With Shield, Filter, Or Lens Patents (Class 257/294)
  • Patent number: 8049257
    Abstract: Provided are a CMOS image sensor in which microlenses are formed in a remaining space in a patterned light shielding layer to improve image sensor characteristics and to protect the microlenses during packaging. The CMOS image sensor may include: a semiconductor substrate; at least one photodiode on or in the semiconductor substrate; a first insulating layer on the substrate including the photodiode(s); a plurality of metal lines on and/or in the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer on the first insulating layer including at least some of the metal lines; a patterned light shielding layer on the second insulating layer; and microlenses in a remaining space on the second insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Gi Lee
  • Patent number: 8035144
    Abstract: The invention relates to image sensors produced on a thinned silicon substrate. To limit the optical crosstalk between adjacent filters and, notably filters of different colors, the invention proposes positioning, between the adjacent filters of different colors (FR, FB, FV), a wall (20) of a material tending to reflect the light so that the light arriving obliquely on a determined filter corresponding to a first pixel does not tend to pass toward an adjacent filter or toward a photosensitive zone corresponding to an adjacent pixel but is returned by the wall to the first filter or the photosensitive zone corresponding to the first pixel. The wall is preferably made of a material with a high reflection coefficient such as aluminium and it is sunk depthwise into the thinned semiconductor layer (16), preferably in p+ diffusions formed in the layer if it is of p-type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: E2V Semiconductors
    Inventor: Pierre Fereyre
  • Patent number: 8035710
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device including a color filter having a filter characteristic more approaching to a human visual sensitivity is provided. The color filter including a group of dielectric layers has high-refractive-index-material films and low-refractive-index-material films, the high-refractive-index-material film and the low-refractive-index-material film being n films and (n?1) films, respectively, which are laminated alternately, n being an integer equal to or larger than 4. The color filter includes at least a red-transmission filter, a green-transmission filter, and a blue-transmission filter. The group of dielectric layers is common in the color filter and includes two of the high-refractive-index-material films and one of the low-refractive-index-material films positioned between and in contact with the two of high-refractive-index-material films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Shinzo Koyama
  • Patent number: 8035143
    Abstract: Disclosed are an image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate formed on a first surface thereof with a readout circuitry and a photodiode area; a metal interconnection layer formed on the first surface; a connection via metal extending from the first surface to a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, the connection via metal having a projection part projecting from the second surface; an insulating layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate to expose the projection part while surrounding a portion of a lateral side of the projection part; and a metal pad formed on the insulating layer such that the metal pad covers the projection part, thereby shortening an optical path to reduce light loss and improve image sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoon Jang
  • Patent number: 8035180
    Abstract: Provided is an image sensor and method for manufacturing the same. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate including a photodiode for each unit pixel, an interlayer insulating layer including metal lines on the semiconductor substrate, and an optical refractive part in a region of the interlayer insulating layer corresponding to the photodiode for focusing light on the photodiode. The optical refractive part can be formed by implanting impurities into the interlayer insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Ryong Park
  • Patent number: 8030692
    Abstract: A solid state image sensing device in which many pixels are disposed in a matrix on a two-dimensional plane comprises a plurality of light receiving devices disposed in such a way that a center interval may periodically change in a column direction and/or a row direction, and a plurality of micro-lenses, for collecting an incident light of each light receiving device, wherein a center interval periodically changes in accordance with the periodic change of the center interval of the light receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Tadao Inoue, Hiroshi Daiku
  • Patent number: 8030720
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 8030693
    Abstract: There is provide a divided exposure technology capable of restraining deterioration in the performance of a solid-state image sensor. A photoresist is formed over a semiconductor substrate and subjected to divided exposure. A dividing line for divided exposure is located at least over a region of a semiconductor substrate in which an active region in which a pixel is to be formed is defined. The photoresist is then developed and patterned. By utilizing the patterned photoresist, an element isolation structure for defining the active region in the semiconductor substrate is formed in the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kimura, Hiroki Honda
  • Patent number: 8031232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, a method for capturing an image, and a method for designing the image pickup apparatus capable of realizing a fixed focal length image pickup apparatus of high resolution and fine resolution at a low cost by disposing a plurality of image pickup elements therein. An image pickup device 31 is of a focal coincidence type having a plurality of image pickup elements, such as CCD sensors 62-1 to 62-3, arranged in an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Yasushi Tatehira, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8026541
