Charge Transfer Device (e.g., Ccd, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/75)
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Patent number: 8115851Abstract: A solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections; a charge accumulation section; and a charge readout section, the apparatus further includes: a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of diffusion layers formed thereabove, the diffusion layers constituting the photoelectric conversion sections, the charge accumulation section and the charge readout section; a readout gate electrode formed above the semiconductor substrate and constituting the charge readout section; an insulation sidewall formed on a side surface of the readout gate electrode; and a surface diffusion layer constituting the photoelectric conversion sections, which is positioned in a self-aligning manner with respect to the readout gate electrode by the insulation sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akiyoshi Mutoh
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Publication number: 20120028402Abstract: A pixel array in an image sensor includes multiple pixels. The pixel array includes vertical shift registers for shifting charge out of the pixel array. The vertical shift registers can be interspersed between the pixels, such as in an interline image sensor, or the photosensitive areas in the pixels can operate as vertical shift registers. The pixels are divided into blocks of pixels. One or more electrodes are disposed over each pixel. Conductive strips are disposed over the electrodes. Contacts are used to connect selected electrodes to respective conductive strips. The contacts in at least one block of pixels are positioned according to one contact pattern while the contacts in one or more other blocks are positioned according to a different contact pattern. The different contact patterns reduce or eliminate visible patterns in the contact locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventor: Shen Wang
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Publication number: 20110304000Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup device of a type wherein a pixel is configured to include a sensor unit capable of photoelectric conversion, the image pickup device including: a semiconductor substrate; a charge storage region of a first conduction type, which is formed in the semiconductor substrate and constitutes a sensor unit; a charge storage sub-region made of an impurity region of the first conduction type, which is formed, in plural layers, in the semiconductor substrate below the charge storage region serving as a main charge storage region and wherein at least one or more of the plural layers are formed entirely across a pixel; and a device isolation region that is formed in the semiconductor substrate, isolates pixels from one another, and is made of an impurity region of a second conduction type.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Norihiro Kubo, Hiroaki Ishiwata, Sanghoon Ha
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Publication number: 20110273597Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device including an imaging area where a plurality of unit pixels are disposed to capture a color image, wherein each of the unit pixels includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions; a plurality of transfer gates, each of which is disposed in each of the photoelectric conversion portions to transfer signal charges from the photoelectric conversion portion; and a floating diffusion to which the signal charges are transferred from the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions by the plurality of the transfer gates, wherein the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions receive light of the same color to generate the signal charges, and wherein the signal charges transferred from the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions to the floating diffusion are added to be output as an electrical signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroaki Ishiwata
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Publication number: 20110249160Abstract: An Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) gate charge coupled device (CCD) is provided. The CCD device comprises a CCD structure having a substrate layer, an oxide layer over the substrate layer, a nitride layer over the oxide layer and a plurality of parallel ITO gates extending over the nitride layer. The CCD device further comprises a plurality of substantially similarly sized channel stop regions in the substrate layer that extend transversely relative to the ITO gates, such that a given pair of channel stop regions defining a pixel column of the CCD structure. The CCD device also comprises a plurality of vent openings that extend through the nitride layer along the plurality of substantially similarly sized channel stop regions to allow for penetration of hydrogen to at least one of the oxide layer and the substrate layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Joseph T. Smith, Bron R. Frias, Paul A. Tittel, Robert R. Shiskowski, Nathan Bluzer
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Publication number: 20110241079Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element operable to generate electric charge according to the amount of incident light and to accumulate the electric charge in the inside thereof, an electric-charge holding region in which the electric charge generated through photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion element is held until read out, and a transfer gate having a complete transfer path through which the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element is completely transferred into the electric-charge holding region, and an intermediate transfer path through which the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element during an exposure period and being in excess of a predetermined charge amount is transferred into the electric-charge holding region. The complete transfer path and the intermediate transfer path are formed in different regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yusuke Oike, Takahiro Kawamura, Shinya Yamakawa, Ikuhiro Yamamura, Takashi Machida, Yasunori Sogoh, Naoki Saka
