17744045. IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME simplified abstract (Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.)
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Kyeongjae Byeon of Hwaseong-si (KR)
Heegeun Jeong of Suwon-si (KR)
IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17744045 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor design that includes a substrate with two regions, a light sensing element, a planarization layer, a color filter array layer, a light blocking metal pattern, a dummy color filter layer, and microlenses. The first region contains active pixels, while the second region contains optical black (OB) pixels.
- The image sensor design includes a substrate with two regions: a first region and a second region surrounding it.
- A light sensing element is embedded in the substrate to capture incoming light.
- A planarization layer is placed on top of the light sensing element to provide a smooth surface.
- A color filter array layer with color filters is added on the planarization layer, specifically on the first region of the substrate.
- A light blocking metal pattern is placed on the planarization layer, covering the second region of the substrate.
- A dummy color filter layer is added on top of the light blocking metal pattern, but only on a portion of the second region adjacent to the first region.
- Microlenses are placed on the color filter array layer to focus light onto the light sensing element.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Digital cameras
- Smartphone cameras
- Surveillance cameras
- Medical imaging devices
- Automotive cameras
Problems solved by this technology:
- The design separates active pixels from optical black (OB) pixels, allowing for better image quality and noise reduction.
- The light blocking metal pattern in the second region prevents unwanted light from reaching the light sensing element, improving image contrast.
- The dummy color filter layer in the second region helps maintain a consistent thickness across the substrate, reducing manufacturing variations.
Benefits of this technology:
- Improved image quality and noise reduction
- Enhanced image contrast
- Consistent manufacturing process and reduced variations
Original Abstract Submitted
An image sensor includes a substrate including a first region and a second region surrounding the first region, a light sensing element in the substrate, a planarization layer on the light sensing element, a color filter array layer including color filters on the planarization layer on the first region of the substrate, a light blocking metal pattern on the planarization layer on the second region of the substrate, a dummy color filter layer on the light blocking metal pattern on a portion of the second region adjacent to the first region of the substrate, and microlens on the color filter array layer. Active pixels are in the first region, and optical black (OB) pixels are in the second region.
