With Specified Dopant (e.g., Photoionizable, "extrinsic" Detectors For Infrared) Patents (Class 257/227)
  • Patent number: 11389125
    Abstract: An X-ray detector is provided. The X-ray detector includes multiple detector sub-modules. Each detector sub-module includes a semiconductor layer and multiple detector elements. A first detector element of the multiple detector elements includes a first electrode disposed on a first doped implant and a second detector element of the multiple detector elements includes a second electrode disposed on a second doped implant. The first and second detector elements are disposed on the semiconductor layer adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween. Each detector sub-module also includes wiring traces extending from one or more detector elements of the multiple detector elements to readout circuitry. The wiring traces are routed within the gap between the first and second electrodes. The first doped implant extends underneath a portion of the wiring traces is configured to shield the wiring traces from electrical activity occurring underneath due to absorption of an X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
    Inventors: Brian David Yanoff, Biju Jacob
  • Patent number: 11200937
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses related to a reprogrammable non-volatile latch are described. A latch may include ferroelectric cells, ferroelectric capacitors, a sense component, and other circuitry and components related to ferroelectric memory technology. The ferroelectric latch may be independent from (or exclusive of) a main ferroelectric memory array. The ferroelectric latch may be positioned anywhere in the memory device. In some instances, a ferroelectric latch may be positioned and configured to be dedicated to single piece of circuitry in the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott James Derner, Christopher John Kawamura, Charles L. Ingalls
  • Patent number: 10935430
    Abstract: An improved infrared-based gas detector apparatus is described in which a substantial improvement in temperature measurement and tracking accuracy is achieved by combining a temperature sensing element such as a Thermistor to the body of a Lead Selenide (PbSe) plate detector. This allows for as close to possible measurement of the actual Lead Selenide film temperature without coming directly in physical contact with the film surface itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Szilveszter Cseh Jando
  • Patent number: 10672457
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for differential amplifier schemes for sensing memory cells are described. In one example, a memory apparatus may include a differential amplifier having a first input node configured to be coupled with a memory cell and having an output node configured to be coupled with a sense component. In some examples, the memory apparatus may also include a capacitor having a first node coupled with the first input node, and a first switching component configured to selectively couple a second node of the capacitor with the output node. The differential amplifier may configured such that a current at the output node is proportional to a difference between a voltage at the first input node of the differential amplifier and a voltage at the second input node of the differential amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele Vimercati, Stefan Frederik Schippers, Xinwei Guo
  • Patent number: 10163953
    Abstract: A P-type well is defined by an isolation region formed in a semiconductor substrate. A pixel region and a ground region are defined in the P-type well. In the pixel region, a pixel transistor region and a photodiode region having a photodiode formed therein are defined. An antireflection film is formed so as to cover at least the photodiode region and the ground region. A plug connected to the ground region is formed so as to extend through the antireflection film and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutaka Okada
  • Patent number: 10062569
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an epitaxial wafer having an excellent gettering capability while suppressing formation of epitaxial defects. The method includes: a cluster ion irradiation step of irradiating a surface of a silicon wafer having a resistivity of from 0.001 ?·cm to 0.1 ?·cm with cluster ions containing at least carbon at a dose of from 2.0×1014/cm2 to 1.0×1016/cm2 to form, on a surface portion of the silicon wafer, a modifying layer composed of a constituent element of the cluster ions in the form of a solid solution; and an epitaxial layer forming step of forming, on the modifying layer on the silicon wafer, an epitaxial layer having a resistivity that is higher than the resistivity of the silicon wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SUMCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuro Iwanaga, Kazunari Kurita, Takeshi Kadono
  • Patent number: 9858978
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. Offsets in the threshold voltage of switching components (e.g., transistors) connected to digit lines may be compensated by using various operating techniques or additional circuit components, or both. For example, a switching component connected to a digit line may also be connected to an offset capacitor selected to compensate for a threshold voltage offset. The offset capacitor may be discharged in conjunction with a read operation, resulting in a threshold voltage applied to the switching component. This may enable all or substantially all of the stored charge of the ferroelectric memory cell to be extracted and transferred to a sense capacitor through the transistor. A sense amplifier may compare the voltage of the sense capacitor to a reference voltage in order to determine the stored logic state of the memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniele Vimercati
  • Patent number: 9647023