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is provided. The LCD panel includes an active device array substrate, an opposite substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The active device array substrate includes a plurality of pixel units, and each of the pixel units has a reflective area and a transmissive area. The opposite substrate is disposed above the active device array substrate and has a plurality of first alignment protrusions corresponding to the reflective area and a plurality of second alignment protrusions corresponding to the transmissive area. The first and the second alignment protrusions are positioned between the opposite substrate and the active device array substrate. Additionally, a height of the first alignment protrusions is greater than a height of the second alignment protrusions. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the opposite substrate and the active device array substrate. The LCD panel has a high aperture ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Chyuan Fan Jiang, Ching-Huan Lin, Chih-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 8022453
    Abstract: An image sensor including a first region where a pad is to be formed, and a second region where a light-receiving element is to be formed. A pad is formed over a substrate of the first region. A passivation layer is formed over the substrate of the first and second regions to expose a portion of the pad. A color filter is formed over the passivation layer of the second region. A microlens is formed over the color filter. A bump is formed over the pad. A protective layer is formed between the bump and the pad to expose the portion of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Crosstek Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Sang Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 8022452
    Abstract: A source/drain region of a transistor or amplifier is formed in a substrate layer and is connected to a voltage source. A glow blocking structure is formed at least partially around the source/drain region and is disposed between the source/drain region and an imaging array of an image sensor. A trench is formed in the substrate layer adjacent to and at least partially around the source/drain region. The glow blocking structure includes an opaque material formed in the trench and one or more layers of light absorbing material overlying the source/drain region and the opaque material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Omnivision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shen Wang, Robert P. Fabinski, Robert Kaser
  • Patent number: 8022493
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of an image sensor. The image sensor can comprise a first substrate including a transistor circuit, a lower interconnection layer, an upper interconnection layer, and a second substrate including a vertical stacked photodiode. The lower interconnection layer is disposed on the first substrate and comprises a lower interconnection connected to the transistor circuit. The upper interconnection layer is disposed on the lower interconnection layer and comprises an upper interconnection connected with the lower interconnection. The vertical stacked photodiode can be disposed on the upper interconnection layer and connected with the upper interconnection through, for example, a single plug connecting a blue, green, and red photodiode of the vertical stack or a corresponding plug for each of the blue, green, and red photodiode of the vertical stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun Kyung Bang
  • Patent number: 8022492
    Abstract: A semiconductor device for performing photoelectric conversion has a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and a well region of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type and formed in a predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate. A pair of trenches are formed directly adjacent to respective opposite sides of the well region and have widths greater than those of respective depletion layers generated on the respective opposite sides so as to remove junction interfaces on the respective opposite sides. A depth of each trench from a surface of the semiconductor substrate is greater than that of a depletion layer generated on a bottom side of the well region. An insulating layer is buried in each of the trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Iwasaki, Hiroaki Takasu
  • Patent number: 8018013
    Abstract: A pixel structure including a scan line, a data line, an active device, a shielding electrode, and a pixel electrode is provided on a substrate. The data line includes an upper conductive wire and a bottom conductive wire. The upper conductive wire is disposed over and across the scan line. The bottom conductive wire is electrically connected to the upper conductive wire. The active device is electrically connected to the scan line and the upper conductive wire. The shielding electrode is disposed over the bottom conductive wire. The pixel electrode disposed over the shielding electrode is electrically connected to the active device. In addition, parts of the pixel electrode and parts of the shielding electrode form a storage capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hsiang-Lin Lin, Ching-Yu Tsai, Yi-Sheng Cheng, Kuo-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 8017984
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kitano, Hideshi Abe, Jun Kuroiwa, Kiyoshi Hirata, Hiroaki Ohki, Nobuhiro Karasawa, Ritsuo Takizawa, Mitsuru Yamashita, Mitsuru Sato, Katsunori Kokubun
  • Patent number: 8017982
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Steve Oliver
  • Patent number: 8014060
