Sol-Gel Color Splitter for Image Sensor Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current color display devices and image sensors using color filters suffer from low light use efficiency due to significant light absorption, with RGB filters achieving only about 33% light transmission, leading to substantial light loss.
Innovation Solution
A color splitter is employed, comprising a high-refractive index color separation element and a low-refractive index layer formed using sol-gel materials, which separates incident light by wavelength and is easily manufactured, allowing for improved light use efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color filter is used to separate colors in each pixel, then color separation is achieved, but light use efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the color separation function into two parts: the color splitter separates different wavelength components of light in the optical path, and the color filter in each pixel only needs to perform final color selection. This segmentation allows most light to reach the sensor through the color splitter while minimal filtering is done at the pixel level, resolving the contradiction between color separation accuracy and light use efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The color splitter acts as an intermediary component between the incident light and the pixel array. It pre-processes the light by separating different wavelength components before the light reaches the pixels, so that each pixel receives only the relevant wavelength range it needs to detect. This intermediary function eliminates the need for each pixel to filter out unwanted wavelengths, thereby improving light use efficiency while maintaining color separation accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If an RGB color filter method is used, then three colors can be detected, but only one-third of incident light is transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the color detection function: the color splitter separates light into red, green, and blue wavelength bands in the optical path, and the pixel array detects these separated colors. This segmentation allows all incident light to be utilized for color detection without the need for each pixel to filter out two-thirds of the spectrum, thereby improving light transmission efficiency while maintaining full color detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the color separation function from the pixel dimension (where each pixel would need to filter wavelengths) to the optical path dimension (where the color splitter separates wavelengths before light reaches pixels). This dimensional shift allows the system to detect all three colors using the full incident light, resolving the contradiction between color detection capability and light transmission efficiency
3Loss of energy
If a color splitter is used to improve light use efficiency, then more light can be transmitted, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The color splitter is designed with specific refractive index parameters and geometric configurations that enable effective color separation. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves high light use efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The color splitter employs composite material structures that combine different materials with complementary optical properties to achieve the desired wavelength separation. These composite structures can be manufactured using established fabrication techniques, balancing performance requirements with manufacturing feasibility
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 color splitter enhances light use efficiency by effectively separating incident light and directing different wavelengths to specific pixels, reducing light loss and improving optical detection efficiency in image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The color splitter separates colors of incident light by using a diffraction or refraction characteristic of light according to wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
The color splitter separates colors of incident light by using a diffraction or refraction characteristic of light according to wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
a color separation element that is formed of a sol-gel material having a high refractive index
Data Source
AI summary
A color splitter, a method of manufacturing the same, and an image sensor including the same are disclosed. The color splitter includes: a color separation element that is formed of a sol-gel material having a high refractive index and exhibits a color separation characteristic; and a low-refractive index layer that has a space in which the color separation element is disposed.