Raman Spectroscopy Pixel Integration for Lower Readout Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMOS image sensors suffer from reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during vertical binning due to integrated readout noise, limiting their use in high-sensitivity spectroscopic measurements like Raman spectroscopy, while CCD sensors maintain SNR with readout noise only in the final stage.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic device converts electrical signals from pixels into photons, integrating only noise-free pixels to reduce readout noise, using a specifying unit to select pixels with readout noise below a threshold and aligning integration ratios to enhance SNR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vertical binning is performed using a CMOS image sensor, then the number of stages for signal accumulation increases, but readout noise is integrated across all stages resulting in reduced SN ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel array into multiple groups along the vertical direction, where each group corresponds to a specific stage in the vertical binning process. By organizing pixels into discrete groups that are processed independently at each stage, the system can accumulate signals across stages while managing noise integration more effectively than conventional approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing characteristics to different pixel groups based on their position and function. By identifying pixels with lower readout noise characteristics and prioritizing their inclusion in vertical binning, the system achieves local optimization of signal quality while maintaining overall SN ratio performance.
2Productivity
If all pixels are integrated in vertical binning, then signal accumulation is maximized, but readout noise from all pixels is integrated reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent evaluates and compares readout noise characteristics of different pixels, then selectively includes pixels in vertical binning based on their noise performance. By prioritizing pixels with lower readout noise, the system achieves both efficient signal accumulation and maintained measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating all pixels without distinction, the patent applies partial integration by selectively including only those pixels that meet certain noise criteria. This partial action approach balances signal accumulation benefits with noise management, achieving optimal measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If conventional vertical binning is used, then the process is simple, but SN ratio degradation limits application in high-precision spectroscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of pixel characteristics, specifically readout noise levels, before incorporating pixels into vertical binning. By pre-characterizing pixel performance and using this information to guide the binning process, the system maintains measurement precision while managing processing complexity through structured, pre-planned operations.
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 method achieves improved SNR in spectroscopic data acquisition by reducing readout noise through photon integration, enhancing conversion accuracy and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels receiving the wavelength-resolved light to convert the light into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a conversion unit converting the electrical signal from the plurality of pixels into a number of photons
Data Source
AI summary
A spectroscopic device receives light wavelength-resolved in a predetermined direction by a spectroscopic optical system including a spectroscopic element to output spectroscopic spectrum data of the light, and the spectroscopic device includes a pixel unit including a plurality of pixels receiving the wavelength-resolved light to convert the light into an electrical signal, and the plurality of pixels being arranged in a row direction along a wavelength resolution direction and in a column direction perpendicular to the row direction, a conversion unit converting the electrical signal from the plurality of pixels into a number of photons, and a generation unit integrating the number of photons of a plurality of pixels belonging to the same column to generate spectroscopic spectrum data based on an integration result.