    Abstract: A P-type well is defined by an isolation region formed in a semiconductor substrate. A pixel region and a ground region are defined in the P-type well. In the pixel region, a pixel transistor region and a photodiode region having a photodiode formed therein are defined. An antireflection film is formed so as to cover at least the photodiode region and the ground region. A plug connected to the ground region is formed so as to extend through the antireflection film and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yasutaka Okada
  • Patent number: 9449998
    Abstract: A pixel structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The pixel structure includes a substrate, a scan line, a data line, a first insulating layer, an active device, a second insulating layer, a common electrode and a first pixel electrode. The data line crossed to the scan line is disposed on the substrate and includes a linear transmitting part and a cross-line transmitting part. The first insulating layer covering the scan line and the linear transmitting part is disposed between the scan line and the cross-line transmitting part. The active device, including a gate, an oxide channel, a source and a drain, is connected to the scan line and the data line. The second insulating layer is disposed on the oxide channel and the linear transmitting part. The common electrode is disposed above the linear transmitting part. The first pixel electrode is connected to the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Te-Chun Huang, Hsiang-Lin Lin, Kuo-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 9024361
    Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device including: a photodiode which converts an optical signal to signal charges; a transfer gate which transfers the signal charges from the photodiode; an impurity diffusion layer to which the signal charges are transferred by the transfer gate; and a MOS transistor of which a gate is connected to the impurity diffusion layer. The impurity diffusion layer has a first conduction type semiconductor layer and a second conduction type semiconductor layer which is formed in the first conduction type semiconductor layer and under an end portion of the transfer gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ohri, Yasunori Sogoh
  • Publication number: 20150091065
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a pixel structure of a CMOS transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate doped with first type doping ions; and forming a trench in the semiconductor substrate by etching the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming isolation layers on side surfaces of the trench to prevent dark current from laterally transferring; and forming an epitaxial layer doped with second type doping ions with a doping type opposite to a doping type of the first type doping ions in the trench. Further, the method includes forming a pinning layer on a top surface of the epitaxial layer; and forming a gate structure on a surface of the semiconductor substrate at one side of the epitaxial layer. Further, the method also includes forming a floating diffusion region in the semiconductor substrate at one side of the gate structure far from the epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) Corporation, Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation
    Inventors: YAN WEI, HUALONG SONG, YANCHUN MA
  • Patent number: 8907897
    Abstract: A small sensor surface designed to control a smart phone or Mobile Internet Device (MID). The sensor surface may be mounted on the side of the proposed device in a position where a user's thumb or finger naturally falls when holding the device in his/her hand. The sensor surface is simultaneously convex and concave, providing both visual and physical cues for the use of the sensor surface. The sensor may include capacitive sensing, optical sensing and pressure sensing capabilities to interpret thumb gestures into device control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Charles F. Harrison
  • Patent number: 8896545
    Abstract: A display system configured for multi-touch input is provided. The display system comprises a display surface, a local light source to illuminate the display surface with infrared light, and an image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel comprises a plurality of image sensor pixels positioned within a sensor layer of the image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel further comprises an angularly-selective layer positioned between the display surface and the sensor layer, wherein the angularly-selective layer is configured to transmit light having a first range of incidence angles with the surface normal of the angularly-selective layer to a first sensor pixel of sensor layer, and to reflect light having a second range of incidence angles from a second sensor pixel of the sensor layer, where the second range is greater than the first range of incidence angles with respect to a surface normal of the sensor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Karlton Powell
  • Patent number: 8860814
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensor according to the present invention includes a number of photosensitive cells 2b, 2c that are arranged in between the first surface 30a of a semiconductor layer 30 and its second surface 30b, which is opposite to the first surface 30a and which receives incoming light. As viewed from the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c, a reflecting portion 3a is arranged on the same side as the first surface 30a in order to reflect an infrared ray that has been transmitted through the photosensitive cell 2c and make it incident on one of the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c. As a result, the intensities of infrared rays to be converted photoelectrically by the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c will be different from each other. And by calculating the difference between the photoelectrically converted signals supplied from the photosensitive cells 2b, 2c, the infrared ray component received by each photosensitive cell can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventors: Masao Hiramoto, Yoshiaki Sugitani