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Publication number: 20110241080Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device, including a plurality of unit pixels, wherein the plurality of unit pixels include: a photoelectric conversion element; a first transfer gate; a charge retaining region; a second transfer gate; and a floating diffusion region; a boundary part between the photoelectric conversion element and the charge retaining region having a structure of an overflow path formed at a potential determining a predetermined amount of charge, the overflow path transferring a charge by which the predetermined amount of charge is exceeded as a signal charge from the photoelectric conversion element to the charge retaining region, and the first transfer gate having two electrodes with different work functions as gate electrodes arranged above the overflow path and above the charge retaining region, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Shinya Yamakawa
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Publication number: 20110242390Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including, a first semiconductor region of the first conduction type, a photoelectric conversion part having a second semiconductor region of the second conduction type formed in the region separated by the isolation dielectric region of the first semiconductor region, pixel transistors formed in the first semiconductor region, a floating diffusion region of the second conduction type which is formed in the region separated by the isolation dielectric region of the first semiconductor region, and an electrode formed on the first semiconductor region existing between the floating diffusion region and the isolation dielectric region and is given a prescribed bias voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yasunori Sogoh, Hiroyuki Ohri
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Publication number: 20110241089Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type which is formed on a face side of a semiconductor substrate; a photoelectric conversion element which has an impurity region of a first conductivity type and which is operable to generate electric charge according to the amount of incident light and to accumulate the electric charge in the inside thereof; an electric-charge holding region which has an impurity region of the first conductivity type and in which the electric charge generated through photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion element is held until read out; an intermediate transfer path through which only the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element during an exposure period and being in excess of a predetermined electric charge amount is transferred into the electric-charge holding region; and an impurity layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Ohri, Takashi Machida, Takahiro Kawamura, Yasunori Sogoh
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Patent number: 8030608Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging device performs imaging by illuminating light from a back side of a p substrate to generate electric charges in the substrate based on the light and reading out the electric charges from a front side of the substrate. The device includes n layers located in the substrate and on an identical plane near a front side surface of the substrate and accumulating the electric charges; n+ layers between the respective n layers and the front side of the substrate, the n+ layers having an exposed surface exposed on the front side surface of the substrate and functioning as overflow drains for discharging unnecessary electric charges accumulated in the n layers; p+ layers between the respective n+ layers and the n layers and functioning as overflow barriers of the overflow drains; and an electrode connected to the exposed surface of each of the n+ layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: FujiFilm CorporationInventors: Shinji Uya, Masanori Nagase, Yosuke Nakahashi, Toru Hachiya
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Patent number: 8030115Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device which includes a substrate carrying a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which are two-dimensionally arranged therein the substrate having a plurality of rectangular light-receiving faces each corresponding to the photoelectric conversion element, a flattening layer having a plurality of approximately rectangular concave faces each located to correspond to the light-receiving faces, and a color filter having color layers of plural kinds of colors and buried in the concave faces of the flattening layer, the color filter exhibiting a larger refractive index than that of the flattening layer, wherein the color layers are respectively enabled to function as a convex lens.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsumi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8021912Abstract: A method of manufacturing an image sensor is provided. In this method, a photoelectric conversion unit may be formed within a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes an active pixel region and an optical black region. An annealing layer may be formed on the active pixel region and the optical black region and etched so that the annealing layer covers at least a portion of the optical black region. A wiring pattern may be formed on the annealing layer. A light-blocking pattern may be formed on the wiring pattern so as to cover the entire photoelectric conversion unit of the optical black region, thereby blocking light from being incident upon the optical black region.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi Tae Kim, Kyung Ho Lee, Sae-Young Kim, Yun Ho Jang, Jung Chak Ahn
