Solid-State Image Sensor Isolation Electrode Layout for Charge Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solid-state image sensors face issues with charge movement and transfer between adjacent imaging devices, leading to characteristic degradation, as charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion layer may not move smoothly to the first electrode during operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first electrode, a charge accumulating electrode, an isolation electrode surrounding the charge accumulating electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer with insulating layer interposed between the first electrode and the charge accumulating electrode, along with a second electrode, where the isolation electrode includes multiple isolation electrodes positioned to reduce charge movement between adjacent imaging devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If charge accumulating electrode is provided with space from the first electrode, then charge can be accumulated in the photoelectric conversion layer, but charge may move to adjacent imaging devices causing characteristic degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation electrode is divided into multiple segments (first isolation electrode, second isolation electrode, third isolation electrode) that are arranged at different positions and orientations. These segmented electrodes create multiple isolation barriers between adjacent imaging devices, effectively preventing charge from moving between devices while maintaining charge accumulation capability in the photoelectric conversion layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation electrode acts as an intermediary structure between the charge accumulating electrode and adjacent imaging devices. By positioning the isolation electrode to surround or partially surround the charge accumulating electrode, it mediates the electric field distribution and prevents charge from escaping to adjacent devices, thus solving the charge leakage problem.
2Reliability
If isolation electrode surrounds the charge accumulating electrode, then charge movement between adjacent devices is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple isolation electrodes (first, second, and third isolation electrodes) are merged into a coordinated isolation system that works together to surround the charge accumulating electrode. By combining these electrodes with different orientations and positions, the patent achieves comprehensive charge isolation while distributing the structural complexity across multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex electrode.
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 configuration ensures certain reduction in charge movement between adjacent imaging devices and smooth transfer of charge to the first electrode, enhancing the reliability and quality of the solid-state image sensor by preventing charge flow into adjacent devices and maintaining saturation charge amount.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion layer formed in contact with the first electrode and above the charge accumulating electrode with an insulating layer interposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a first electrode, a charge accumulating electrode arranged with a space from the first electrode, an isolation electrode arranged with a space from the first electrode and the charge accumulating electrode and surrounding the charge accumulating electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer formed in contact with the first electrode and above the charge accumulating electrode with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a second electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion layer. The isolation electrode includes a first isolation electrode and a second isolation electrode arranged with a space from the first isolation electrode, and the first isolation electrode is positioned between the first electrode and the second isolation electrode.