Abstract: Back-illuminated, thin photodiode arrays with trench isolation. The trenches are formed on one or both sides of a substrate, and after doping the sides of the trenches, are filled to provide electrical isolation between adjacent photodiodes. Various embodiments of the photodiode arrays and methods of forming such arrays are disclosed.

Abstract: A backside illuminated (“BSI”) imaging sensor pixel includes a photodiode region and pixel circuitry. The photodiode region is disposed within a semiconductor die for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident upon a backside of the BSI imaging sensor pixel. The pixel circuitry includes transistor pixel circuitry disposed within the semiconductor die between a frontside of the semiconductor die and the photodiode region. At least a portion of the pixel circuitry overlaps the photodiode region.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device adopts the structure reflecting the finding that color separation by the photoelectric conversion, which utilizes the difference of the PN junction depth of a semiconductor region, has the strong tendency that separation of a B signal is easy but separation of a G signal and an R signal becomes imperfect. That is, to cope with the tendency of the imperfect color separation of a G signal and an R signal, PN junction surfaces (JNC_B, JNC_R) of two photodiodes (PDs) for R light and B light are superimposed in the depth direction, and PD to G light is arranged independently. Accordingly, the color separation property of each RGB light wavelength band can be improved, the occupying area can be reduced compared with the case where each PD of RGB light is dispersed in the plane direction, and simplification of the semiconductor layer structure can be realized.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor can include a readout circuitry on a first substrate; an interlayer dielectric layer including at least one metal and contact plug electrically connected to the readout circuitry; and an image sensing device formed on a second substrate, bonded to the interlayer dielectric layer, and provided with a first conductive type conduction layer and a second conductive type conduction layer. An uppermost contact plug in the interlayer dielectric layer has a wall structure extending from an uppermost metal in the interlayer dielectric layer. The top surface of the uppermost contact plug makes contact with the image sensing device and is connected to an image sensing device and an uppermost metal of an adjacent pixel.

Abstract: An imaging device and method for operating the device. The imaging device comprises a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. At least one pixel of the array comprises a photosensor and a first reset circuit responsive to a first reset control signal for resetting the photosensor. A first terminal of the first reset circuit is coupled to the photosensor and a second terminal of the first reset circuit is configured to receive a first resetting voltage from a control line.

Abstract: An embedded photodetector apparatus for a three-dimensional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) stacked chip assembly having a CMOS chip and one or more thinned CMOS layers is provided. At least one of the one or more thinned CMOS layers includes an active photodiode area defined within the one or more thinned CMOS layers, the active photodiode area being receptive of an optical signal incident thereon, and the active photodiode area comprising a bulk substrate portion of the thinned CMOS layer. The bulk substrate portion has a diode photodetector formed therein.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a photoelectric converter, a reflector, and a charge carrier guiding region. The reflector is disposed under the photoelectric converter, and the charge carrier guiding region is disposed between the photoelectric converter and the reflector. The reflector reflects incident light passed by the photoelectric converter back through the photoelectric converter for increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency and reduced crosstalk. The charge carrier guiding region dissipates undesired charge carriers for further increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A pixel cell with a photo-conversion device and at least one structure includes a deuterated material adjacent the photo-conversion device.

Abstract: A pixel cell with a photo-conversion device and at least one structure includes a deuterated material adjacent the photo-conversion device.

