With Different Sensor Portions Responsive To Different Wavelengths (e.g., Color Imager) Patents (Class 257/440)
  • Patent number: 8093582
    Abstract: A dual band photodetector for detecting infrared and ultraviolet optical signals is disclosed. Aspects include homojunction and heterojunction detectors comprised of one or more of GaN, AlGaN, and InGaN. In one aspect ultraviolet/infrared dual-band detector is disclosed that is configured to simultaneously detect UV and IR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: A. G. Unil Perera, Steven George Matsik
  • Publication number: 20120001290
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device that includes: a semiconductor substrate having a recess portion formed on a top surface thereof; an impurity region of a first conductivity type formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate disposed lower than a bottom surface of the recess portion; and a semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type formed in the recess portion, wherein the impurity region and the semiconductor layer form a photoelectric conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ken Sawada
  • Patent number: 8080856
    Abstract: A photoelectric structure is presented, comprising one or more PiN cells. The PiN cell is formed by an intrinsic semiconductor bulk having front and rear surfaces enclosed between p- and n-type regions extending along side surfaces of said semiconductor bulk. The front and rear surfaces of the intrinsic semiconductor bulk are active surfaces of the PiN cell and said side surfaces of said semiconductor bulk formed with said p- and n-type regions are configured and operable for collecting excess charged carriers generated in said semiconductor bulk in response to collected electromagnetic radiation to which at least one of the active surfaces is exposed during the PiN cell operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gady Golan, Alex Axelevitch, Ronen Shavit
  • Patent number: 8081249
    Abstract: A CMOS imaging system with increased charge storage of pixels yet decreased physical size, kTC noise and active area. A storage node is connected to the transfer gate and provides a storage node for a pixel, allowing for kTC noise reduction prior to readout. The pixel may be operated with the shutter gate on during the integration period to increase the amount of time for charge storage by a pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Altice, Jr., Jeffrey A. McKee
  • Publication number: 20110284756
    Abstract: The invention concerns a single detector with two designable wavelengths and bandwidths for ultraviolet detection based on n?/n+-GaN and AlGaN structures grown over sapphire substrates. The detector has several layers grown over a sapphire substrates, including a buffer layer comprising AlN; a first band-edge comprising AlX Ga1-X N; a second band-edge comprising AlYGa1-Y N; a third band-edge comprising AlZ Ga1-Z N. The detector also has ohmic contacts formed on the AlX Ga1-X N band-edge. A bias voltage is applied to the detector through the ohmic contacts so as to select a range of wavelengths in the UV region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Laddawan R. Miko, David E. Franz, Carl M. Stahle, Bing Guan, Diane E. Pugel, Shahid Aslam
  • Patent number: 8063461
    Abstract: To provide a back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device capable of color separation of pixels without using a color filter, and a camera module and an electronic equipment module which incorporate the solid-state imaging device. A solid-state imaging device including: a photoelectric conversion element PD formed in a semiconductor substrate 22; a reading-out part which reads out signal charges from the photoelectric conversion element PD formed on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate 22; the other surface of the semiconductor substrate 22 made to a light incidence surface; and a pixel which exclusively makes light of a specific wavelength or longer photoelectrically converted, by adjusting pn junction depths h2 [h2 r, h2 g, h2 b] between the photoelectric conversion element PD and an accumulation layer 28 on the light incidence surface side. A camera module and an electronic equipment module which incorporate the solid-state imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Ezaki
  • Patent number: 8053856
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for reducing dark current in a backside illuminated semiconductor device. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a frontside surface and a backside surface, and forming a plurality of sensor elements in the substrate, each of the plurality of sensor elements configured to receive light directed towards the backside surface. The method further includes forming a dielectric layer on the backside surface of the substrate, wherein the dielectric layer has a compressive stress to induce a tensile stress in the substrate. A backside illuminated semiconductor device fabricated by such a method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeur-Luen Tu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ching-Chun Wang, Ren-Jie Lin, Shou-Gwo Wuu
  • Patent number: 8053853
    Abstract: An image sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a light-sensing region, and a first and second electrode embedded within the substrate. The first and second electrode forms an array of slits, the array of slits is configured to allow a wavelength of light to pass through to the light-sensing region. A method for making an image sensor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of pixels on the semiconductor substrate, and forming a plurality of slits embedded within each of the plurality of pixels. The plurality of slits is configured to allow a wavelength of light to pass through to each of the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiunn-Yih Chyan, Gwo-Yuh Shiau, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8049292
