17730739. IMAGE SENSOR simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jeongsoon Kang of Gumi-si (KR)
Minkwan Kim of Hwaseong-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17730739 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes an image sensor that includes two adjacent pixel domains, each containing different types of pixels. The first pixel domain has first pixels and the second pixel domain has second pixels.
- The image sensor has a first color filter on the substrate, which vertically overlaps the first pixels.
- Each of the first pixels has a first microlens on top of the first color filter.
- The second pixels are partially overlapped by a second microlens, which has a higher refractive index than the first microlens.
- The height difference between the uppermost part of the first microlens and the uppermost part of the second microlens is within 2% of the maximum height of the first microlens.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras
- Smartphones
- Surveillance systems
- Medical imaging devices
Problems solved by this technology:
- Improved image quality by optimizing the light gathering efficiency of different types of pixels.
- Reduced crosstalk between adjacent pixels.
- Enhanced color accuracy and sharpness in captured images.
Benefits of this technology:
- Higher resolution and sensitivity in image sensors.
- Improved image quality in various lighting conditions.
- More accurate color reproduction.
- Reduced noise and artifacts in captured images.
Original Abstract Submitted
Provided is an image sensor including: a substrate including a first pixel domain and a second pixel domain that are adjacent to each other in a first direction, the first pixel domain including first pixels and the second pixel domain including second pixels; a first color filter provided on a first surface of the substrate and vertically overlapping the first pixels; a first microlens provided on the first color filter and each of the first pixels; and a second microlens provided on the first surface of the substrate and vertically overlapping at least a portion of each of the second pixels, wherein a second refractive index of the second microlens is greater than a first refractive index of the first microlens, and wherein a level difference between an uppermost part of the first microlens and an uppermost part of the second microlens is within about 2% of a maximum height of the first microlens.