Abstract: A back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device is provided in which an electric field to collect a signal charge (an electron, a hole and the like, for example) is reliably generated to reduce a crosstalk. The back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device includes a structure 34 having a semiconductor film 33 on a semiconductor substrate 31 through an insulation film 32, in which a photoelectric conversion element PD that constitutes a pixel is formed in the semiconductor substrate 31, at least part of transistors 15, 16, and 19 that constitute the pixel is formed in the semiconductor film 33, and a rear surface electrode 51 to which a voltage is applied is formed on the rear surface side of the semiconductor substrate 31.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises a voltage applying electrode, a photo-conductor layer, and a charge collecting electrode, which are overlaid one upon another. A selective charge transporting layer is located between the voltage applying electrode and the photo-conductor layer, the selective charge transporting layer having characteristics such that the selective charge transporting layer blocks electric charges having a polarity identical with the polarity of the voltage applying electrode and transports electric charges having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the voltage applying electrode. The selective charge transporting layer takes on the form of a thick film at a position corresponding to an edge region of the voltage applying electrode.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating photoimagers, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imagers, include fabricating image sensing elements, transistors, and other low-elevation features on an active surface of a fabrication substrate, and fabricating contact plugs, conductive lines, external contacts, and other higher-elevation features on the back side of the fabrication substrate. Imagers with image sensing elements and transistors on the active surface and contact plugs that extend through the substrate are also disclosed, as are electronic devices including such imagers.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor device manufactured with a plurality of photodiodes so that it does not short circuit, and includes an opening without leakage. A second semiconductor layer (12, 16) of second conductivity type is formed on a main surface of a first semiconductor layer (10, 11) of the first conductivity type. Element-separating regions (13, 14, 15, 17) are formed at least on the second semiconductor layer to separate the device into the regions of photodiodes (PD1-PD4). A conductive layer (18) is formed on the second semiconductor layer 16 in a divided pattern that provides a segment for each photodiode and is connected to the second semiconductor layer (16) along the an outer periphery with respect to all photodiodes. An insulation layer (19, 21) is formed on the entire surface to cover conductive layer (18). An opening, which reaches the second semiconductor layer (16), is formed in the insulation layer (19, 21) in the region inside the pattern of conductive layer (18).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device, wherein improvement of charge transfer properties when charge is output from a charge storage region and suppression of dark current generation during charge storage are compatible with each other. This object is achieved by forming a depletion voltage of a charge storage region in the range from zero to one half of a power source voltage (V), forming a gate voltage of a transfer MOS transistor during a charge transfer period in the range from one half of the power source voltage to the power source voltage (V) and forming a gate voltage of the transfer MOS transistor during a charge storage period in the range from minus one half of the power source voltage to zero (V).

Abstract: Provided are an image sensor and a method of fabricating the same. The image sensor according to an embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate including a circuit region; a metal interconnection layer including a metal interconnection and an interlayer dielectric on the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of first pixel isolation layers on the interlayer dielectric, each of the first pixel isolation layers protruding above a top surface of the interlayer dielectric; and a light receiving portion between the first pixel isolation layers, the light receiving portion including protruding portions along sidewalls of the first pixel isolation layers.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a photodiode, a peripheral region including a logic circuit, and an isolation region formed between the pixel array and the peripheral region and formed under the peripheral region to electrically isolate the pixel array from the peripheral region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photodiode of an image sensor using a three-dimensional multi-layer substrate, and more particularly, to a method of implementing a buried type photodiode and a structure thereof, and a trench contact method for connecting a photodiode in a multi-layer substrate and a transistor for signal detection.

Abstract: A three-dimensional pixel array, a method of manufacturing a pixel array and an imager including the three-dimensional pixel array. The three-dimensional array includes multiple groups of pixels, each group of pixels including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes multiple photosensitive elements, one per pixel in the group, at least one floating diffusion region connected to each photosensitive element in the group via at least one respective transfer gate per pixel and multiple transfer gate lines, at least two transfer gate lines connected to each respective transfer gate in each row of pixels. The second layer includes at least a rest transistor per group and a source follower transistor coupled to the shared floating diffusion in the first layer.

Abstract: A composition for a photoresist stripper and a method of fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate are provided according to one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, the composition includes about 5-30 weight % of a chain amine compound, about 0.5-10 weight % of a cyclic amine compound, about 10-80 weight % of a glycol ether compound, about 5-30 weight % of distilled water, and about 0.1-5 weight % of a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels, each pixel including a photoelectric conversion unit, an amplifying transistor, and a reset transistor. The photoelectric conversion unit is arranged in a well of a first conductivity type on a semiconductor substrate. A source or drain region of the amplifying transistor or the reset transistor is arranged between the photoelectric conversion unit of a first pixel and the photoelectric conversion unit of a second pixel adjacent to the first pixel. In the first pixel, a first semiconductor region of an impurity concentration higher than that of the well of the first conductivity type is arranged between the source or drain region and the photoelectric conversion unit, and a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type is arranged under the first semiconductor region.

Abstract: System and method for providing a light shield for a CMOS imager is provided. The light shield comprises a structure formed above a point between a photo-sensitive element and adjacent circuitry. The structure is formed of a light-blocking material, such as a metal, metal alloy, metal compound, or the like, formed in dielectric layers over the photo-sensitive elements.