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Patent number: 8021908Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an imager pixel that includes the act of applying a relatively small first polarity voltage and a plurality of pulses of a second polarity voltage on the gate of a transfer transistor during a charge integration period.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: John Ladd
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Publication number: 20110210381Abstract: Provided is an image sensor including a drive transistor as a voltage buffer, which can suppress generation of secondary electrons from a channel of the drive transistor to prevent generation of image defects caused by dark current. The transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate, source and drain regions formed in the substrate exposed to both sides of the gate electrode, respectively, and an electric field attenuation region formed on the drain region and partially overlapping the gate electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: CROSSTEK CAPITAL, LLCInventor: Man Lyun Ha
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Publication number: 20110207260Abstract: It is an object to provide a CCD solid-state image sensor, in which an area of a read channel is reduced and a rate of a surface area of a light receiving portion (photodiode) to an area of one pixel is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Fujio MASUOKA, Hiroki NAKAMURA
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Patent number: 8003506Abstract: More complete charge transfer is achieved in a CMOS or CCD imager by reducing the spacing in the gaps between gates in each pixel cell, and/or by providing a lightly doped region between adjacent gates in each pixel cell, and particularly at least between the charge collecting gate and the gate downstream to the charge collecting gate. To reduce the gaps between gates, an insulator cap with spacers on its sidewalls is formed for each gate over a conductive layer. The gates are then etched from the conductive layer using the insulator caps and spacers as hard masks, enabling the gates to be formed significantly closer together than previously possible, which, in turn increases charge transfer efficiency. By providing a lightly doped region on between adjacent gates, a more complete charge transfer is effected from the charge collecting gate.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLCInventor: Howard E. Rhodes
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Patent number: 8004027Abstract: Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor comprises an interlayer dielectric, lines, and a crystalline semiconductor layer including photodiodes and a device isolation region. The interlayer dielectric can be formed on a first substrate comprising a readout circuitry. The lines pass through the interlayer dielectric to connect with the readout circuitry, and each line is formed according to unit pixel. The crystalline semiconductor layer can be bonded on the interlayer dielectric including the lines. The photodiodes, formed inside the crystalline semiconductor layer, are electrically connected with the lines. The device isolation region comprises conductive impurities and is formed inside the crystalline semiconductor layer so that the photodiodes can be separated according to unit pixels.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Joon Hwang
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Publication number: 20110193146Abstract: A pixel sensor structure, method of manufacture and method of operating. Disclosed is a buffer pixel cell comprising a barrier region for preventing stray charge carriers from arriving at a dark current correction pixel cell. The buffer pixel cell is located in the vicinity of the dark current correction pixel cell and the buffer pixel cell resembles an active pixel cell. Thus, an environment surrounding the dark current correction pixel cell is similar to the environment surrounding an active pixel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James W. Adkisson, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Mark D. Jaffe
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Patent number: 7994551Abstract: An image sensor according to an example embodiment may include a plurality of photoelectric transformation active regions, a plurality of read active regions, and/or at least one read gate. The plurality of photoelectric transformation active regions may be formed on a substrate. Each read active region may be formed adjacent to one of the plurality of photoelectric transformation active regions. Each read gate may be formed on one of the read active regions and partially overlap at least one of the adjacent photoelectric transformation active regions. Each read gate may be electrically isolated from the overlapping portion of the photoelectric transformation active region.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won-je Park, Duk-min Yi
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Patent number: 7985614Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a high sensitivity and a structure in which a miniaturized pixel is obtained, and a method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device in which an interface is stable, a spectroscopic characteristic is excellent and which can be manufactured with a high yield ratio are provided. The solid-state imaging device includes at least a silicon layer formed with a photo sensor portion and a wiring layer formed on the front-surface side of the silicon layer, and in which light L is made to enter from the rear-surface side opposite to the front-surface side of the silicon layer and the thickness of the silicon layer 4 is 10 ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yasushi Maruyama, Hideshi Abe, Hiroyuki Mori
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Publication number: 20110177650Abstract: An example method of forming a pinned photodiode includes applying a photoresist mask to a semiconductor layer at a location where a transfer gate will subsequently be formed. First dopant ions are then implanted at a first angle to form a first dopant region under an edge of the photoresist mask. Next, a photoresist mask is etched such that a thickness of the photoresist mask is reduced to form a trimmed photoresist mask. Second dopant ions are then implanted at a second angle to form a second dopant region, wherein the second dopant ions are shadowed by the trimmed photoresist mask to exclude the second dopant ions from a region partially above the first dopant region and adjacent to an edge of the trimmed photoresist mask.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Yin Qian, Hsin-Chih Tai, Duli Mao, Vincent Venezia, Howard E. Rhodes