  • Patent number: 8809921
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion unit and pixel transistors, which are formed on a semiconductor substrate; a floating diffusion unit in the pixel; a first-conductivity-type ion implantation area for surface pinning, which is formed over the surface on the side of the photoelectric conversion unit and the surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a second-conductivity-type ion implantation area for forming an overflow path serving as an overflow path for the floating diffusion unit, the second-conductivity-type ion implantation area being formed below the entire area of the first-conductivity-type ion implantation area. An overflow barrier is formed using the second-conductivity-type ion implantation area. A charge storage area is formed using an area in which the second-conductivity-type semiconductor area and the second-conductivity-type ion implantation area superpose each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamada, Atsuhiko Yamamoto, Hideo Kido
  • Patent number: 8796811
    Abstract: In a hybrid integrated module, a semiconductor die is mechanically coupled face-to-face to an integrated device in which the substrate has been removed. For example, the integrated circuit may include an optical device fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer in which the backside silicon handler has been completely removed, thereby facilitating improved device performance and highly efficient thermal tuning of the operating wavelength of the optical device. Moreover, the semiconductor die may be a VLSI chip that provides power, and serves as a mechanical handler and/or an electrical driver. The thermal tuning efficiency of the substrateless optical device may be enhanced by over 100× relative to an optical device with an intact substrate, and by 5× relative to an optical device in which the substrate has only been removed in proximity to the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Shubin, Ashok V. Krishnamoorthy, John E. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8674359
    Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT), an array substrate including the TFT, and methods of manufacturing the TFT and the array substrate. The TFT includes an active layer, and a metal member that corresponds to a portion of each of the source region and the drain region of the active layer, and is arranged on the active layer, a portion of the metal member contacts the source and drain regions of the active layer and the source and drain electrodes, and portions of the active layer that corresponds to portions below the metal member of the active layer are not doped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-Hyun Noh, Sung-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8552470
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided as a composite unit together with elements of an integrated circuit on a common substrate. In a described embodiment, connections are established between a multiple photovoltaic cell portion and a circuitry portion of an integrated structure to enable self-powering of the circuitry portion by the multiple photovoltaic cell portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yuanning Chen, Thomas Patrick Conroy, Jeffrey DeBord, Nagarajan Sridhar
  • Patent number: 8466499
    Abstract: In a rear surface incidence type CMOS image sensor having a wiring layer 720 on a first surface (front surface) of an epitaxial substrate 710 in which a photodiode, a reading circuit (an n-type region 750 and an n+ type region 760) and the like are disposed, and a light receiving plane in a second surface (rear surface), the photodiode and a P-type well region 740 on the periphery of the photodiode are disposed in a layer structure that does not reach the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate, and an electric field is formed within the substrate 710 to properly lead electrons entering from the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate to the photodiode. The electric field is realized by providing a concentration gradient in a direction of depth of the epitaxial substrate 710. Alternatively, the electric field can be realized by providing a rear-surface electrode 810 or 840 for sending a current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8373203
    Abstract: An intrinsic or substantially intrinsic semiconductor, which has been subjected to a step of dehydration or dehydrogenation and a step of adding oxygen so that the carrier concentration is less than 1×1012/cm3 is used for an oxide semiconductor layer of an insulated gate transistor, in which a channel region is formed. The length of the channel formed in the oxide semiconductor layer is set to 0.2 ?m to 3.0 ?m an inclusive and the thicknesses of the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer are set to 15 nm to 30 nm inclusive and 20 nm to 50 nm inclusive, respectively, or 15 nm to 100 nm inclusive and 10 nm to 20 nm inclusive, respectively. Consequently, a short-channel effect can be suppressed, and the amount of change in threshold voltage can be less than 0.5 V in the range of the above channel lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hiromichi Godo, Daisuke Kawae
  • Patent number: 8299469
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thin film transistor array panel includes a gate line and a data line insulated from each other on an insulating substrate where the gate line and the data line cross each other to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor (TFT) disposed at an intersection of the gate line and the data line, a floating electrode where at least a portion of the floating electrode overlaps the data line, and a pixel electrode disposed at the pixel region where the pixel electrode is connected to the TFT and overlaps the at least a portion of the floating electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-woong Chang