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits bonded to a structure body in which a fibrous body is impregnated with an organic resin. The plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits are provided at openings formed in the structure body and each include a photoelectric conversion element, a light-transmitting substrate which has stepped sides and in which the width of the projected section on a first surface side is smaller than that of a second surface, a semiconductor integrated circuit portion provided on the second surface of the light-transmitting substrate, and a chromatic color light-transmitting resin layer which covers the first surface and part of side surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate. The plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits include the chromatic color light-transmitting resin layers of different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Daiki Yamada, Yohei Monma, Takahiro Iguchi, Hiroki Adachi, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8044476
    Abstract: A radiation detector comprising a II-VI compound semiconductor substrate that absorbs radiation having a first energy, a II-VI compound semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type provided on a main surface of the II-VI compound semiconductor substrate, a metal layer containing at least one of a group III element and a group V element provided on the II-VI compound semiconductor layer, a IV semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type provided on the metal layer, and a IV semiconductor substrate that absorbs radiation having a second energy different from the first energy provided on the IV semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: National University Corporation Shizuoka University
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hatanaka, Toru Aoki
  • Patent number: 8044431
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a microdisplay integrated circuit (IC), a substantially transparent protective cover coupled to the microdisplay IC, and a base coupled to the microdisplay IC. Thermal expansion characteristics of the base may be substantially similar to thermal expansion characteristics of the protective cover. According to some embodiments, at least one set of imaging elements is fabricated on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a base is affixed to a lower surface of the semiconductor substrate to generate substantially negligible mechanical stress between the semiconductor substrate and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O'Connor, Thomas W. Springett, Paul C. Ward-Dolkas
  • Patent number: 8039916
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Merrill, Shri Ramaswami, Glenn J. Keller
  • Patent number: 8035183
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a dual junction photodiode semiconductor device. The photodiode has a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a first impurity region of a second conductivity type shallowly diffused on the front side of the semiconductor substrate, a second impurity region of the second conductivity type shallowly diffused on the back side of the semiconductor substrate, a first PN junction formed between the first impurity region and the semiconductor substrate, and a second PN junction formed between the second impurity region and the semiconductor substrate. Since light beams of a shorter wavelength are absorbed near the surface of a semiconductor, while light beams of a longer wavelength reach deeper sections, the two PN junctions at front and back sides of the photodiode allow the device to be used as an adjustable low pass or high pass wavelength filter detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: UDT Sensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Steven Bui, Narayan Dass Taneja, Manoocher Mansouri Aliabadi
  • Patent number: 8035182
    Abstract: A sensor is provided. The sensor includes semiconductor layer; a photodiode, an impurity-doped polycrystalline silicon layer; and a gate electrode. The photodiode is formed in the semiconductor layer. The impurity-doped polycrystalline silicon layer is formed above the semiconductor layer. The gate electrode applies a gate voltage to the polycrystalline silicon layer. A wiring layer is provided on a first surface of the semiconductor layer and light is incident on a second surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110227091
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided with a pixel region in which a plurality of pixels including photoelectric conversion films are arrayed and pixel isolation portions are interposed between the plurality of pixels, wherein the photoelectric conversion film is a chalcopyrite-structure compound semiconductor composed of a copper-aluminum-gallium-indium-sulfur-selenium based mixed crystal or a copper-aluminum-gallium-indium-zinc-sulfur-selenium based mixed crystal and is disposed on a silicon substrate in such a way as to lattice-match the silicon substrate concerned, and the pixel isolation portion is formed from a compound semiconductor subjected to doping concentration control or composition control in such a way as to become a potential barrier between the photoelectric conversion films disposed in accordance with the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Toda
  • Patent number: 8022422
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes pixel electrodes disposed on a first base substrate, a second base substrate which faces the first base substrate, color pixels disposed on the second base substrate, the color pixels correspond to the pixel electrodes in a one-to-one correspondence, each color pixel partially covers the corresponding pixel electrode, a common electrode disposed on the second base substrate to cover the pixel electrodes and an electrophoretic layer including a plurality of electrophoretic particles, the electrophoretic layer being interposed between the pixel electrodes and the common electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Il Kim, Son-Uk Lee, Nam-Seok Roh, Jeong-Kuk Lee
  • 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: 8013412
    Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hui Tian
  • Patent number: 8008695
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer that low-pass filters light of different wavelengths. For example, the semiconductor layer proportionately absorbs photons of shorter wavelengths and proportionately passes more photons of longer wavelengths such that the longer wavelength photons often pass through without being absorbed. An imaging pixel having a photodiode is formed on a front surface of the semiconductor layer, where the photodiode is an N? region formed within the P-type region of the semiconductor layer. A P+ layer is formed between the N? region of the photodiode and a back surface of the semiconductor layer. A mirror that primarily reflects photons of red and/or infra-red wavelengths is formed on the back surface of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard E. Rhodes, Hidetoshi Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20110204237
