Nano-Photonic Lens Array for Color Filter Light Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors have low light utilization efficiency due to the absorption of unwanted light by color filters, resulting in significant light loss, which limits their performance in color display and image sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor incorporating a nano-photonic lens array that condenses incident light onto pixels, separating and focusing different wavelength bands without substantial absorption, thereby improving light utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a color filter is used to sense light of specific colors, then color sensing capability is improved, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates due to absorption of non-intended wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The incident light is segmented into different wavelength bands using a multi-layer structure where each layer (color filter layer, planarization layer, encapsulation layer) has specific optical properties that guide different wavelengths to corresponding pixels. This segmentation allows wavelength-specific routing without absorbing unwanted light, resolving the contradiction between color sensing capability and light utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The planarization layer and encapsulation layer act as intermediary elements between the color filter layer and the sensor substrate. These intermediary layers have refractive indices carefully matched to minimize reflection and maximize light transmission to the intended pixels, thereby improving light utilization efficiency while maintaining color sensing capability
2Measurement precision
If a color filter absorbs light of unwanted colors, then color purity is improved, but overall light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single color filter layer that absorbs unwanted light, the invention extracts the wavelength-selective function into a multi-layer structure where each layer contributes to directing specific wavelengths. This extraction allows the system to achieve color purity through constructive interference and directional guidance rather than absorption, thereby improving overall light transmission while maintaining color purity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the intermediate layers, specifically their refractive indices, to optimize light transmission. By carefully selecting refractive indices that minimize reflection and maximize transmission, the system achieves high overall light transmission while maintaining the color purity function through the multi-layer wavelength routing mechanism
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 nano-photonic lens array enhances light utilization efficiency by effectively separating and concentrating light onto specific pixels, reducing absorption losses and improving color purity, leading to improved performance in image sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a nano-photonic lens array arranged on the encapsulation layer, the nano-photonic lens array including a plurality of nano-structures that are arranged to condense incident light onto the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels
Implementation Method 2
the nano-photonic lens array including a plurality of nano-structures that are arranged to condense incident light onto the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a sensor substrate including a plurality of first pixels for sensing light of a first wavelength band and a plurality of second pixels for sensing light of a second wavelength band that is different from the first wavelength band, a color filter layer on the sensor substrate, and including a plurality of color filters, a planarization layer arranged on the color filter layer, an encapsulation layer arranged on the planarization layer, and a nano-photonic lens array arranged on the encapsulation layer, and including a plurality of nano-structures that are arranged to condense incident light onto the plurality of first pixels and the plurality of second pixels.