  • Patent number: 8273614
    Abstract: To reduce variation among TFTs in manufacture of a semiconductor device including n-type thin film transistors and p-type thin film transistors. Further, another object of the present invention is to reduce the number of masks and manufacturing steps, and manufacturing time. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer of a first thin film transistor, then, forming an island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor. In the formation of the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor, a gate insulating film in contact with the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the second thin film transistor is used as a protection film (an etching stopper film) for the island-shaped semiconductor layer of the first thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Hosoya, Saishi Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8274104
    Abstract: A repair structure including a substrate, at least one first conducting line, a first insulating layer, at least one second conducting line and a repair connecting layer is provided. The at least one first conducting line is disposed on the substrate. The first insulating layer is disposed over the substrate to cover the first conducting line. The second conducting line is disposed over the first insulating layer. The second insulating layer covers the second conducting line and the first insulating layer. The repair connecting layer is disposed on the second insulating layer. In particular, the repair connecting layer is electrically connected to the first conducting line. The repair connecting layer overlaps the second conducting line but is electrically insulated from the second conducting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventor: An-Hsu Lu
  • Patent number: 8237206
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor, in which an implantation process is performed on substrate under isolation structures each disposed between two adjacent photosensor cell structures. The implantation process is a destructive implantation to form lattice effects/trap centers. No defect repair process is carried out after the implantation process is performed. The implants can reside at the isolation structures or in the substrate under the isolation structures. Dark leakage and crosstalk are thus suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Hsin-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 8198628
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure that is to be heated. The structure includes a substrate for the front face deposition of a useful layer intended to receive components for electronics, optics or optoelectronics. The structure contains doped elements that absorb infrared radiation so as to substantially increase infrared absorption by the structure so that the front face reaches a given temperature when a given infrared power is supplied to the structure. At least one part of the doped elements have insufficient electrical activity or localization in the structure, such that they cannot disturb the operation of the components. In addition, a method of producing this structure and a method of forming a useful layer of semiconductor material on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Robert Langer, Hacène Lahreche
  • Patent number: 8084837
    Abstract: In a rear surface incidence type CMOS image sensor having a wiring layer 720 on a first surface (front surface) of an epitaxial substrate 710 in which a photodiode, a reading circuit (an n-type region 750 and an n+ type region 760) and the like are disposed, and a light receiving plane in a second surface (rear surface), the photodiode and a P-type well region 740 on the periphery of the photodiode are disposed in a layer structure that does not reach the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate, and an electric field is formed within the substrate 710 to properly lead electrons entering from the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate to the photodiode. The electric field is realized by providing a concentration gradient in a direction of depth of the epitaxial substrate 710. Alternatively, the electric field can be realized by providing a rear-surface electrode 810 or 840 for sending a current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8053855
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor for improving light sensitivity and peripheral brightness ratio, and a method for fabricating the same. The CMOS image sensor includes a substrate on which a light sensor and device isolating insulation films are formed, in which the top of the substrate is coated with a plurality of metal layers and oxide films; a plurality of reflective layers formed inside the metal layers, each being spaced apart; a color filter embedded in a groove formed by etching the oxide films inside the reflective layers by a predetermined thickness; a plurality of protrusions formed on both sides of the top of the color filter, each arranged at a predetermined distance from one another; a flat layer formed on the top of the protrusions and the oxide films; and a micro-lens formed on the top of the flat layer. The reflective layer disposed at the top of the photodiode is made of a material having a high reflectance and low absorptivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-ho Nam, Jin-hwan Kim, Gee-young Sung
  • Patent number: 7943405
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel and a fabricating method thereof comprising an image sensing capability, image scanning, and touch inputting. In the liquid crystal display device, a gate line and a data line are formed to intersect each other on a substrate to define a pixel area in which a pixel electrode is positioned. A first thin film transistor is positioned at an intersection area of the gate line and the data line. A sensor thin film transistor senses light having image information and supplied with a first driving voltage from the data line. A driving voltage supply line is positioned in parallel to the gate line to supply a second driving voltage to the sensor thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Kwang Kang, Kyo Seop Choo