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Patent number: 7977141Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device according to an embodiment includes forming first and second holes in a semiconductor substrate, forming insulating films on surfaces of the first and second holes, forming a contact and an alignment mark by embedding a conducting material in the first and second holes, forming a photodiode in the semiconductor substrate, forming a wiring layer including a connecting part for connecting to the contact and a wiring for connecting to the connecting part, bonding a supporting substrate on the wiring layer, exposing the contact and the alignment mark on the surface of the semiconductor substrate by reducing the semiconductor substrate in thickness, and forming a filter and a lens on the photodiode based on the alignment mark.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tsubasa Harada, Atsushi Murakoshi
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Publication number: 20110164159Abstract: A solid state imaging device including: a plurality of sensor sections formed in a semiconductor substrate in order to convert incident light into an electric signal; a peripheral circuit section formed in the semiconductor substrate so as to be positioned beside the sensor sections; and a layer having negative fixed electric charges that is formed on a light incidence side of the sensor sections in order to form a hole accumulation layer on light receiving surfaces of the sensor sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Yuko Ohgishi
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Patent number: 7972885Abstract: This invention relates to imaging device and its related transferring technologies to independent substrate able to attain significant broadband capability covering the wavelengths from ultra-violet (UV) to long-Infrared. More particularly, this invention is related to the broadband image sensor (along with its manufacturing technologies), which can detect the light wavelengths ranges from as low as UV to the wavelengths as high as 20 ?m covering the most of the wavelengths using of the single monolithic image sensor on the single wafer. This invention is also related to the integrated circuit and the bonding technologies of the image sensor to standard integrated circuit for multicolor imaging, sensing, and advanced communication. Our innovative approach utilizes surface structure having more than micro-nano-scaled 3-dimensional (3-D) blocks which can provide broad spectral response.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Banpil Photonics, Inc.Inventors: Achyut Kumar Dutta, Robert Allen Olah
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Patent number: 7972889Abstract: Example embodiments may provide a camera module including a high-resolution lens member and/or an image sensor chip that may be integrally formed, and a method of fabricating a camera module. Example embodiment camera modules may include a semiconductor package including an image sensor chip. A transparent substrate may include an upper plate portion and/or a supporting portion defined by a cavity under the upper plate portion, and the supporting portion may be attached on the semiconductor package. The upper plate portion may be spaced from the semiconductor package by the supporting portion. A lens member may be attached to the upper plate portion of the transparent substrate. A stop member may be formed on a top side of the transparent substrate and may expose a portion of the lens member.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yung-cheol Kong
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Publication number: 20110159632Abstract: The deposition temperature of the HDP film can be controlled to 365° C. or below, preferably within a temperature range of 335° C. to 365° C., and more preferably 335° C. to 350° C., or at 350° C. Thus, it becomes possible to suppress signal deterioration due to dark current and an increase in fine white defects, and to prevent deterioration of picture quality, even when the HDP film with a favorable embedding capability between fine wiring is used as an interlayer insulation film. An RF power is set to 850 W to 1500 W, so that dark current can be suppressed even more. Further, a plasma silicon nitride film with a refractive index of 1.9 or more and 2.15 or less for a blue wavelength is formed, so that it becomes possible to suppress the lowering of a blue sensitivity in the light receiving elements to further improve picture quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasuhiko Sueyoshi
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Patent number: 7968365Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device in which a charge generator that detects an electromagnetic wave and generates signal charges is formed on a semiconductor substrate and a negative-charge accumulated layer having negative fixed charges is formed above a detection plane of the charge generator, the method includes the steps of: forming an oxygen-feed film capable of feeding oxygen on the detection plane of the charge generator; forming a metal film that covers the oxygen-feed film on the detection plane of the charge generator; and performing heat treatment for the metal film in an inactive atmosphere to thereby form an oxide of the metal film between the metal film and the oxygen-feed film on the detection plane of the charge generator, the oxide being to serve as the negative-charge accumulated layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Susumu Hiyama, Tomoyuki Hirano