    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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: INTERSIL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Kalnitsky, Dong Zheng, Joy Jones, Xijian Lin, Gregory Cestra
  • 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: 8004057
    Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
  • Patent number: 7989908
    Abstract: Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, photodiode structures, color filters, and microlenses. The semiconductor substrate includes a first region having pixel regions and a second region around the first region. The pixel regions are arranged in a matrix configuration. Each of the photodiode structures has a photodiode in each of the pixel regions. The color filters are disposed on or over the photodiode structures, the color filters correspond to the pixel regions, respectively, and have different areas corresponding to incident angles of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seoung Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7968834
    Abstract: A light-sensing pixel is described that includes more than one detector element, each of which is sensitive to a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrums. The detectors are arranged in a readout circuit that can be constructed on a monolithic semiconductor product such that one or more of the detectors can be switched on or off to include or exclude an output contribution from said detectors and enhance the response of the pixel. Also, the detectors can included a laser-treated semiconductor sensor for efficient sensing of radiation in one or more regions of the spectrum. Arrays and imaging products using such pixels are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: SiOnyx, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenton Veeder
  • 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: 7964926
    Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor chip, a handling substrate mounted on a front side of the image sensor chip and a through electrode disposed on a backside of the image sensor chip. The through electrode extends into the image sensor chip. Moreover, the image sensor chip includes a semiconductor substrate having a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region, a photoelectric transformation section disposed in the semiconductor substrate of the pixel region and a dielectric layer disposed on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer has a step region so that a top surface of the dielectric layer in the pixel region is lower than that of the dielectric layer in the peripheral circuit region. The image sensor chip further includes a conductive pad disposed on the dielectric layer in the peripheral circuit region and is electrically connected to the through electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 7964928
    Abstract: A photodetector made in monolithic form in a lightly-doped substrate of a first conductivity type. This photodetector includes at least two photodiodes and includes a first region of the first conductivity type more heavily doped than the substrate extending at least between the two photodiodes; and a second region of the first conductivity type more heavily doped than the substrate and extending under the first region and under one of the two photodiodes, the first region or the second region, with the first region, delimiting a substrate portion at the level of said one of the two photodiodes, and the second region, with the first region, delimiting an additional substrate portion at the level of the other one of the two photodiodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: François Roy, Thomas Girault, Yann Marcellier, Caroline Bringolf-Penner
  • Publication number: 20110141869
    Abstract: An optical pickup, photodetector, and optical drive adopting the optical pickup are provided. The optical pickup may include a light emitting system having a plurality of light sources corresponding to a plurality of mediums a light receiving system including a photodetector for converting light reflected from a medium into an electrical signal. The photodetector may include first and second light receiving sensors corresponding to the plurality of mediums, each of the first and second light receiving sensors comprising a plurality of regions, each region comprising a plurality of sectors. The plurality of regions of the first and second light receiving sensors may include shared sectors that are shared by the first and second light receiving sensors and exclusive sectors that are exclusively used in the first light receiving sensor or the second light receiving sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corporation
    Inventors: Ui-yol KIM, Yong-jae Lee, Pyong-yong Seong, Hong-kuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20110140225
    Abstract: In a first interlevel insulating film, a first region which is made of the first interlevel insulating film and in which first wiring films are not provided is formed to be located above a first light receiving part of the plurality of light receiving parts, and a second region which is made of the first interlevel insulating film and in which the first wiring films are not provided is formed to be located above a second light receiving part of the plurality of light receiving parts which is adjacent to the first light receiving part. A space between ones of the first wiring films with the first region interposed therebetween is larger than a space between ones of the first wiring films with the second region interposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Masafumi TSUTSUI
  • 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: 7956433
