Subwavelength Light Separator Layout for Oblique-Incidence Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to improve their performance when light enters obliquely, leading to reduced accuracy in spectral separation and increased light leakage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging device includes a light separator with structures smaller than the wavelength of incident light, first and second pixels with photoelectric converters that selectively receive specific wavelength lights, and a light shielding unit at the boundary between pixels to block obliquely incident light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light separator with structures smaller than the wavelength of incident light is used to separate first wavelength light and second wavelength light, then spectral separation capability is improved, but light leakage and color mixing occur when light enters obliquely
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into first pixels and second pixels with different spectral response characteristics. The light separator is positioned between these segmented pixel groups to direct different wavelength light to appropriate pixel types, preventing cross-contamination and color mixing between adjacent pixels receiving different wavelength light.
Solution Approach 2:
A light separator acts as an intermediary element between the incident light and the pixel array. This light separator includes structures with specific refractive indices that mediate the interaction between light and pixels, directing first wavelength light to first pixels and second wavelength light to second pixels, thereby preventing direct oblique light from causing color mixing.
2Productivity
If adjacent pixels with different spectral selectivity are arranged next to each other, then spectral information can be captured simultaneously, but obliquely incident light causes crosstalk between pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels for capturing first wavelength light and second pixels for capturing second wavelength light. This segmentation allows simultaneous spectral capture while maintaining signal accuracy by ensuring that obliquely incident light of specific wavelengths is directed to the appropriate pixel type through the light separator.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different spectral response characteristics. First pixels are optimized for first wavelength light while second pixels are optimized for second wavelength light. This local differentiation of pixel properties, combined with the light separator, ensures that each pixel receives primarily the wavelength it is designed to capture, even for oblique incidence.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional imaging devices are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but characteristics for obliquely incident light are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The light separator includes structures with specifically controlled refractive indices that differ from the surrounding medium. By changing the optical parameters (refractive index) of the light separator structures, the device achieves improved oblique light response characteristics while maintaining compatibility with conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes.
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 enhances the device's ability to separate light spectrally, increases light use efficiency, and reduces unwanted light leakage and color mixing, especially when dealing with obliquely incident light.
Implementation Method 1
a light separator that separates first wavelength light included in a first wavelength region and second wavelength light included in a second wavelength region from incident light, the light separator including a structure whose size is equal to or less than a wavelength of incident light
Implementation Method 2
a first photoelectric converter that selectively receives the first wavelength light and performs photoelectric conversion on the first wavelength light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a light separator, a first pixel, a second pixel, and a light shielding unit. The light separator separates first wavelength light included in a first wavelength region and second wavelength light included in a second wavelength region from incident light, and includes a structure whose size is equal to or less than a wavelength of incident light. The first pixel includes a first photoelectric converter that selectively receives the first wavelength light and performs photoelectric conversion on the first wavelength light. The second pixel is adjacent to the first pixel and includes a second photoelectric converter that selectively receives the second wavelength light and performs photoelectric conversion on the second wavelength light. The light shielding unit is provided at a boundary between the first pixel and the second pixel and blocks incident light.