    Abstract: In a substrate for a display apparatus, the substrate includes a base substrate and a shielding layer formed on a surface of the base substrate. The shielding layer has an energy bandgap corresponding to a reference wavelength of external light. Thus, the shielding layer blocks light having wavelength equal to or less than the reference wavelength, so that a wavelength band of light may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok-Joon Hong, Min-Ho Yoon, Nam-Seok Roh, Woo-Jae Lee, Jong-Seong Kim
  • Patent number: 8013411
    Abstract: Methods and structures to reduce optical crosstalk in solid state imager arrays. Sections of pixel material layers that previously would have been etched away and disposed of as waste during fabrication are left as conserved sections. These conserved sections are used to amend the properties and performance of the imager array. In the resulting structure, the conserved sections absorb incident light. The patterned portions of conserved material provide additional light shielding for array pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan G. Cole
  • Patent number: 8004028
    Abstract: A solid state imaging device including photoelectric conversion devices which are arranged two-dimensionally; a color filter including a plurality of picture elements, each disposed corresponding to each of the photoelectric conversion devices; and a plurality of transfer lenses each disposed corresponding to each of the picture elements, formed of a thermoset acrylic resin, and formed directly on each of the picture elements, wherein a gap between neighboring transfer lenses is not more than 0.035 ?m, and a contact length between neighboring transfer lenses is within the range of 3-80% of the pitch of the plurality of transfer lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenzo Fukuyoshi, Tadashi Ishimatsu, Keisuke Ogata, Mitsuhiro Nakao, Akiko Uchibori
  • Patent number: 8004027
    Abstract: Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor comprises an interlayer dielectric, lines, and a crystalline semiconductor layer including photodiodes and a device isolation region. The interlayer dielectric can be formed on a first substrate comprising a readout circuitry. The lines pass through the interlayer dielectric to connect with the readout circuitry, and each line is formed according to unit pixel. The crystalline semiconductor layer can be bonded on the interlayer dielectric including the lines. The photodiodes, formed inside the crystalline semiconductor layer, are electrically connected with the lines. The device isolation region comprises conductive impurities and is formed inside the crystalline semiconductor layer so that the photodiodes can be separated according to unit pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon Hwang
  • Patent number: 8003429
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an image sensor includes forming a photoelectric transformation device on a substrate and forming a dielectric layer structure on the substrate. The dielectric layer structure includes multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers and multi-layer metal interconnections which are located between the multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers. A cavity which penetrates the multi-layer interlayer dielectric layers on the photoelectric transformation device is formed. A heat treatment is performed on the substrate on which the cavity is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Ho Lee, Sang-Il Jung, Young-Hoon Park, Jun-Seok Yang, An-Chul Shin, Min-Young Jung
  • Patent number: 7999291
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid state imaging device having a photo-electric conversion portion array and a transfer electrode array, these arrays being provided in parallel to each other, upper surfaces and side wall surfaces of the transfer electrode array being covered with a light-shielding layer, and a transparent layer showing an oxidizing property at the time of film formation, the transparent layer being formed on the photo-electric conversion parts and the light-shielding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Takeda, Tadayuki Dofuku, Kenji Takeo
  • Patent number: 7999292
    Abstract: An image sensor can be formed of a first substrate having a readout circuitry, an interlayer dielectric, and lower lines, and a second substrate having a photodiode. The first substrate comprises a pixel portion and a peripheral portion. The readout circuitry is formed on the pixel portion. The interlayer dielectric is formed on the pixel portion and the peripheral portion. The lower lines pass through the interlayer dielectric to electrically connect with the readout circuitry and the peripheral portion. The photodiode is bonded to the first substrate and etched to correspond to the pixel portion. A transparent electrode is formed on the interlayer dielectric on which the photodiode is formed such that the transparent electrode can be connected with the photodiode and the lower line in the peripheral portion. A first passivation layer can be formed on the transparent electrode. In one embodiment, the first passivation layer includes a trench exposing a portion of the transparent electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joon Hwang
  • Patent number: 7994554
    Abstract: Disclosed are a CMOS image sensor and a manufacturing method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Hun Han
  • Patent number: 7994553
    Abstract: A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based planar type avalanche photo diode (APD) using a silicon epitaxial layer and a method of manufacturing the APD, the photo diode including: a substrate; a well layer of a first conductivity type formed in the substrate; an avalanche embedded junction formed in the well layer of the first conductivity type by low energy ion implantation; the silicon epitaxial layer formed in the avalanche embedded junction; a doping area of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductive type, formed from a portion of a surface of the well layer of the first conductivity type in the avalanche embedded junction and forming a p-n junction; positive and negative electrodes formed on the doping area of the second conductivity type and the well layer of the first conductivity type separated from the doping area of the second conductivity type, respectively; and an oxide layer formed on an overall surface excluding a window where the positive and negative electrodes ar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yong Sun Yoon, Kun Sik Park, Jong Moon Park, Bo Woo Kim, Jin Yeong Kang