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Patent number: 7968366Abstract: An image sensor and method of manufacturing the same are provided. According to an embodiment, the image sensor comprises: a circuit including an interconnection on a substrate; a lower electrode on the interconnection; a separated intrinsic layer on the lower electrode; a second conductive type conduction layer on the separated intrinsic layer; and an upper electrode on the second conductive type conduction layer. The separated intrinsic layer can have an inwardly sloping sidewall to focus light incident the photodiode for the unit pixel.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ji Ho Hong
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Publication number: 20110149104Abstract: An imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion unit, a contact region, and an accumulation region. The contact region is configured to receive a charge from the photoelectric conversion unit. The accumulation region is configured to store the charge from the contact region. The imaging device is configured to selectively inject a charge into the contact region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Keiji Mabuchi
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Patent number: 7964451Abstract: A first oxide film (102) is formed on a semiconductor substrate (101). A first nitride film (103) is formed on first gate electrode formation regions of the first oxide film (102). A plurality of first gate electrodes (104) are provided on the first nitride film (103) so as to be spaced apart from one another with a predetermined distance therebetween. A second oxide film (105) covers upper part and side walls of each of the first gate electrodes (104). A sidewall spacer (106) of a third oxide film is buried in an overhang portion generated on each side wall of each of the first gate electrodes (104) covered by the second oxide film (105). A second nitride film (107) covers the second oxide film (105), the sidewall spacer (106) and part of the first oxide film (102) located between the first gate electrodes (104). A plurality of second gate electrodes (108) are formed on at least part of the second nitride film (107) located between adjacent two of the first gate electrodes (104).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naoto Niisoe, Kazuhisa Hirata, Tohru Yamada
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Publication number: 20110143488Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a light-receiving section that photoelectrically converts incident light includes an insulating film formed on a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving section and a film and having negative fixed charges formed on the insulating film. A hole accumulation layer is formed on a light-receiving surface side of the light-receiving section. A peripheral circuit section in which peripheral circuits are formed is provided on a side of the light-receiving section. The insulating film is formed between a surface of the peripheral circuit section and the film having negative fixed charges such that a distance from the surface of the peripheral circuit section to the film having negative fixed charges is larger than a distance from a surface of the light-receiving section to the film having negative fixed charges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Harumi Ikeda, Susumu Hiyama, Takashi Ando, Kiyotaka Tabuchi, Tetsuji Yamaguchi, Yuko Ohgishi
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Publication number: 20110136292Abstract: A method of fabricating a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is provided. First, an isolation structure is formed in a substrate with a photo-sensitive region and a transistor device region in the substrate. The transistor device region includes at least a region for forming a transfer transistor. A dielectric layer and a conductive layer are sequentially formed on the substrate. An ion implantation process is performed to implant a dopant into the substrate below the position for forming a gate of the transfer transistor and in the photo-sensitive region through the conductive layer and the dielectric layer. The conductive layer and the dielectric layer are patterned to at least form the gate structure of the transfer transistor on the transistor device region. Thereafter, a photo diode is formed in the substrate in the photo-sensitive region.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Ching-Hung Kao
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Patent number: 7955888Abstract: An image sensor includes a light receiving device, a field effect transistor, a stress layer pattern, and a surface passivation material. The light receiving device is formed in a first region of a substrate. The field effect transistor is formed in a second region of the substrate. The stress layer pattern is formed over the field effect transistor for creating stress therein to improve transistor performance. The surface passivation material is formed on the first region of the substrate for passivating dangling bonds at the surface of the light receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyoun-Min Beak, Tae-Seok Oh, Jong-Won Choi, Su-Young Oh
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Patent number: 7956389Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate; photoelectric conversion elements; vertical charge transfer paths that transfer charges generated in photoelectric conversion elements, in a vertical direction; a horizontal charge transfer path that transfers the charges transferred in vertical charge transfer paths, in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a plurality of charge accumulating sections between the vertical charge transfer paths and the horizontal charge transfer path; a plurality of electrodes disposed above the respective charge accumulating sections, the plurality of electrodes being classified into a plurality of kinds of electrodes; wirings corresponding to the respective kinds of electrodes and extending in the horizontal direction above the plurality of electrodes; and a planarizing layer disposed between the wirings and an uneven surface caused by the plurality of electrodes that are present in areas overlapping the wirings, so as to planarize the uType: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Hirokazu Shiraki, Katsumi Ikeda