    Abstract: The invention provides an image detector capable of improving the quality of detected images by reducing electronic noise, the image detector comprising, a plurality of scan lines disposed in parallel, a plurality of data lines provided so as to cross with the scan lines, thin film transistors connected with the scan and data lines and provided in matrix, sensor sections connected to the thin film transistor and provided in a matrix and a plurality of common lines disposed so as to apply bias voltage commonly to the sensor sections provided in matrix. Each of the scan lines, data lines and common lines are formed by metal layers different from each other and provided with insulating film(s) disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Okada, Takuya Yoshimi
  • Publication number: 20110127410
    Abstract: An optical sensor that is a transistor which includes a gate electrode including a semiconductor material where the carrier concentration is 1.0×1014/cm3 to 1.0×1017/cm3, an active layer including a semiconductor layer to form a channel by carriers of the same type as the gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate insulating film, wherein intensity of irradiated light is detected by a change in a value of current flowing between the source electrode and the drain electrode when the light is irradiated onto a depletion layer formed in the gate electrode; an optical sensor array, an optical sensor driving method, and an optical sensor array driving method are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Atsushi Tanaka, Takeshi Hama
  • Patent number: 7948545
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device as defined herein, in which each of the signal reading circuits for reading the detection signals of the first-color pixels includes three transistors which are a reset transistor, a row selection transistor, and an output transistor; and each of the signal reading circuits for reading the detection signals of the second-color pixels and each of the signal reading circuits for reading the detection signals of the third-color pixels include four transistors which are a read transistor, a reset transistor, a row selection transistor, and an output transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7936034
    Abstract: A MESA-type photonic detection device, including at least one first junction, which itself includes a first receiving layer and sides formed or etched in the receiving layer. These sides at least partially include a layer with a doping opposite the doping of the first receiving layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventor: Johan Rothman
  • Patent number: 7936035
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprises: a pair of electrodes; and an organic photoelectric conversion layer between the pair of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is a first electrode that collects electrons generated in the organic photoelectric conversion layer; the other one of the electrodes is a second electrode that collects holes generated in the organic photoelectric conversion layer; and the photoelectric conversion element further comprises a hole blocking layer that comprises silicon oxide and inhibits injection of holes into the organic photoelectric conversion layer from the first electrode while applying a bias voltage between the electrodes, the hole blocking layer being disposed between the first electrode and the organic photoelectric conversion layer, and an oxygen/silicon composition ratio of the silicon oxide is 0.5 or greater and 1.2 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Maehara, Takashi Goto, Kiyohiko Tsutsumi, Kyohei Ogawa, Takashi Komiyama, Takeshi Senga, Takehiro Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7935551
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor image may include forming a pixel array including a photodiode structure and an insulating film structure in an active area of a semiconductor substrate; forming a metal pad on the insulating film structure; forming a dielectric and/or etch stop film on the metal pad (and optionally over the pixel array); forming a protective layer on the dielectric and/or etch stop film; and forming a pad opening and a pixel opening by etching the protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Sik Im, Woo Seok Hyun
  • 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: 7932574
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a light receiving section comprised of a stack of a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for red, a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for green, and a photoconductive layer for absorbing light in a wavelength region for blue. A transparent electrode layer is provided preferably above each of the photoconductive layers and a translucent reflective layer for reflecting light in a desired wavelength is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20110090437
    Abstract: A photonic sensor includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, a third electrode layer, a first photon absorption layer, a second photon absorption layer, a third photon absorption layer and a charge blocking layer. The first photon absorption layer includes a dispersion of first nanoparticles, and is configured to transduce a first colored light into corresponding electric charge. The second photon absorption layer includes a dispersion of second nanoparticles, and is configured to transduce a second colored light into corresponding electric charge according to light intensity. The third photon absorption layer includes a dispersion of third nanoparticles, and is configured to transduce a third colored light into corresponding electric charge according to light intensity. The charge blocking layer is formed between the first and second photon absorption layers to block flow of electric charge between the first and second photon absorption layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Kap-Soo YOON, Sung-Hoon YANG, Ki-Hun JEONG, Kyung-Sook JEON, Seung-Mi SEO
  • Patent number: 7928352
    Abstract: A solid-state image capturing device includes a first detecting unit for detecting a first wavelength component and a second detecting unit for detecting a second wavelength component which has a longer wavelength than at least the first wavelength component and wherein in a depth direction, an active region where a first type dopant of the second detecting unit is located is deeper than an active region where a first electroconductive type dopant of the first detecting unit is located. A signal processor modifies an output signal from at least one detecting unit based on a received signal quantity at another detecting unit and a type of filter above at least one of the detecting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Toda
