Abstract: A pixel cell has four maskless phase detection photodiodes sharing the same readout amplifier, microlens and filter color. The four photodiodes are configured to operate in two adjacent pairs wherein the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes are separated by a light guide and are positioned under the single microlens such that light incident in a first direction is collected in a first pair of photodiodes of the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes and light incident in a second direction is collected in a second pair of photodiodes of the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes. The microlens has a plano-convex shape which causes light to be incident in two directions on photodiodes positioned under each of two sides of the microlens.

Abstract: A pixel cell has four maskless phase detection photodiodes sharing the same readout amplifier, microlens and filter color. The four photodiodes are configured to operate in two adjacent pairs wherein the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes are separated by a light guide and are positioned under the single microlens such that light incident in a first direction is collected in a first pair of photodiodes of the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes and light incident in a second direction is collected in a second pair of photodiodes of the two adjacent pairs of photodiodes. The microlens has a plano-convex shape which causes light to be incident in two directions on photodiodes positioned under each of two sides of the microlens.

Abstract: A pixel cell has a photodiode, a readout circuit, a vertical transfer transistor and a reflective structure. The photodiode is disposed within a first substrate of a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. The readout circuit is disposed within a second substrate of a second semiconductor chip. The vertical transfer transistor is coupled between the photodiode and the readout circuitry to transfer the image charge from the photodiode to the readout circuitry. The reflective structure is positioned between the readout circuit and the photodiode to reflect incident light, that passes through the photodiode without being absorbed, back towards the photodiode for a second chance at being absorbed.

Abstract: A pixel cell has a photodiode, a transfer transistor, and a readout circuit block. The photodiode, transfer transistor, and reset transistor are disposed within a first substrate of a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. The readout circuit block is disposed within a second substrate of a second semiconductor chip and the readout circuit block comprises optionally selectable rolling shutter and global shutter readout modes through the use of computer programmable digital register settings. The global shutter readout mode provides in-pixel correlated double sampling.

Abstract: A pixel cell has a photodiode, a readout circuit, a vertical transfer transistor and a reflective structure. The photodiode is disposed within a first substrate of a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. The readout circuit is disposed within a second substrate of a second semiconductor chip. The vertical transfer transistor is coupled between the photodiode and the readout circuitry to transfer the image charge from the photodiode to the readout circuitry. The reflective structure is positioned between the readout circuit and the photodiode to reflect incident light, that passes through the photodiode without being absorbed, back towards the photodiode for a second chance at being absorbed.

Abstract: A pixel cell has a photodiode, a readout circuit, and a vertical transfer transistor. The photodiode is disposed within a first substrate of a first semiconductor chip for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon the photodiode. The readout circuit is disposed within a second substrate of a second semiconductor chip. The vertical transfer transistor is coupled between the photodiode and the readout circuitry to transfer the image charge from the photodiode to the readout circuitry.