Rectifying Antenna Array for Solid-State Imaging Device Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solid-state imaging devices face challenges in reducing size due to increased pixel count, as they require a larger area for color filters and photodiodes, making it difficult to miniaturize while maintaining imaging functionality.

Innovation Solution

The use of an array antenna system with differently shaped rectifying antennas arranged in specific configurations to convert light of various wavelengths into electric signals, eliminating the need for color filters and photodiodes, thereby reducing device size and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of pixels is increased to improve image quality, then the imaging capability is improved, but the device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the color filter layer and microlens layer from the conventional imaging structure. By using rectifying antennas with different shapes to directly convert specific wavelengths of light into electrical signals, the patent removes these intermediate optical components, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional optical-mechanical imaging system (microlens, color filter, photodiode) with an electromagnetic-based rectifying antenna system. The rectifying antennas directly convert light energy into electrical signals through electromagnetic resonance, eliminating the need for mechanical optical components and reducing device complexity and area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If a layered structure is formed to suppress area increase, then the device area is reduced, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice areaVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the microlens layer and color filter layer from the layered structure. By using planar rectifying antennas that can be fabricated on a single substrate layer, the patent eliminates the need for multiple stacked optical layers, thereby reducing device thickness while maintaining area efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If color filters and photodiodes are used for each pixel, then color image capture is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor image captureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the rectifying antenna system multi-functional by designing antennas with different shapes (linear, L-shaped, T-shaped, cross-shaped) that can selectively resonate with different wavelengths of light. Each antenna shape functions as both the light-receiving element and the wavelength-selective filter, eliminating the need for separate color filter layers and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for a significant reduction in the size of the solid-state imaging device by eliminating the need for optical filters and photodiodes, improving area efficiency and manufacturing costs while maintaining image capture capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

rectifying antennas are arranged... light having different wavelengths is converted into electric signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

array antenna including a first rectifying antenna and a second rectifying antenna that differs from the first rectifying antenna in shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11469518B2Array antenna, solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

The size of a solid-state imaging device that captures images is reduced. The solid-state imaging device includes an array antenna. A plurality of rectifying antenna circuits is arranged in the array antenna. Each of the plurality of rectifying antenna circuits includes a rectifying antenna and a pixel signal generating unit. The pixel signal generating unit includes a floating diffusion layer, a transfer transistor that transfers charge from the rectifying antenna to the floating diffusion layer in accordance with a transfer signal, a reset transistor that initializes the amount of charge in the floating diffusion layer in accordance with a reset signal, an amplification transistor that amplifies a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge accumulated in the floating diffusion layer, and a selection transistor that outputs a signal of the amplified voltage as a pixel signal in accordance with a selection signal.