  • Patent number: 7994552
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yuzurihara, Seiichi Tamura, Ryuichi Mishima
  • Patent number: 7989861
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate, an anti-reflection board and a light shielding film. The substrate includes first pixels to receive a light, and second pixels to provide a black level compensation. The first pixels are formed in an active region and the second pixels are formed in a first region spaced apart from the active region in a row direction. The anti-reflection board is formed in a second region above the substrate, and the second region is between the active region and the first region. The light shielding film is formed above the anti-reflection board, and the light shielding film covers an optical black region including the first and second regions. Therefore, the image sensor may be used in a CCD type image sensor and a CMOS type image sensor to provide a stabilized black level, thereby improving a quality of a displayed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Tae Kim, Sang-Il Jung, Yun-Ho Jang, Kyung-Ho Lee, Sae-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7989237
    Abstract: Silicon substrates are applied to the package structure of solid-state lighting devices. Wet etching is performed to both top and bottom surfaces of the silicon substrate to form reflecting cavity and electrode access holes. Materials of the reflecting layer and electrode can be different from each other whose preferred materials can be chosen in accordance with a correspondent function. Formation of the electrode can be patterned by an etching method or a lift-off method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Advances Optoelectronic Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wen Liang Tseng, Lung Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 7989896
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: laying out a first region, a second region, a third region and a fourth region on a semiconductor substrate by forming an element isolation region in the semiconductor substrate; forming a first insulating film on the first region and the second region; forming a first semiconductor film on the first insulating film; forming a second insulating film and an aluminum oxide film thereon on the fourth region after forming of the first semiconductor film; forming a third insulating film and a lanthanum oxide film thereon on the third region after forming of the first semiconductor film; forming a high dielectric constant film on the aluminum oxide film and the lanthanum oxide film; forming a metal film on the high dielectric constant film; forming a second semiconductor film on the first semiconductor film and the metal film; and patterning the first insulating film, the first semiconductor film, the second insulating film, the al
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomonori Aoyama, Seiji Inumiya, Kazuaki Nakajima, Takashi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7989860
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a circuitry, a substrate, an electrical junction region, a high concentration first conduction type region, and a photodiode. The circuitry includes a transistor and is formed on and/or over the substrate. The electrical junction region is formed in one side of the transistor. The high concentration first conduction type region is formed on and/or over the electrical junction region. The photodiode is formed over the circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Young Park
  • Patent number: 7990444
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solid-state imaging device which includes a group of elements, the group including at least color photoelectric conversion elements configured to convert light signals in first, second, and third wavelength ranges to electric signals, respectively, a white photoelectric conversion element configured to convert light signals in the wavelength range including the entire visible light range and a portion of the infrared light range to electric signals, and a light-shielded diode element configured to be shielded from light. A unit is formed by including the white photoelectric conversion element and the light-shielded diode element for one color photoelectric conversion element, and within the unit, the white photoelectric conversion element is electrically connected with the light-shielded diode element by way of an overflow path. A camera provided with the solid-state imaging device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Kudoh
  • Publication number: 20110176023
    Abstract: Unit picture elements including photon-refracting microlenses. A unit picture element may include a photodiode, a metal layer, and a photo-refracting microlens. The photon-refracting microlens may be disposed between the photodiode and the metal layer. The photon-refracting microlens may refract photons reflected by the metal layer to a center portion of the photo diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Tae-sub Jung, Bum-suk Kim, Jung-chak Ahn, Kyung-ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20110163364
    Abstract: Image sensor, fabricating method thereof, and device comprising the image sensor are provided, which comprises a substrate in which a photoelectric transformation device is formed, an interconnection structure formed on the substrate and including multiple intermetal dielectric layers and multiple metal interconnections placed in the multiple intermetal dielectric layers, the interconnection structure defining a cavity aligned corresponding to the photoelectric transformation device, a moisture absorption barrier layer conformally formed on a top of the interconnection structure and in the cavity; and a light guide unit formed on the moisture absorption barrier layer and including light transmittance material filling the cavity, wherein the moisture absorption barrier layer is formed with a uniform thickness on both sides and a bottom of the cavity and on a top surface of the multiple intermetal dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-Ki Kim, Ho-Kyu Kang, June-Taeg Lee, Jae-Hee Choi
