Abstract: The invention disclose a pixel in an image sensor capable of detecting infrared light and associated fabrication method. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate has a first photodiode and a second photodiode adjacent to the first photodiode. A planarized dielectric layer having a recessed region is disposed on a first side of the semiconductor substrate. A first color filter disposed on the planarized dielectric layer aligned with the first photodiode and configured to transmit light of a first wavelength range. A second color filter disposed in the recessed region and on the planarized dielectric layer. The second color filter is aligned with the second photodiode, and configured to transmit light of a second wavelength range that is different from the first wavelength range. A first depth-wise thickness of the first color filter is less than a second depth-wise thickness of the second color filter.

Abstract: An image sensor pixel array comprises a plurality of image pixel units to gather image information and a plurality of phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) pixel units to gather phase information. Each of the PDAF pixel units includes two of first image sensor pixels covered by two micro-lenses, respectively. Each of the image pixel units includes four of second image sensor pixels adjacent to each other, wherein each of the second image sensor pixels is covered by an individual micro-lens. A coating layer is disposed on the micro-lenses and forms a flattened surface across the whole image sensor pixel array. A PDAF micro-lens is formed on the coating layer to cover the first image sensor pixels.

Abstract: A wafer-level method for manufacturing yardless lenses includes (a) depositing light-curable lens resin between a mold and a first side of a transparent substrate, wherein the first side of the transparent substrate has an opaque coating with a plurality of apertures respectively aligned with a plurality of lens-shaped recesses of the mold, and (b) exposing a second side of the transparent substrate, facing away from the first side, to light, thereby illuminating portions of the light-curable lens resin aligned with the plurality of apertures to form a respective plurality of yardless lenses.

Abstract: An image sensor pixel array comprises a plurality of image pixel units to gather image information and a plurality of phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) pixel units to gather phase information. Each of the PDAF pixel units includes two of first image sensor pixels covered by two micro-lenses, respectively. Each of the image pixel units includes four of second image sensor pixels adjacent to each other, wherein each of the second image sensor pixels is covered by an individual micro-lens. A coating layer is disposed on the micro-lenses and forms a flattened surface across the whole image sensor pixel array. A PDAF micro-lens is formed on the coating layer to cover the first image sensor pixels.

Abstract: A trenched-substrate based lens manufacturing method includes depositing lens material on a first side of a substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate has a plurality of trenches. The method further includes shaping a plurality of lens elements from the lens material. The method includes shaping the plurality of lens elements, on a respective plurality of surface portions of the first side, by contacting a mold to the first side. Each of the surface portions are adjacent a respective one of the trenches. Additionally, the method includes accommodating an excess portion of the lens material in the trenches. A lens system, manufactured using this method, includes a substrate with a planar surface and a trench embedded in the planar surface. The lens system further includes a lens element molded on the planar surface adjacent to the trench.

Abstract: A wafer-level method for manufacturing yardless lenses includes (a) depositing light-curable lens resin between a mold and a first side of a transparent substrate, wherein the first side of the transparent substrate has an opaque coating with a plurality of apertures respectively aligned with a plurality of lens-shaped recesses of the mold, and (b) exposing a second side of the transparent substrate, facing away from the first side, to light, thereby illuminating portions of the light-curable lens resin aligned with the plurality of apertures to form a respective plurality of yardless lenses.

Abstract: A trenched-substrate based lens manufacturing method includes depositing lens material on a first side of a substrate, wherein the first side of the substrate has a plurality of trenches. The method further includes shaping a plurality of lens elements from the lens material. The method includes shaping the plurality of lens elements, on a respective plurality of surface portions of the first side, by contacting a mold to the first side. Each of the surface portions are adjacent a respective one of the trenches. Additionally, the method includes accommodating an excess portion of the lens material in the trenches. A lens system, manufactured using this method, includes a substrate with a planar surface and a trench embedded in the planar surface. The lens system further includes a lens element molded on the planar surface adjacent to the trench.