  • Patent number: 7910964
    Abstract: A part of a semiconductor layer directly under a light-receiving gate electrode functions as a charge generation region, and electrons generated in the charge generation region are injected into a part of a surface buried region directly above the charge generation region. The surface buried region directly under a first transfer gate electrode functions as a first transfer channel, and the surface buried region directly under a second transfer gate electrode functions as a second transfer channel. Signal charges are alternately transferred to an n-type first floating drain region and a second floating drain region through the first and second floating transfer channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: National University Corporation Shizuoka University, Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Kawahito, Mitsuru Homma
  • Patent number: 7888761
    Abstract: An electron detector (30) for detection of electrons comprises a semiconductor wafer (11) having a central portion (12) with a thickness of at most 150 ?m, preferably at most 100 ?m, formed by etching an area of a thicker wafer. On opposite sides of the central portion (12) there are n-type and p-type contacts (16, 31). In operation, a reverse bias is applied across the contacts (16, 31) and electrons incident on the layer (15) of intrinsic semiconductor material between the contacts (16, 31) generate electron-hole pairs which accelerate towards the contacts (16, 31) where they may detected as a signal. Conductive terminals (24, 32) contact the contacts (16, 31) and are connected to a signal processing circuit in IC chips (28, 37) mounted to the semiconductor wafer (11) outside the active area of the detector (30). The contacts (16, 31) are shaped as arrays of strips extending orthogonally on the two sides of the intrinsic layer (15) to provide two-dimensional spatial resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Isis Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Rudiger Reinhard Meyer, Angus Ian Kirkland
  • Patent number: 7851835
    Abstract: A display substrate includes a substrate, a first insulating layer, an undercut compensating member, a first electrode, a second insulating layer and a first conductive pattern. The first insulating layer is formed on the substrate. The undercut compensating member is formed on the first insulating layer. The undercut compensating member has an etching rate smaller than that of the first insulating layer. The first electrode is formed on a portion of the undercut compensating member. The second insulating layer is formed on the first insulating layer. The second insulating layer has a contact hole through which a portion of the first electrode and a remaining portion of the undercut compensating member. The first conductive pattern electrically connected to the first electrode through the contact hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-Tack Kang, Dong-Hyeon Ki, Sung-Man Kim, Sang-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 7838955
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a metal interconnection and readout circuitry over a first substrate, an image sensing device, and an ion implantation isolation layer. The image sensing device is over the metal interconnection, and an ion implantation isolation layer is in the image sensing device. The image sensing device includes first, second and third color image sensing units, and ion implantation contact layers. The first, second and third color image sensing units are stacked in or on a second substrate. The ion implantation contact layers are electrically connected to the first, second and third color image sensing units, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Sung Shim
  • Patent number: 7807999
    Abstract: An array substrate includes a gate line, a data line, a switching device, a transmissive electrode, a reflective electrode and a compensating wiring. A pixel region includes first and second regions. The switching device is connected to the gate line and the data line. The transmissive electrode is connected to the switching device. The transmissive electrode is formed in the first region. The reflective electrode is insulated from the transmissive electrode. The reflective electrode is formed in the second region that is adjacent to the first region. The compensating wiring is connected to the switching device. The compensating wiring faces the reflective electrode in the second region with an insulation layer interposed therebetween. Thus, both of a reflectivity of the reflective electrode and a transmissivity of the transmissive electrode are enhanced simultaneously, while the liquid crystal display apparatus maintains a uniform cell gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Seop Kim, Won-Sang Park, Sang-Il Kim, Dong-Sik Sakong, Young-Chol Yang, Sung-Kyu Hong, Jong-Lae Kim
  • Patent number: 7786543
    Abstract: A MOS or CMOS based active pixel sensor with special sampling features to substantially eliminate clock noise. The sensor includes an array of pixels fabricated in or on a substrate, each pixel defining a charge collection node on which charges generated inside a photodiode region are collected, a charge integration node, at which charges generated in said pixel are integrated to produce pixel signals, a charge sensing node from which reset signals and the pixel signals are sensed. In preferred embodiments the sensor includes a continuous electromagnetic radiation detection structure located above the pixel circuits providing a photodiode region for each pixel. The sensor includes integrated circuit elements adapted to maintain voltage potentials of the charge integration nodes substantially constant during charge integration cycles. The sensor also includes integrated circuit elements having electrical capacitance adapted to store charges providing an electrical potential at the charge integration node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: e-Phocus