Abstract: An image sensor and fabricating method thereof for preventing cross-talk between neighboring pixels by providing at least three light-shield walls combining to extend vertically above a lateral periphery of a photodiode for deflecting light from a microlens array towards the photodiode.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device including a pixel region where a plurality of pixel cells 10r1, 10g1-10g3, 10b1-10b2 . . . have been formed. When focusing on a red pixel cell whose color filter has the longer transmission peak wavelength and a blue pixel cell whose color filter has the shorter transmission peak wavelength, the distribution of substrate contacts is denser in a region in the vicinity of a photodiode in the red pixel cell than a region in the vicinity of a photodiode in the blue pixel cell.

Abstract: A pinned photodiode with improved short wavelength light response. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, a gate oxide is formed over a doped, buried region in a semiconductor substrate. A conductor is formed on top of the gate oxide. The gate conductor is transparent, and in one embodiment is a layer of indium-tin oxide. The transparent conductor can be biased to reduce the need for a surface dopant in creating a pinned photodiode region. The biasing of the transparent conductor produces a hole-rich accumulation region near the surface of the substrate. The gate conductor material permits a greater amount of charges from short wavelength light to be captured in the photo-sensing region in the substrate, and thereby increases the quantum efficiency of the photosensor.

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.

Abstract: A Silicon photodetector contains an insulating substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. A Silicon layer is located on the top surface of the insulating substrate, where the Silicon layer contains a center region, the center region being larger in thickness than the rest of the Silicon layer. A top Silicon dioxide layer is located on a top surface of the center region. A left wing of the center region and a right wing of the center region are doped. The Silicon photodetector also has an active region located within the center region, where the active region contains a tailored crystal defect-impurity combination and Oxygen atoms.

Abstract: Provided is a CMOS image sensor with an asymmetric well structure of a source follower. The CMOS image sensor includes: a well disposed in an active region of a substrate; a drive transistor having one terminal connected to a power voltage and a first gate electrode disposed to cross the well; and a select transistor having a drain-source junction between another terminal of the drive transistor and an output node, and a second gate electrode disposed in parallel to the drive transistor. A drain region of the drive transistor and a source region of the select transistor are asymmetrically arranged.

Abstract: A photo detector device comprising a first layer comprising a first material, and a second layer arranged adjacent to the first layer, the second layer comprising strained silicon, wherein the second layer further comprises a light absorption region located substantially within the strained silicon, wherein the first or the second layer is arranged on a substrate.

Abstract: An image sensor with an image area having a plurality of photodetectors of a first conductivity type includes a substrate of the second conductivity type; a first layer of the first conductivity type spanning the image area; a second layer of the second conductivity type; wherein the first layer is between the substrate and the second layer, and the plurality of photodetectors is disposed in the second layer and abut the first layer.

Abstract: An image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In the image sensor, a semiconductor substrate has a pixel region and a peripheral region defined by a first device isolation layer. First and second photodiode patterns are formed on the pixel region and are connected to lower metal lines to first and second readout circuitries. The first photodiode pattern performs as an active photodiode and the second photodiode pattern functions as a dummy pixel. The dummy pixel can measure leakage current.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including circuitry, an interlayer dielectric including metal lines arranged on the semiconductor substrate, crystalline photodiode patterns arranged on the interlayer dielectric such that the photodiode patterns are connected to the metal lines, hard mask patterns arranged on the respective photodiode patterns, a device-isolation trench interposed between the adjacent photodiode patterns, to isolate the photodiode patterns from each other, a barrier film implanted with impurity ions, arranged into the inner wall of the device-isolation trench, and a device-isolation insulating layer arranged over the interlayer dielectric including the photodiode pattern and the device-isolation trench.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The CMOS image sensor enlarges an area of a real image and prevents interference between adjacent pixels by forming a plurality of microlenses on a convex surface and forming a light blocking layer in the space between each of color filters. The CMOS image sensor can include photodiodes, a first planarization layer, R, G, B color filter layers, a second planarization layer having holes filled with a light blocking layer, and a plurality of microlenses.

Abstract: In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, a resetting transistor is formed. In a pixel part, in a first active region, a photodiode and a transferring transistor are formed. In a second active region, an amplifying transistor is formed. The first and second active regions are respectively the same in shape in image pixel parts. The resetting transistor and the amplifying transistor are shared by the pixel parts.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to and image sensor. In embodiments, the image sensor may include a semiconductor substrate, a photodiode region, a gate electrode, a dummy gate, and an interlayer dielectric layer. The semiconductor substrate includes a field oxide layer. The photodiode region may be formed on the semiconductor substrate. The gate electrode may be formed on the semiconductor substrate. The dummy gate may be formed on the field oxide layer. The interlayer dielectric layer may be formed on one side of the dummy gate and includes an opening exposing the photodiode region.

Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device including unit pixels, wherein the unit pixels include two kinds of unit pixels including a first unit pixel and a second unit pixel that are formed on a common well on a semiconductor substrate. The first unit pixel includes: at least one photoelectric conversion region which converts light into a signal charge; the first semiconductor region that is formed on the common well and has a conductivity type identical to that of the common well; and the first contact electrically connected to the first semiconductor region. The second unit pixel includes: at least one photoelectric conversion region; the second semiconductor region that is formed on the common well and has a conductivity type opposite to that of the common well; and the second contact electrically connected to the second semiconductor region.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and to a method for manufacturing the same, that improves the low-light level characteristics of the CMOS image sensor. The CMOS image sensor has a photosensor unit and a signal processing unit, and may include a semiconductor substrate having a device isolating implant area provided with a first ion implant area and a complementary second ion implant area within the first ion implant area; a device isolating layer in the signal processing unit; a photodiode in the photosensor unit; and transistors in the signal processing unit. A crystal defect zone neighboring the photodiode may be minimized using the device isolating implant area between adjacent photodiodes so that a source of dark current can be reduced and the occurrence of interface traps can be prevented, making it possible to improve the low-light level characteristics of the image sensor.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a plurality of light-receiving sections which are disposed in a substrate and which generate charge in response to incident light, a planarizing layer which covers predetermined elements disposed on the substrate to perform planarization, a plurality of signal lines disposed above the planarizing layer and a waveguide which guides incident light to each of the light-receiving sections, the waveguide passing through the space between the plurality of signal lines.

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.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor in a p-type semiconductor body includes an n-type common node formed below a pinning region. A plurality of n-type blue detectors more lightly doped than the common node are disposed below pinning regions and are spaced apart from the common node forming channels below blue color-select gates. A buried green photocollector is coupled to the surface through a first deep contact spaced apart from the common node forming a channel below a green color-select gate. A red photocollector buried deeper than the green photocollector is coupled to the surface through a second deep contact spaced apart from the common node forming a channel below a red color-select gate. A reset-transistor has a source disposed over and in contact with the common node. A source-follower transistor has gate coupled to the common node, a drain coupled to a power-supply node, and a source forming a pixel-sensor output.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with a structure such that an electrode for reading a signal charge is provided on one side of a light-receiving sensor portion constituting a pixel; a predetermined voltage signal V is applied to a light-shielding film formed to cover an image pickup area except the light-receiving sensor portion; a second-conductivity-type semiconductor area is formed in the center on the surface of a first-conductivity-type semiconductor area constituting a photo-electric conversion area of the light-receiving sensor portion; and areas containing a lower impurity concentration than that of the second-conductivity-type semiconductor area is formed on the surface of the first-conductivity-type semiconductor area at the end on the side of the electrode and at the opposite end on the side of a pixel-separation area.

Abstract: An infrared sensor IC and an infrared sensor, which are extremely small and are not easily affected by electromagnetic noise and thermal fluctuation, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A compound semiconductor that has a small device resistance and a large electron mobility is used for a sensor (2), and then, the compound semiconductor sensor (2) and an integrated circuit (3), which processes an electrical signal output by the compound semiconductor sensor (2) and performs an operation, are arranged in a single package using hybrid formation. In this manner, an infrared sensor IC that can be operated at room temperature can be provided by a microminiature and simple package that is not conventionally produced.

Abstract: A dual-pixel full color CMOS imager comprises a two-photodiode stack including an n doped substrate, a bottom photodiode, and a top photodiode. The bottom photodiode has a bottom p doped layer at a first depth overlying the substrate and a bottom n doped layer cathode overlying the bottom p doped layer. The top photodiode has a top p doped layer overlying the bottom n doped layer and a top n doped layer cathode overlying the top p doped layer. A single photodiode including a bottom p doped layer overlies the substrate at a third depth. The third depth is less than, or equal to the first depth. A bottom n doped layer overlies the bottom p doped layer, a top p doped layer directly overlies the bottom n doped layer without an intervening layer, and a top n doped layer overlies the top p doped layer.

