Patents by Inventor Min-Jun CHOI

Min-Jun CHOI has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12648252
    Abstract: Disclosed are image sensors and methods of fabricating the same. The image sensor comprises a substrate including a plurality of pixels, a photoelectric conversion region in the substrate at each of the pixels, a gate electrode on the substrate at each of the pixels, an interlayer dielectric layer on the substrate and the gate electrode, and a contact penetrating the interlayer dielectric layer and on the gate electrode. The contact includes a lower part on the gate electrode and an upper part on the lower part and connected to a wiring line on the interlayer dielectric layer. A planar shape of the lower part of the contact is larger than that of the upper part of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Jun Choi, Wonoh Ryu, Gyuhyun Lim, Myungjo Jung
  • Publication number: 20250393323
    Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes: photodiodes provided in a pixel array region; a peripheral region provided on at least one side of the pixel array region; and a nanostructure layer provided on the pixel array region and the peripheral region. The nanostructure layer includes: metamicrolenses on the pixel array region, wherein the metamicrolenses are configured to collect light incident on the pixel array region; and a dummy nanopattern on the peripheral region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinseong PARK, Chungho SONG, Jamin LEE, Min-Jun CHOI, Woo Jun CHOI
  • Patent number: 12342639
    Abstract: An image sensor device including: a first digital pixel including a first photodetector and first memory cells to store a first digital signal corresponding to a first output from the first photodetector; and a second digital pixel including a second photodetector and second memory cells to store a second digital signal corresponding to a second output from the second photodetector, the second digital pixel is adjacent to one side of the first digital pixel, the first memory cells and the second memory cells are connected with a plurality of bit lines, the first memory cells are connected with a first word line and a third word line, the second memory cells are connected with a second word line and a fourth word line, the second word line is between the first and third word lines, and the third word line is between the second and fourth word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seoksan Kim, Minwoong Seo, Myunglae Chu, Jong-yeon Lee, Min-Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 12166059
    Abstract: An image sensor comprises a first and second chips. The first chip includes a first semiconductor substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer in the first semiconductor substrate, a color filter, a micro lens, a first transistor adjacent to the photoelectric conversion layer, a first insulating layer, and a first metal layer in the first insulating layer and connected to the first transistor. The second chip includes a second insulating layer, a second semiconductor substrate, a second transistor on the second semiconductor substrate, a second metal layer in the second insulating layer and connected to a gate structure of the second transistor through a gate contact, a landing metal layer below the second metal layer, and a through via in direct contact with the landing metal layer and vertically passing through the second semiconductor substrate. A width of the through via becomes narrower as the width approaches the third surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Jun Choi, Won Oh Ryu, Hyeon Woo Lee, Gyu Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 11837612
    Abstract: An image sensor includes: a substrate including a first surface and a second surface on which light is incident, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; a photoelectric converter provided in the substrate; a first metal layer provided on the first surface of the substrate; a second metal layer provided on the first metal layer; and a capacitor layer provided between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the capacitor layer includes: a first lower electrode electrically connected to the first metal layer, a first upper electrode electrically connected to the second metal layer, a second upper electrode spaced apart from the first upper electrode and electrically connected to the second metal layer, a first capacitor provided between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode, and a second capacitor provided between the first lower electrode and the second upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min-Jun Choi, In Gyu Baek, Bom I Sim, Jin Yong Choi
  • Publication number: 20230378204
    Abstract: An image sensor device including: a first digital pixel including a first photodetector and first memory cells to store a first digital signal corresponding to a first output from the first photodetector; and a second digital pixel including a second photodetector and second memory cells to store a second digital signal corresponding to a second output from the second photodetector, the second digital pixel is adjacent to one side of the first digital pixel, the first memory cells and the second memory cells are connected with a plurality of bit lines, the first memory cells are connected with a first word line and a third word line, the second memory cells are connected with a second word line and a fourth word line, the second word line is between the first and third word lines, and the third word line is between the second and fourth word lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Seoksan KIM, Minwoong SEO, Myunglae CHU, Jong-yeon LEE, Min-Jun CHOI
  • Patent number: 11756968