    Inventor: Tzu-Chiang Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20100207170
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an image sensor includes an isolation layer disposed in a semiconductor substrate to define a first active region and a second active region extending from the first active region. A photodiode is disposed in a portion of the first active region. A floating diffusion region is provided in the second active region at a position spaced apart from the photodiode. A transfer gate electrode is disposed on the second active region between the photodiode and the floating diffusion region. The transfer gate electrode is disposed to cover both sidewalls and an upper portion of the second active region. The transfer gate electrode has a region extending onto the first active region and overlapping the photodiode. The photodiode has a protrusion into the second active region at the portion adjacent to the transfer gate electrode. A deep n-impurity region of the photodiode extends in the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kee-Hyun Paik, Jeong-Ho Lyu, Chang-Sub Lee, Keun-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7759706
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state imaging device having an array of unit pixels, each unit pixel including a photoelectric conversion element and an amplifier transistor for amplifying a signal corresponding to charge obtained by photoelectric conversion through the photoelectric conversion element and outputting the resultant signal. The amplifier transistor includes a buried channel MOS transistor. According to the present invention, 1/f noise can be basically reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuichiro Itonaga, Suzunori Endo, Ikuo Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 7741646
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel and a fabricating method thereof comprising an image sensing capability, image scanning, and touch inputting. In the liquid crystal display device, a gate line and a data line are formed to intersect each other on a substrate to define a pixel area in which a pixel electrode is positioned. A first thin film transistor is positioned at an intersection area of the gate line and the data line. A sensor thin film transistor senses light having image information and supplied with a first driving voltage from the data line. A driving voltage supply line is positioned in parallel to the gate line to supply a second driving voltage to the sensor thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee Kwang Kang, Kyo Seop Choo
  • Publication number: 20100117123
    Abstract: An active pixel using a transfer gate that has a polysilicon gate doped with indium. The pixel includes a photosensitive element formed in a semiconductor substrate and an n-type floating node formed in the semiconductor substrate. An n-channel transfer transistor having a transfer gate is formed between the floating node and the photosensitive element. The pixel substrate has a laterally doping gradient doped with an indium dopant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Rhodes, Hidetoshi Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7638371
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film transistor (“TFT”) array includes providing a substrate, a patterned first metal layer on the substrate including a plurality of first conductive lines and a plurality of second conductive lines disposed orthogonal to the first conductive lines, an insulating layer over the patterned first metal layer, a patterned silicon layer, a patterned passivation layer over the patterned silicon layer, and a patterned doped silicon layer and a patterned second metal layer over the patterned passivation layer, filling exposed portions of the patterned silicon layer and exposed portions of the first conductive lines and the second conductive lines, where the patterned second metal layer includes a plurality of third conductive lines and a plurality of fourth conductive lines, each of which corresponding respectively to one of the plurality of first conductive lines and the plurality of second conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Cheng Chen, Hung-Tse Chen
  • Patent number: 7586123
    Abstract: A thin film transistor array substrate and a fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The thin film transistor array substrate protects a thin film transistor without a protective film and accordingly reduces the manufacturing cost. In the thin film transistor array substrate, a gate electrode is connected to a gate line. A source electrode is connected to a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel area. A drain electrode is opposed to the source electrode with a channel therebetween. A semiconductor layer is in the channel. A pixel electrode in the pixel area contacts the drain electrode over substantially the entire overlapping area between the two. A channel protective film is provided on-the semiconductor layer corresponding to the channel to protect the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: LG. Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Seok Choi, Byung Yong Ahn, Ki Sul Cho, Hong Woo Yu
  • Patent number: 7554142
    Abstract: The invention provides an imager having a p-n-p photodiode with an ultrashallow junction depth. A p+ junction layer of the photodiode is doped with indium to decrease transient enhanced diffusion effects, minimize fixed pattern noise and fill factor loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Patent number: 7514729
