Abstract: A pixel cell array architecture having a multiple pixel cells with shared pixel cell components. The individual pixel cell architecture increases the fill factor and the quantum efficiency for the pixel cell. The common pixel cell components may be shared by a number of pixels in the array, and may include several components that are associated with the readout of a signal from the pixel cell. Other examples of the pixel array architecture having improved fill factor for pixels in the array include an angled transfer gate and an efficiently located, shared capacitor.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for enhancing the speed at which pixel levels are read out and sampled for processing. A method of processing pixel levels includes clamping a pixel readout line to a voltage level less than a voltage corresponding to a signal sensed by an n-MOS pixel. Subsequently, the pixel readout line is coupled to an output of an n-MOS source-follower and the pixel signal is read out onto the pixel readout line through the n-MOS source-follower. The pixel signal that was read out is passed through a p-MOS source-follower to a processing circuit. Before passing the pixel signal through the p-MOS source-follower to the processing circuit, a capacitive storage node in the processing circuit is clamped to a voltage greater than a signal at an input to the p-MOS source-follower. Subsequently, an output of the p-MOS source-follower is coupled to the processing circuit, and a signal corresponding to the pixel signal is stored by the processing circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for non-optical testing of imaging devices having an array of pixels are provided. One or more pixels are tested by setting the photoconversion device and/or a floating diffusion region to a known voltage level that is different from that used to operate the pixel during non-test operation. The pixel is then sampled and compared to an expected value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which provide a color filter array for an imaging device in which the filters of the array are accurately positioned through the use of a patterned mask layer used to form filters for one color of the array. Additionally or alternatively, the color filter array can have a light blocking spacer to block light from being transmitted between color filters and/or to a peripheral circuitry region.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing microelectronic imaging units and microelectronic imaging units that are formed using such methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a plurality of imaging dies on a microfeature workpiece. The individual imaging dies include an image sensor, an integrated circuit operably coupled to the image sensor, and a plurality of external contacts operably coupled to the integrated circuit. The method further includes attaching a plurality of covers to corresponding imaging dies, cutting the microfeature workpiece to singulate the imaging dies, and coupling the singulated dies to a support member. The covers can be attached to the imaging dies before or after the workpiece is cut.

Abstract: A lens system comprising an inner lens structure and an outer lens structure. The inner lens structure comprises an inner positive lens, a first transparent substrate and an inner negative lens. The outer lens structure comprises an outer positive lens, a second transparent substrate and an outer negative lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the breakpoint of a response curve representing the voltage output of an image array having an extended dynamic range. By flooding a light-opaque pixel with a charge and then applying an intermediate reset voltage to the pixel, the signal is read from the pixel and stored. The full reset voltage is applied to the pixel, and then the signal in the pixel is read and stored. The voltage output difference is the difference between the first and second stored signal. The voltage output difference is then used to determine the voltage of the knee point. Further, a conventional saturated pixel can be reset with an intermediate reset just prior to readout. The resulting signal can then be used to determine the voltage of the knee point.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise in an image including steps for obtaining a first value for a target pixel, obtaining a respective second value for each neighboring pixel surrounding the target pixel, identifying a spread for the second values, comparing the spread to a threshold value, and, if the spread if below the threshold value, calculating a new value using the second values, and replacing the first value with the new value.

Abstract: A pixel array resolution is doubled by adding a plurality of second photodiodes, but only a single, common transfer control line. By controlling a combination of the single, common transfer control line and a transfer control line unique to controlling first transfer transistors in pixels in a row, first and second photodiodes in a pixel can be separately readout.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming optical packages, and intermediate structures resulting from the same are disclosed, which provide an optical element over a device. The optical element is formed by applying a force to lateral portions of a liquid material layer formed below an elastomeric material layer such that the liquid material layer has a radius of curvature sufficient to direct light to a light sensitive portion of the device, after which the liquid material layer is exposed to conditions which maintain the radius of curvature after the lateral force is removed.

Abstract: A CMOS imaging system with increased charge storage capacitance of pixels yet decreased physical size, kTC noise and active area. A capacitor is linked to the transfer gate and provides a storage node for a pixel, allowing for kTC noise reduction prior to readout. The pixel may be operated with the shutter gate on during the integration period to increase the amount of time for charge storage by a pixel.

Abstract: A new kind of pixel is formed of two floating diffusions of different sizes and different conductivity type. The two floating diffusions have different image characteristics, and hence form a knee-shaped slope.

Abstract: An imaging module and method of fabrication. The method comprises forming a first lens wafer with a plurality of outer negative lenses and forming a second lens wafer with a plurality of inner negative lenses The method further comprises bonding the first lens wafer and second lens wafer to create a bonded stack; forming a plurality of inner positive lenses on the second lens wafer and bonding a spacer wafer to the second lens wafer; and forming a plurality of outer positive lenses on the first lens wafer.

Abstract: An imager in which a column line bias current control signal is pulsed at some time during and/or after the pulsing of the reset control and the transfer control signals to increase a bias current in a pixel column line during reset and transfer operations. The bias current is then decreased by removing the pulse before the sampling and storing of reset and image signals. Pulsing the bias control voltage signal and thus, the bias current, decreases the settling time of the column line, while maintaining the required low current during sampling and storage of the reset and image signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the planarity of a recessed color filter array when the recessed region or trench depth exceeds the thickness of the color filter film. The method includes the steps of coating the entire wafer with an additional coating material after applying the CFA, then planarizing that resist layer using CMP and then using a dry etch to transfer that planar surface down as far as required to achieve a planar color filter with a uniform thickness.

Abstract: A pixel with a photosensor and a transfer transistor having a split transfer gate. A first section of the transfer gate is connectable to a first voltage source while a second section of the transfer gate is connectable to a second voltage source. Thus, during a charge integration period of a photosensor, the two sections of the transfer gate may be oppositely biased to decrease dark current while controlling blooming of electrons within and out of the pixel cell. During charge transfer the two gate sections may be commonly connected to a positive voltage sufficient to transfer charge from the photosensor to a floating diffusion region.