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Patent number: 7943968Abstract: A charge coupled device is manufactured by using a crystalline silicon film that is formed by growing a crystal in parallel with a substrate by utilizing the nickel element with an amorphous silicon film used as a starting film. The crystal growth direction is made coincident with the charge transfer direction. As a result, the charge coupled device is given high charge transfer efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Satoshi Teramoto
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Patent number: 7943455Abstract: CMOS image sensors and methods of fabricating the same. The CMOS image sensors include a pixel array region having an active pixel portion and an optical block pixel portion which encloses the active pixel portion. The optical block pixel portion includes an optical block metal pattern for blocking light. The optical block metal pattern may be connected to a ground portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ui-sik Kim
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Publication number: 20110101420Abstract: A CMOS pixel circuit and timing for use in digital photography where the photodiode has increased full well. The circuit includes the photodiode, a reset transistor, a first transfer gate to move a charge from the photodiode to a floating diffusion node, a source follower transistor, a row select transistor, a second transfer gate located between the photodiode and the first transfer, and a capacitor located between the first and second transfer gates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Pratik Patel
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Patent number: 7935557Abstract: A manufacturing method of a photoelectric conversion device included a first step of forming a gate electrode, a second step of forming a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a third step of forming an insulation film, and a fourth step of forming a protection region of a second conductivity type, which is the opposite conductivity type to the first conductivity type, by implanting ions in the semiconductor region using the gate electrode of the transfer transistor and a portion covering a side face of the gate electrode of the transfer transistor of the insulation film as a mask in a state in which the semiconductor substrate and the gate electrode of the transfer transistor are covered by the insulation film, and causing a portion of the semiconductor region of the first conductivity type from which the protection region is removed to be the charge accumulation region.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryuichi Mishima, Mineo Shimotsusa, Hiroaki Naruse
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Publication number: 20110084316Abstract: A pickup device according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion portion, a charge holding portion configured to include a first semiconductor region, and a transfer portion configured to include a transfer gate electrode that controls a potential between the charge holding portion and a sense node. A second semiconductor region is disposed on a surface of a semiconductor region between the control electrode and the transfer gate electrode. A third semiconductor region is disposed below the second semiconductor region. An impurity concentration of the third semiconductor region is higher than the impurity concentration of the first semiconductor region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuichiro Yamashita, Masahiro Kobayashi, Yusuke Onuki
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Publication number: 20110074969Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup device, including a pixel, the pixel including: a light receiving section; a charge transfer path; a transfer electrode; a readout gate section; and a readout electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Takeshi Takeda
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Patent number: 7915067Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a sensor layer implementing a plurality of photosensitive elements of a pixel array, and an oxide layer adjacent a backside surface of the sensor layer. The sensor layer comprises a seed layer and an epitaxial layer formed over the seed layer, with the seed layer having a cross-sectional doping profile in which a designated dopant is substantially confined to a pixel array area of the sensor layer. The doping profile advantageously reduces dark current generated at an interface between the sensor layer and the oxide layer. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Frederick T. Brady, John P. McCarten
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Patent number: 7910394Abstract: A method for forming a photodiode cathode in an integrated circuit imager includes defining and implanting a photodiode cathode region with a photodiode cathode implant dose of a dopant species and defining and implanting an edge region of the photodiode cathode region with a photodiode cathode edge implant dose of a dopant species to form a region of higher impurity concentration than the photodiode cathode impurity concentration.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Foveon, Inc.Inventor: Maxim Ershov
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Patent number: 7901974Abstract: A technique for fabricating an array of imaging pixels includes fabricating front side components on a front side of the array. After fabricating the front side components, a dopant layer is implanted on a backside of the array. A mask is formed over the dopant layer to selectively expose portions of the dopant layer. Next, the exposed portions of the dopant layer are laser annealed. Alternatively, the mask may be disposed over the backside prior to the formation of the dopant layer and the dopants implanted through the exposed portions and subsequently laser annealed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Vincent Venezia, Hsin-Chih Tai, Duli Mao, Yin Qian