  • Patent number: 7973347
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) image sensor. The method includes the steps of: forming a device protective layer and a metal interconnection on a substrate formed with a light receiving device; forming an inner micro-lens on the metal interconnection; coating an interlayer dielectric layer on the inner micro-lens and then forming a color filter; and forming an outer micro-lens including a planarization layer and photoresist on the color filter. The inner micro-lens is formed by depositing the outer layer on dome-shaped photoresist. The curvature radius of the inner micro-lens is precisely and uniformly maintained and the inner micro-lens is easily formed while improving the light efficiency. Since the fabrication process for the CMOS image sensor is simplified, the product yield is improved and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Sik Im
  • Publication number: 20110156114
    Abstract: An image sensor according to example embodiments may include a plurality of light-sensitive transparent oxide semiconductor layers as light-sensing layers. The light-sensing layers may be stacked in one unit pixel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-ho Park, I-hun Song, Ji-hyun Hur, Sang-hun Jeon
  • Patent number: 7968923
    Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a photo-sensor region, a microlens, a first color filter layer, and a second color filter layer. The photo-sensor region is disposed within a semiconductor die. The microlens is disposed on the semiconductor die in optical alignment with the photo-sensor region. The first color filter layer is disposed between the photo-sensor region and the microlens. The second color filter layer is disposed on an opposite side of the microlens as the first color filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyadev Nagaraja, Vincent Venezia
  • Patent number: 7965444
    Abstract: An optical filter structure for an imager which has customized sub-wavelength elements used to maintain the filter characteristics accordingly across a photo-conversion device to optimize the structure for the angle of incidence as it changes across the imager photo-conversion device. In particular, the layout (e.g., grating period among other parameters) of the sub-wavelength elements used in the structure design are customized to change with the angle of incidence of the optics used to project the image. The sub-wavelength elements are typically built by high resolution lithographic processes such as optical or imprint lithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Ulrich C. Boettiger
  • Patent number: 7960769
    Abstract: In a CMOS image sensor, an N-type semiconductor layer is formed on a P-type semiconductor substrate. P-type semiconductor regions are formed in one part of the semiconductor layer over the entire length of the thickness direction of the semiconductor layer in a lattice-like shape as viewed from above to compartment the semiconductor layer into a plurality of regions. Furthermore, a red filter, a green filter and a blue filter are provided in a red picture element, a green picture element and a blue picture element, respectively. Moreover, an N-type buried semiconductor layer being in contact with the semiconductor layer is formed in an immediately lower region of the red filter in an upper layer part of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Gaku Sudo
  • Patent number: 7960807
    Abstract: A CMOS light detector configured to detect specific wavelengths of light includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor includes CMOS photocells that are covered by a colored filter layer of a first color that has a first transmittance that allows both light of the specific wavelengths and light of other wavelengths to pass. The second sensor including further CMOS photocells, at least some of which are covered by both a colored filter layer of the first color and a colored filter layer of a second color, stacked one above the other in either order, where the colored filter layer of the second color has a second transmittance that allows light of the other wavelengths to pass. The first sensor produces a first photocurrent, and the second sensor produces a second photocurrent, when light including both the specific and other wavelengths is incident upon the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Xijian Lin, Phillip J. Benzel, Bjoy Santos, Joy Jones
  • Patent number: 7960766
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to light sensors, that primarily respond to visible light while suppressing infrared light. Such sensors are especially useful as ambient light sensors because such sensors can be used to provide a spectral response similar to that of a human eye. Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to methods of providing such light sensors, and methods for using such light sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Dong Zheng, Joy Jones, Xijian Lin, Gregory Cestra
  • Patent number: 7956394
    Abstract: A separation type unit pixel having a 3D structure for an image sensor, composed of a plurality of transistors, includes: a first wafer which includes a photodiode, a transfer transistor, a node of a floating diffusion area functioning as static electricity for converting electric charge into a voltage, and a pad connecting the floating diffusion area and the transfer transistor to an external circuit, respectively; a second wafer which includes the rest of the circuit elements constituting a pixel (i.e., a reset transistor, a source-follower transistor, and a blocking switch transistor), a read-out circuit, a vertical/horizontal decoder, a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit which involves in a sensor operation and an image quality, an analog circuit, an analog-digital converter (ADC), a digital circuit, and a pad connecting each pixel; and a connecting means which connects the pad of the first wafer and the pad of the second wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Do Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7952158
