20240047497. IMAGE SENSOR simplified abstract (UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.)
Contents
IMAGE SENSOR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Cheng-Yu Hsieh of Singapore (SG)
IMAGE SENSOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240047497 titled 'IMAGE SENSOR
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes an image sensor that includes a semiconductor substrate with two surfaces, a first isolation structure for defining pixel regions, a visible light detection structure, an infrared light detection structure, and a reflective layer. The visible light and infrared light detection structures are located within the same pixel region. The visible light detection structure has a first portion between the second surface and the infrared light detection structure in the vertical direction, and a second portion between the infrared light detection structure and the first isolation structure in the horizontal direction. The infrared light detection structure is positioned between the reflective layer and the first portion in the vertical direction, while the second portion is not sandwiched between the reflective layer and the second surface in the vertical direction.
- The image sensor has a semiconductor substrate with two surfaces.
- Pixel regions are defined by a first isolation structure.
- The sensor includes both visible light and infrared light detection structures within the same pixel region.
- The visible light detection structure has two portions, one between the second surface and the infrared light detection structure vertically, and the other between the infrared light detection structure and the first isolation structure horizontally.
- The infrared light detection structure is positioned between the reflective layer and the first portion in the vertical direction.
- The second portion is not sandwiched between the reflective layer and the second surface in the vertical direction.
Potential Applications:
- This image sensor technology can be used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices that require image capture.
- It can be utilized in surveillance systems for enhanced visibility in both visible and infrared light conditions.
- Medical imaging devices can benefit from this technology for capturing images in both visible and infrared light ranges.
Problems Solved:
- The image sensor allows for simultaneous detection of both visible and infrared light within the same pixel region, eliminating the need for separate sensors.
- It provides improved sensitivity to both visible and infrared light, enabling better image quality in various lighting conditions.
- The design of the sensor allows for efficient use of space, reducing the overall size of the image sensor.
Benefits:
- Enhanced image quality in both visible and infrared light ranges.
- Cost-effective solution by combining visible and infrared light detection structures in a single sensor.
- Compact design allows for integration into various devices without compromising functionality.
Original Abstract Submitted
an image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface in a vertical direction, a first isolation structure disposed in the semiconductor substrate for defining pixel regions, a visible light detection structure, an infrared light detection structure, and a reflective layer. the visible light detection structure and the infrared light detection structure are disposed within the same pixel region. the visible light detection structure includes a first portion disposed between the second surface and the infrared light detection structure in the vertical direction and a second portion disposed between the infrared light detection structure and the first isolation structure in a horizontal direction. the infrared light detection structure is disposed between the reflective layer and the first portion in the vertical direction. the second portion is not sandwiched between the reflective layer and the second surface in the vertical direction.