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Patent number: 7892877Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an image sensor which may include forming a plurality of photoelectric converters on a semiconductor substrate, forming a silicon nitride (SiN) film on the plurality of photoelectric converters, supplying plasma gas including hydrogen to the SiN film, and performing a heat treatment on the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Doo-won Kwon
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Patent number: 7883923Abstract: Embodiments relate to an image sensor and a method for manufacturing an image sensor. According to embodiments, a method may include forming a semiconductor substrate including a pixel part and a peripheral part, forming an interlayer dielectric film including a metal wire on and/or over the semiconductor substrate, forming photo diode patterns on and/or over the interlayer dielectric film and connected to the metal wire in the pixel part, forming a device isolation dielectric layer on and/or over the interlayer dielectric film including the photo diode patterns, forming a first via hole on and/or over the device isolation dielectric layer to partially expose the photo diode patterns, and forming a second via hole on and/or over the device isolation dielectric layer to expose the metal wire in the peripheral part. According to embodiments, vertical integration of transistor circuitry and a photo diode may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Joon-Ku Yoon
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Patent number: 7883928Abstract: An image sensor and fabricating method thereof are provided. The image sensor can include a color filter on a semiconductor substrate, a microlens on the color filter layer, and a carbon-doped low temperature oxide layer on the microlens.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheon Man Shim
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Publication number: 20110019052Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprises an isolation portion defining an active region, a photoelectric converter arranged in the active region and including a charge accumulation region containing an impurity of a first conductivity type, a photoelectric converter arranged in the active region, a transfer electrode arranged on the active region and configured to form a channel to transfer charges generated by the photoelectric converter to the charge voltage converter, a first semiconductor region arranged in the active region between the photoelectric converter and the charge voltage converter, the first semiconductor region being covered with the transfer electrode and containing the impurity of the first conductivity type at a concentration lower than that in the charge accumulation region; and a second semiconductor region extending in the active region along an interface of the isolation portion facing at least the first semiconductor region, the second semiconductor region being of a second conductType: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Satoko Iida, Mahito Shinohara
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Patent number: 7875491Abstract: A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor may include: a semiconductor substrate; a photodiode formed on a first portion of the semiconductor substrate; a transfer gate formed on the semiconductor substrate, near the photodiode, to transfer optical charges accumulated in the photodiode; a floating diffusion area formed on a second portion of the semiconductor substrate, on an opposite side of the transfer gate from the photodiode, to accommodate the optical charges; and/or a channel area formed under the transfer gate and contacting a side of the photodiode to transfer the optical charges. The transfer gate may be formed, at least in part, of transparent material. A method of manufacturing a complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor may include: forming the photodiode; forming the floating diffusion area, separate from the photodiode; and/or forming the transfer gate, near the photodiode, to transfer optical charges accumulated in the photodiode.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Doo-cheol Park, Jung-hyeon Kim, Jun-young Lee
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Patent number: 7868366Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed including a second semiconductor substrate including a metal interconnection and a second interlayer dielectric; a second via penetrating the second interlayer dielectric so that the second via is connected to the metal interconnection; a first semiconductor substrate on the second interlayer dielectric, the first semiconductor substrate having a unit pixel; a pre-metal dielectric on the first semiconductor substrate; a first via penetrating the pre-metal dielectric and the first semiconductor substrate, the first via being electrically connected to the second via; a first interlayer dielectric on the pre-metal dielectric including the first via; a metal interconnection on the first interlayer dielectric and connected to the first via and the unit pixel; a conductive barrier layer on the metal interconnection; and a color filter and a microlens on the first interlayer dielectric in each unit pixel.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Min Hyung Lee
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Patent number: 7867810Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state image capturing apparatus including a pixel array constituted of a plurality of pixels, is provided, where each of the plurality of pixels includes a photoelectric conversion section, the method comprising the steps of: forming an impurity diffusion area in a surface area of a semiconductor substrate; and forming a plurality of different impurity diffusion areas in the surface area of the semiconductor substrate, other than the impurity diffusion area constituting the photoelectric conversion section.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsuya Hatai