensor including a quantum dot layer according to the present invention includes photoelectric conversion elements formed on a substrate to correspond to a plurality of pixel regions; a wiring layer formed on the substrate on which the photoelectric conversion elements are formed; color filters formed on the wiring layer to correspond to the photoelectric conversion elements; and a quantum dot layer formed on the color filters and absorbing light and emitting visible light having a specific range of wavelengths converted from the absorbed light.