Abstract: A packaged image sensing device of improved sensitivity is formed by providing a mechanism for enhancing the focusing of embedded microlenses on the photosensitive elements of the image sensor. Normally, the bonding material interposed between the packaging layers and the microlenses defocuses the microlenses. In one embodiment of the present invention, the focus is restored by interposing an intermediate optically refractive layer between the bonding material and the lenses. In another embodiment, a bonding material with a lower index of refraction is used. In a final embodiment, the microlenses are formed in a material of a higher index of refraction.

Abstract: A method of fabricating microlens devices. The method includes filling the bond pad areas and scribe lines, or other areas, to improve the topography of the semiconductor wafer surface. A microlens material is applied to the surface after the bond pad areas and scribe lines have been filled. Because of the improved topography, the thickness of the microlens material is more uniform, thereby facilitating the formation of uniformly shaped microlenses.

Abstract: A method for processing a semiconductor substrate includes providing a substrate having at least one filter region with a plurality of bond pads in it. Metal is deposited above the bond pads, to reduce the bond pad step height. A planarization layer is formed such that the deposited metal has a height near to a height of the planarization layer. At least one color resist layer is formed above the planarization layer.

Abstract: A method for processing a semiconductor substrate comprises the steps of: providing a substrate having a plurality of scribe lines arranged to form at least one filter region surrounded by the scribe lines, the scribe lines having a step height; at least partially filling the scribe lines with a resist material to reduce the step height of the scribe lines; and forming at least one color resist layer within the at least one filter region while the insoluble resist material remains in the scribe lines.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a microelectronic product provides for forming a planarizing layer upon a bond pad and a topographic feature, both formed laterally separated over a substrate. The planarizing layer is formed with a diminished thickness upon the bond pad such that it may be readily etched to expose the bond pad while employing as a mask an additional layer formed over the topographic feature but not over the bond pad. The method is particularly useful for forming color filter sensor image array optoelectronic products with attenuated bond pad corrosion.

Abstract: A new method is provided of treating the wafer prior to the process of singulating the wafer into individual die. A surface of the wafer over which CMOS image sensor devices have been created is coated with a layer of material that is non-soluble in water. The wafer is singulated by sawing through the layer of material that has been coated over the surface of the wafer and by then sawing through the wafer. The singulated die is then further processed by applying steps of die mount, wire bonding, surrounding the die in a mold compound and marking the package.

Abstract: A new method is provided of treating the wafer prior to the process of singulating the wafer into individual die. A first surface of the wafer over which CMOS image sensor devices have been created is coated with a layer of material that is non-soluble in water. The wafer is attached to a tape by bringing a second surface of the wafer in contact with the tape. The wafer is singulated by approaching the first surface of the wafer and by sawing first through the layer of material that has been coated over the first surface of the wafer and by then sawing through the wafer, stopping at the surface of the tape. A thorough water rinse is applied to the surface of the singulated wafer, followed by a wafer clean applying specific chemicals for this purpose. The singulated die is now removed from the tape and further processed by applying steps of die mount, wire bonding, surrounding the die in a mold compound and marking the package.