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes an N-type semiconductor substrate, an N-type impurity region provided in the surficial portion of the N-type semiconductor substrate, a photo-electric conversion unit formed in the N-type impurity region, a charge accumulation unit formed in the N-type impurity region so as to contact with the photo-electric conversion unit, and temporarily accumulating charge generated in the photo-electric conversion unit, a charge hold region (barrier unit) formed in the N-type impurity region so as to contact with the charge accumulation unit, and allowing the charge accumulation unit to accumulate the charge, and a charge accumulating electrode provided to the charge accumulation unit. The charge accumulation unit and the charge hold region are formed to be N?-type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Kudou, Satoshi Uchiya, Junichi Yamamoto, Fumiaki Futamura
  • Patent number: 7414262
    Abstract: Electronic devices, such as those having a flexible substrate and printed material on the flexible substrate. In one embodiment, the printed material and substrate are part of an electronic device having at least three terminals, wherein the electronic device has a charge carrier mobility of at least 10 cm2/V-s. Multi-terminal devices can have a substrate including a doped semiconductor layer and at least two doped regions formed upon the substrate. The doped regions can be doped oppositely from the semiconductor layer and exhibit a charge carrier mobility of greater than 10 cm2/V-s. Methods for making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank E. Anderson, Robert W. Cornell, Yimin Guan
  • Patent number: 7405434
    Abstract: A nanofluidic channel fabricated in fused silica with an approximately 500 nm square cross section was used to isolate, detect and identify individual quantum dot conjugates. The channel enables the rapid detection of every fluorescent entity in solution. A laser of selected wavelength was used to excite multiple species of quantum dots and organic molecules, and the emission spectra were resolved without significant signal rejection. Quantum dots were then conjugated with organic molecules and detected to demonstrate efficient multicolor detection. PCH was used to analyze coincident detection and to characterize the degree of binding. The use of a small fluidic channel to detect quantum dots as fluorescent labels was shown to be an efficient technique for multiplexed single molecule studies. Detection of single molecule binding events has a variety of applications including high throughput immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Stavis, Joshua B. Edel, Kevan T. Samiee, Harold G. Craighead
  • Patent number: 7393723
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that forms laminate layers includes the steps of reducing contamination containing the single bond of carbon on at least one part of a surface on which the laminate films are formed by activated hydrogen before the laminate films are formed, and forming the laminate films on the surface on which the laminate films are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Mitsunori Sakama, Takeshi Fukada
  • Patent number: 7355268
    Abstract: An optical device having a high reflector tunable stress coating includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) platform, a mirror disposed on the MEMS platform, and a multiple layer coating disposed on the mirror. The multiple layer coating includes a layer of silver (Ag), a layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) deposited on the layer of Ag, a layer of intrinsic silicon (Si) deposited on the layer of SiO2, and a layer of silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) deposited on the layer of Si. The concentration of nitrogen is increased and/or decreased to tune the stress (e.g., tensile, none, compressive).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7259444
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an optoelectronic device is provided having a pin photo diode including a semi-insulating substrate or layer, with a patterned implant region of a first dopant type. The pin photo diode includes an upper layer having semiconductor material with a second dopant type. An intermediate layer is provided having a substantially intrinsic semiconductor material. An upper layer contact is provided having a portion with a generally circular interior facing edge. The implant region has a first portion having an outer periphery substantially nonoverlapping with the interior facing edge of the upper layer contact. The implant region includes a contact portion located beyond the upper layer contact. A connecting portion couples the first portion and the contact portion of the implant region. In one embodiment, the device includes a heterojunction bipolar transistor coupled to the pin photo diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Mary Y. Chen, Donald A. Hitko
  • Patent number: 7202511
    Abstract: Electromagnetic energy is detected with high efficiency in the spectral range having wavelengths of about 1–2 microns by coupling an absorber layer having high quantum efficiency in the spectral range having wavelengths of about 1–2 microns to an intrinsic semiconducting blocking region of an impurity band semiconducting device included in a solid state photon detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Maryn G. Stapelbroek, Henry H. Hogue, Arvind I. D'Souza
  • Patent number: 7145189
    Abstract: A pixel cell having a substrate, photo-conversion device, and at least one dielectric layer over the photo-conversion device. The at least one dielectric layer includes one or more rare earth elements for amplifying the number of photons capable of being converted to charge by the photo-conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chandra Mouli
  • Patent number: 7129531
    Abstract: A programmable resistance memory element comprising an adhesion layer between the programmable resistance material and at least one of the electrodes. Preferably, the adhesion layer is a titanium rich titanium nitride composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Fournier, Sergey A. Kostylev