    Abstract: An image sensor device including: a first digital pixel including a first photodetector and first memory cells to store a first digital signal corresponding to a first output from the first photodetector; and a second digital pixel including a second photodetector and second memory cells to store a second digital signal corresponding to a second output from the second photodetector, the second digital pixel is adjacent to one side of the first digital pixel, the first memory cells and the second memory cells are connected with a plurality of bit lines, the first memory cells are connected with a first word line and a third word line, the second memory cells are connected with a second word line and a fourth word line, the second word line is between the first and third word lines, and the third word line is between the second and fourth word lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seoksan Kim, Minwoong Seo, Myunglae Chu, Jong-Yeon Lee, Min-Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20230146645
    Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a substrate including a plurality of unit pixels, each of unit pixels includes a photoelectric conversion element; a first trench formed in the substrate in a lattice shape to isolate the plurality of unit pixels; a plurality of first capacitor structures extended along a sidewall of the first trench in the first trench, including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first dielectric layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first capacitor isolation pattern at a lattice point of the first trench to isolate the plurality of first capacitor structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuk Soon CHOI, Sang-Su PARK, Hee Sung SHIM, Dae Kun AHN, Min-Jun CHOI
  • Publication number: 20230039809
    Abstract: An image sensor comprises a first and second chips. The first chip includes a first semiconductor substrate, a photoelectric conversion layer in the first semiconductor substrate, a color filter, a micro lens, a first transistor adjacent to the photoelectric conversion layer, a first insulating layer, and a first metal layer in the first insulating layer and connected to the first transistor. The second chip includes a second insulating layer, a second semiconductor substrate, a second transistor on the second semiconductor substrate, a second metal layer in the second insulating layer and connected to a gate structure of the second transistor through a gate contact, a landing metal layer below the second metal layer, and a through via in direct contact with the landing metal layer and vertically passing through the second semiconductor substrate. A width of the through via becomes narrower as the width approaches the third surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Jun CHOI, Won Oh RYU, Hyeon Woo LEE, Gyu Hyun LIM
  • Publication number: 20220375982
    Abstract: Disclosed are image sensors and methods of fabricating the same. The image sensor comprises a substrate including a plurality of pixels, a photoelectric conversion region in the substrate at each of the pixels, a gate electrode on the substrate at each of the pixels, an interlayer dielectric layer on the substrate and the gate electrode, and a contact penetrating the interlayer dielectric layer and on the gate electrode. The contact includes a lower part on the gate electrode and an upper part on the lower part and connected to a wiring line on the interlayer dielectric layer. A planar shape of the lower part of the contact is larger than that of the upper part of the contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Min-Jun Choi, Wonoh Ryu, Gyuhyun Lim, Myungjo Jung
  • Patent number: 11393854
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method of fabricating the same, the image sensor including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a first photoelectric conversion part disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first floating diffusion region provided in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first surface; a first interlayered insulating layer covering the first surface; a first channel pattern on the first interlayered insulating layer; and a first transfer gate electrode disposed adjacent to the first channel pattern and that controls transfer of charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion part to the first floating diffusion region through the first channel pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changhwa Kim, Kwansik Kim, Yoonkyoung Kim, Sang-Su Park, Beomsuk Lee, Taeyon Lee, Min-Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20220052086
    Abstract: An image sensor includes: a substrate including a first surface and a second surface on which light is incident, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; a photoelectric converter provided in the substrate; a first metal layer provided on the first surface of the substrate; a second metal layer provided on the first metal layer; and a capacitor layer provided between the first metal layer and the second metal layer, wherein the capacitor layer includes: a first lower electrode electrically connected to the first metal layer, a first upper electrode electrically connected to the second metal layer, a second upper electrode spaced apart from the first upper electrode and electrically connected to the second metal layer, a first capacitor provided between the first lower electrode and the first upper electrode, and a second capacitor provided between the first lower electrode and the second upper electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Jun Choi, In Gyu Baek, Bom I Sim, Jin Yong Choi
  • Patent number: 11043538
    Abstract: Organic image sensors are provided. An organic image sensor includes a pixel electrode including a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from each other. The organic image sensor includes an insulating region including a protruding portion that protrudes beyond surfaces of the plurality of first electrodes. The organic image sensor includes an organic photoelectric conversion layer on the pixel electrode and the protruding portion of the insulating region. Moreover, the organic image sensor includes a second electrode opposite the pixel electrode and on the organic photoelectric conversion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventors: Min-jun Choi, Kwan-sik Kim, Beom-suk Lee, Hae-min Lim, Man-geun Cho
  • Patent number: 10998358