    Abstract: An elevated photosensor for image sensors and methods of forming the photosensor. The photosensor may have light sensors having indentation features including, but not limited to, v-shaped, u-shaped, or other shaped features. Light sensors having such an indentation feature can redirect incident light that is not absorbed by one portion of the photosensor to another portion of the photosensor for additional absorption. In addition, the elevated photosensors reduce the size of the pixel cells while reducing leakage, image lag, and barrier problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Salman Akram
  • Patent number: 7948018
    Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer, and a light collection region. The substrate is doped to have a first conductivity type. The epitaxial layer is disposed over the substrate and doped to have a second conductivity type opposite of the first conductivity type. The light collection region is disposed within the epitaxial layer for collecting photo-generated charge carriers. The light collection region is doped to have the first conductivity type as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Venezia, Hidetoshi Nozaki, Duli Mao, Yin Qian, Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7935988
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid state imaging device having a photo-electric conversion portion array and a transfer electrode array, these arrays being provided in parallel to each other, upper surfaces and side wall surfaces of the transfer electrode array being covered with a light-shielding layer, and a transparent layer showing an oxidizing property at the time of film formation, the transparent layer being formed on the photo-electric conversion parts and the light-shielding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Takeda, Tadayuki Dofuku, Kenji Takeo
  • Patent number: 7932533
    Abstract: A pixel structure driven by a scan line and a data line arranged on a substrate is provided. The pixel structure includes a control unit, an OEL unit and a semi-transparent reflector structure. The control unit driven by the scan line and the data line is arranged on the substrate. The OEL unit is arranged on the substrate and includes a transparent electrode, a light-emitting layer and a metal electrode. The transparent electrode is electrically connected with the control unit. The light-emitting layer is disposed on the transparent electrode. The metal electrode is disposed on the light-emitting layer. The semi-transparent reflector structure is sandwiched between the substrate and the OEL unit, and includes at least a plurality of first and second dielectric layers. The first and second dielectric layers are alternately stacked, and the refractive index of the first dielectric layers is different from that of the second dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, LTD.
    Inventors: Liang-Yuan Wang, Chih-Kwang Tzen, Pei-Lin Huang, Yi-Lung Kao, Ya-Ping Tsai, Shuenn-Jiun Tang
  • Patent number: 7932122
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid state image pickup device including photoelectric conversion elements which are two-dimensionally arranged in a semiconductor substrate, and a color filter having a plurality of color filter patterns differing in color from each other and disposed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate according to the photoelectric conversion elements. The method includes successively subjecting a plurality of filter layers differing in color from each other to a patterning process to form the plurality of color filter patterns. At least one color filter pattern to be formed at first among the plurality of color filter patterns is formed by dry etching, and the rest of the plurality of the color filter pattern is formed by photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Ogata, Kenzo Fukuyoshi, Tadashi Ishimatsu, Mitsuhiro Nakao, Satoshi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7928528
    Abstract: The invention provides an LCD panel with main slits corresponding to alignment protrusions. The gate lines are shielded by the electrode portion and do not overlap the main slits. Because the gate line and the major slits do not overlap, the liquid crystal molecule arrangement of the liquid crystal layer is not affected by the operating voltage of the gate line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Au Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Chyuan Fan Jiang, Ching-Huan Lin, Chih-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 7928487
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having 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 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 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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kitano, Hideshi Abe, Jun Kuroiwa, Kiyoshi Hirata, Hiroaki Ohki, Nobuhiro Karasawa, Ritsuo Takizawa, Mitsuru Yamashita, Mitsuru Sato, Katsunori Kokubun
  • Patent number: 7928488
    Abstract: Example embodiments provide a unit pixel, an image sensor containing unit pixels, and a method of fabricating unit pixels. The unit pixel may include a semiconductor substrate, photoelectric transducers formed within the semiconductor substrate, multi-layered wiring layers formed on a frontside of the semiconductor substrate, inner lenses formed on a backside of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to the photoelectric transducers, and microlenses formed above the inner lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Jun Park