IMAGING SENSOR WITH NEAR-INFRARED ABSORBER

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

Satyadev Hulikal Nagaraja of San Jose CA (US)

IMAGING SENSOR WITH NEAR-INFRARED ABSORBER - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240297198 titled 'IMAGING SENSOR WITH NEAR-INFRARED ABSORBER

The example imaging sensor described in the abstract includes a bulk silicon substrate and a pixel array with different regions for various functions.

The pixel array consists of an active pixel region, an optical black pixel region, and an optical black dummy pixel region.
A near-infrared absorber is placed between the active pixel region and the optical black pixel region to enhance absorption of near-infrared light.
The near-infrared absorber material has a higher absorption coefficient for near-infrared light compared to silicon.

Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other imaging devices to improve image quality in low-light conditions. - It can also be applied in surveillance systems, medical imaging equipment, and scientific instruments for enhanced sensitivity to near-infrared light.

Problems Solved: - Enhances the sensor's ability to capture near-infrared light, which is useful in various applications such as night vision and medical diagnostics. - Improves image quality by reducing noise and increasing sensitivity in low-light environments.

Benefits: - Enhanced image quality in low-light conditions. - Improved sensitivity to near-infrared light for various applications. - Reduction of noise in images captured by the sensor.

Commercial Applications: Title: Near-Infrared Absorber Enhanced Imaging Sensor for Low-Light Environments This technology can be commercialized in the consumer electronics industry for smartphones, digital cameras, and security cameras. It can also be utilized in medical imaging devices and scientific instruments for research purposes.

Questions about Near-Infrared Absorber Enhanced Imaging Sensor for Low-Light Environments: 1. How does the near-infrared absorber improve the sensor's performance in low-light conditions?

  The near-infrared absorber material has a higher absorption coefficient for near-infrared light, allowing the sensor to capture more light in low-light environments.

2. What are the potential applications of this technology beyond consumer electronics?

  This technology can also be used in surveillance systems, medical imaging equipment, and scientific instruments for enhanced sensitivity to near-infrared light.

Original Abstract Submitted

an example imaging sensor comprises a bulk silicon substrate and a pixel array. the pixel array comprises an active pixel region including an active pixel subarray, an optical black pixel region including an optical black pixel subarray, and an optical black dummy pixel region including an optical black dummy pixel subarray, the optical black dummy pixel region positioned between the active pixel region and the optical black pixel region. a near-infrared absorber is positioned between the active pixel region and the optical black pixel region, the near-infrared absorber comprising a material having a higher near-infrared absorption coefficient than that of silicon.