    Abstract: An imaging device may include regions of active pixels, which are included in the generation of a photoelectric signal, and dummy pixels, which are not included in the generation of a photoelectric signal. Electrical characteristics of the dummy pixels may affect the photoelectric signal produced by the active pixels unless isolation is provided to reduce the electrical conductivity therebetween. An image sensor includes a substrate including an active pixel region and a dummy pixel region, a pixel isolation structure at least partially penetrating the substrate and configured to reduce electrical conductivity between an active pixel in the active pixel region and a dummy pixel in the dummy pixel region, and a dummy isolation structure at least partially penetrating the substrate of the dummy pixel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20210091129
    Abstract: An image sensor device including: a first digital pixel including a first photodetector and first memory cells to store a first digital signal corresponding to a first output from the first photodetector; and a second digital pixel including a second photodetector and second memory cells to store a second digital signal corresponding to a second output from the second photodetector, the second digital pixel is adjacent to one side of the first digital pixel, the first memory cells and the second memory cells are connected with a plurality of bit lines, the first memory cells are connected with a first word line and a third word line, the second memory cells are connected with a second word line and a fourth word line, the second word line is between the first and third word lines, and the third word line is between the second and fourth word lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: SEOKSAN KIM, MINWOONG SEO, Myunglae CHU, Jong-yeon LEE, MIN-JUN CHOI
  • Patent number: 10833129
    Abstract: Provided is an image sensor, which includes: a first substrate; a first structure on a front surface of the first substrate, the first structure including a first interlayer insulating layer surrounding a first conductive layer; a second substrate; a second structure on a front surface of the second substrate facing the front surface of the first substrate, the second structure including a second interlayer insulating layer, the second interlayer insulating layer being bonded to the first interlayer insulating layer; an organic photoelectric layer on a back surface of the second substrate; and a via electrode structure in contact with the first conductive layer through the second substrate and the second structure, the via electrode structure including an air gap therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwan-sik Kim, Chang-hwa Kim, Yoon-Kyoung Kim, Sang-Su Park, Beom-suk Lee, Man-geun Cho, Min-jun Choi
  • Patent number: 10723456
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle system having a multi-rotor type rotary wing. The unmanned aerial vehicle system having a multi-rotor type rotary wing includes a first unmanned aerial vehicle, at least one second unmanned aerial vehicle, and a bridge that connects the first unmanned aerial vehicle and the at least one second unmanned aerial vehicle to be separable from each other, wherein the at least one second unmanned aerial vehicle is moveable by the first unmanned aerial vehicle in a state where the at least one second unmanned aerial vehicle is coupled to the first unmanned aerial vehicle by the bridge without being driven, and the at least one second unmanned aerial vehicle is separable from the first unmanned aerial vehicle which is in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Taikjin Lee, Suk Woo Nam, Chang Won Yoon, Hyun Seo Park, Young Min Jhon, Seok Lee, Min-Jun Choi
  • Publication number: 20200219914
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method of fabricating the same, the image sensor including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a first photoelectric conversion part disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first floating diffusion region provided in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the first surface; a first interlayered insulating layer covering the first surface; a first channel pattern on the first interlayered insulating layer; and a first transfer gate electrode disposed adjacent to the first channel pattern and that controls transfer of charge generated in the first photoelectric conversion part to the first floating diffusion region through the first channel pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: CHANGHWA KIM, KWANSIK KIM, YOONKYOUNG KIM, SANG-SU PARK, BEOMSUK LEE, TAEYON LEE, MIN-JUN CHOI
  • Publication number: 20200119067
    Abstract: An imaging device may include regions of active pixels, which are included in the generation of a photoelectric signal, and dummy pixels, which are not included in the generation of a photoelectric signal. Electrical characteristics of the dummy pixels may affect the photoelectric signal produced by the active pixels unless isolation is provided to reduce the electrical conductivity therebetween. An image sensor includes a substrate including an active pixel region and a dummy pixel region, a pixel isolation structure at least partially penetrating the substrate and configured to reduce electrical conductivity between an active pixel in the active pixel region and a dummy pixel in the dummy pixel region, and a dummy isolation structure at least partially penetrating the substrate of the dummy pixel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-jun CHOI
  • Publication number: 20200105836
    Abstract: Provided is an image sensor, which includes: a first substrate; a first structure on a front surface of the first substrate, the first structure including a first interlayer insulating layer surrounding a first conductive layer; a second substrate; a second structure on a front surface of the second substrate facing the front surface of the first substrate, the second structure including a second interlayer insulating layer, the second interlayer insulating layer being bonded to the first interlayer insulating layer; an organic photoelectric layer on a back surface of the second substrate; and a via electrode structure in contact with the first conductive layer through the second substrate and the second structure, the via electrode structure including an air gap therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwan-sik KIM, Chang-hwa Kim, Yoon-Kyoung Kim, Sang-su Park, Beom-suk Lee, Man-geun Cho, Min-jun Choi