Abstract: A device is provided having a first electrode, a second electrode, a first photoactive region having a characteristic absorption wavelength ?1 and a second photoactive region having a characteristic absorption wavelength ?2. The photoactive regions are disposed between the first and second electrodes, and further positioned on the same side of a reflective layer, such that the first photoactive region is closer to the reflective layer than the second photoactive region. The materials comprising the photoactive regions may be selected such that ?1 is at least about 10% different from ?2. The device may further comprise an exciton blocking layer disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with the organic acceptor material of each photoactive region, wherein the LUMO of each exciton blocking layer other than that closest to the cathode is not more than about 0.3 eV greater than the LUMO of the acceptor material.

Abstract: Provided is a CMOS image sensor that uses thiophene derivatives. The CMOS image sensor includes first through third photoelectric conversion units vertically and sequentially stacked on a semiconductor substrate. The first photoelectric conversion unit detects blue light and comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and a p-type thiophene derivative layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A pixel space is narrowed without increasing PN junction capacitance. A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of pixels arranged therein, each including a first impurity region of a first conductivity type forming a photoelectric conversion region, a second impurity region of a second conductivity type forming a signal acquisition region arranged in the first impurity region, a third impurity region of the first conductivity type and a fourth impurity region of the first conductivity type are arranged in a periphery of each pixel for isolating the each pixel, the fourth impurity region is disposed between adjacent pixels, and an impurity concentration of the fourth impurity region is smaller than an impurity concentration of the third impurity region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing cross-talk between pixels in a semiconductor based image sensor. The apparatus includes neighboring pixels separated by a homojunction barrier to reduce cross-talk, or the diffusion of electrons from one pixel to another. The homojunction barrier being deep enough in relation to the other pixel structures to ensure that cross-pixel electron diffusion is minimized.

Abstract: A CMOS active pixel sensor includes a silicon-on-insulator substrate having a silicon substrate with an insulator layer formed thereon and a top silicon layer formed on the insulator layer. A stacked pixel sensor cell includes a bottom photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a longest wavelength; a middle photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a medium wavelength, which is stacked above the bottom photodiode; and a top photodiode fabricated on the top silicon layer, for sensing light of a shorter wavelength, which is stacked above the middle and bottom photodiodes. Pixel transistor sets are fabricated on the top silicon layer and are associated with each pixel sensor cell by electrical connections which extend between each of the photodiodes and respective pixel transistor(s). CMOS control circuitry is fabricated adjacent to an array of active pixel sensor cells and electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: A back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device is provided in which an electric field to collect a signal charge (an electron, a hole and the like, for example) is reliably generated to reduce a crosstalk. The back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device includes a structure 34 having a semiconductor film 33 on a semiconductor substrate 31 through an insulation film 32, in which a photoelectric conversion element PD that constitutes a pixel is formed in the semiconductor substrate 31, at least part of transistors 15, 16, and 19 that constitute the pixel is formed in the semiconductor film 33, and a rear surface electrode 51 to which a voltage is applied is formed on the rear surface side of the semiconductor substrate 31.

Abstract: To fabricate an active matrix type display device integrated with an image sensor at a low cost and without complicating process, an image sensor laminated with TFT and a light receiving unit is formed on a light receiving matrix, a display matrix is arranged with TFT and pixel electrodes on a matrix and formed with an electrode layer functioning as a black matrix, a lower electrode of the light receiving unit is formed by a starting film the same as that of the black matrix, a terminal for fixing potential of an upper electrode is formed by starting films the same as those of a signal line, the electrode layer or pixel electrodes and the terminals function also as shield electrodes for a side face of the light receiving unit since potential thereof is fixed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprises a liquid crystal panel including first and second substrates bonded to each other with a liquid crystal layer positioned therebetween, and the photosensor, formed on the second substrate, for sensing an external light from the surroundings, wherein the photosensor includes a semiconductor layer formed on the second substrate and provided with n+-type ion implantation region, ion non-implantation region and lightly doped region; an insulation film, formed on the second substrate, for covering the semiconductor layer; a passivation film, formed on the second substrate, for covering the insulation film; a first contact hole passing through the insulation film and the passivation film, to expose source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer; source and drain electrodes connected with the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer through the first contact hole; an ion implanting prevention film formed on the insulation film and overlapped with the ion non-i