Resonator Color Filter Array for Image Sensor Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution image sensors face challenges in reducing crosstalk due to the thickness limitations of absorption-type color filters, which increase relative to pixel size, leading to light leakage between adjacent pixels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a color filter array with absorption-type filters and resonators, where the absorption-type filter layers include polymer-based pigments and are sandwiched between reflective films, allowing light to resonate and effectively increase the path length without increasing filter thickness, thereby reducing crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thickness of absorption-type color filters is increased to improve wavelength selection performance, then the filter can better absorb light in undesired wavelength bands, but the pixel size must be increased proportionally, which prevents the development of ultra-small high-resolution image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical resonance (analogous to mechanical vibration) by introducing a resonator structure with reflective films that cause light to resonate within the color filter layer. This resonance effect enhances the absorption of light in undesired wavelength bands without requiring increased filter thickness, thereby maintaining small pixel size while improving wavelength selection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the color filter system by introducing a resonator with specific reflectance characteristics. The resonator modifies the optical path and light-matter interaction within the filter, enabling enhanced wavelength selection through resonance effects rather than relying solely on increased physical thickness.
2Volume of moving object
If the thickness of absorption-type color filters is decreased to reduce pixel size, then ultra-small high-resolution image sensors can be manufactured, but the filter becomes less effective at absorbing light in undesired wavelength bands, causing increased crosstalk between adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure induces optical resonance that enhances the absorption efficiency of the thin color filter layer. By causing light to resonate within the filter, the effective interaction path length is increased, enabling thin filters to achieve the same wavelength selection performance as much thicker filters, thereby reducing crosstalk without increasing pixel size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite optical structure combining the absorption-type color filter layer with a resonator comprising reflective films. This composite structure synergistically combines the wavelength-selective absorption property of the filter with the resonance enhancement of the resonator, achieving high crosstalk suppression in ultra-thin configurations.
3Productivity
If the thickness of absorption-type color filters is reduced to improve pixel density, then ultra-high-resolution sensors can be achieved, but light in undesired wavelength bands leaks through the thin filters into adjacent pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure creates optical resonance that significantly enhances the absorption of light in undesired wavelength bands within the thin color filter layer. This resonance effect allows the thin filter to effectively block light leakage into adjacent pixels, enabling high pixel density without sacrificing crosstalk suppression performance.
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 solution reduces crosstalk and allows for the manufacture of ultra-high-resolution, ultra-small, high-sensitivity image sensors by maintaining a thin filter thickness while achieving high wavelength selection performance and absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator including a first reflective film provided on a lower surface of the absorption-type filter layer and a second reflective film provided on an upper surface of the absorption-type filter layer, to allow light to resonate in the absorption-type filter layer
Implementation Method 2
an absorption-type filter layer including a polymer-based pigment; and a resonator including a first reflective film provided on a lower surface of the absorption-type filter layer
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor configured to decrease crosstalk by reducing a color filter thickness, and an electronic apparatus including the image sensor are provided. The image sensor includes: a sensor substrate including a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels; and a color filter array including a plurality of first color filters respectively corresponding to the plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second color filters respectively corresponding to the plurality of second pixels, wherein each of the plurality of first color filters and the plurality of second color filters includes: an absorption-type filter layer including a polymer-based pigment; and a resonator including a first reflective film provided on a lower surface of the absorption-type filter layer and a second reflective film provided on an upper surface of the absorption-type filter layer, to allow light to resonate in the absorption-type filter layer.