  • Patent number: 7923801
    Abstract: A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Hartley Sargent
  • Publication number: 20110079704
    Abstract: An imaging device including a plurality of photo-sensitive elements suitable for imaging small objects less than 500 nm in size. Each of the photo-sentive elements forms a passive pixel which comprises at least one nanowire structured photodetector and a switch transistor. The nanowire structured photodetector is configured to receive the photons and store the photo generated charges and behave as a waveguide. The switch transistor is formed either in the substrate or at the same body of the nanowire and is configured to allow photo-genereated charges in the nanowire to accumulate when off and to drain from the nanowire when on. The pixel array is configured to allow high resolution imaging by arranging in a penny round pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: ZENA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Young-June YU, Munib Wober
  • Patent number: 7919351
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor and a method for fabricating the same for preventing contamination and peeling of an array of micro lenses. The CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of photodiodes formed on and/or over a substrate, an insulating film formed on and/or over an entire surface of the substrate including the photodiodes, color filter layers formed on and/or over the insulating film, a first oxide film formed on and/or over the color filter layers, an ion-rich oxide film formed by injecting silicon ions into the first oxide film, a second oxide film formed on and/or over the ion-rich oxide film, and a micro lens pattern formed corresponding to the photodiodes by patterning the second oxide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Taek Hwang
  • Patent number: 7919350
    Abstract: An image sensor is formed by providing a semiconductor substrate having first, second and third pixel regions and first and second color filters disposed on their respective pixel regions. A photoresist layer is coated over the first and second color filters and the third color pixel region. The photoresist is removed from the first and second color filters, leaving a third color filter of substantially the same height as the first and second color filters. Micro lenses may then be formed on the color filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hyun Cho, Jae-Ku Lee, Sun-Wook Heo
  • Publication number: 20110073978
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate, an infrared absorption unit, a thermoelectric conversion unit, a support body, and an interconnection. The infrared absorption unit is provided on the substrate and apart from the substrate to absorb an infrared ray. The thermoelectric conversion unit is provided apart from the substrate and in contact with the infrared absorption unit between the infrared absorption unit and the substrate. The thermoelectric conversion unit converts a temperature change due to the infrared ray absorbed by the infrared absorption unit into an electrical signal. The support body supports the thermoelectric conversion unit on the substrate and apart from the substrate and transmits the electrical signal. The interconnection transmits the electrical signal in reading the electrical signal. The infrared absorption unit includes a protrusion provided on a rim of the infrared absorption unit to protrude toward the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ikuo FUJIWARA, Hiroto Honda, Keita Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7915652
    Abstract: An integrated infrared (IR) and full color complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager array is provided. The array is built upon a lightly doped p doped silicon (Si) substrate. Each pixel cell includes at least one visible light detection pixel and an IR pixel. Each visible light pixel includes a moderately p doped bowl with a bottom p doped layer and p doped sidewalls. An n doped layer is enclosed by the p doped bowl, and a moderately p doped surface region overlies the n doped layer. A transfer transistor has a gate electrode overlying the p doped sidewalls, a source formed from the n doped layer, and an n+ doped drain connected to a floating diffusion region. The IR pixel is the same, except that there is no bottom p doped layer. An optical wavelength filter overlies the visible light and IR pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Jan Lee, Douglas J. Tweet, Jon M. Speigle
  • Patent number: 7915701
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Stephen Forrest, Jiangeng Xue, Soichi Uchida, Barry P. Rand
  • Publication number: 20110031576
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a first-conductive semiconductor layer, a second-conductive semiconductor layer that is provided on the first-conductive semiconductor layer, a light receiving element that is formed in the second-conductive semiconductor layer, and an element isolation region that is formed to surround the light receiving element in an in-plane direction of the second-conductive semiconductor layer, in which the element isolation region includes a first-conductive first element isolation unit that is connected to the first-conductive semiconductor layer, a hollow that is formed on the first-conductive first element isolation unit, and a first-conductive second element isolation unit that is formed on the hollow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Seiichi Iwasa, Yoshio Kasai, Takeshi Yousyou, Tsutomu Sato, Atsushi Murakoshi
  • Patent number: 7884436
    Abstract: In a solid-state imaging device, the pixel circuit formed on the first surface side of the semiconductor substrate is shared by a plurality of light reception regions. The second surface side of the semiconductor substrate is made the light incident side of the light reception regions. The second surface side regions of the light reception regions formed in the second surface side part of the semiconductor substrate are arranged at approximately even intervals and the first surface side regions of the light reception regions formed in the first surface side part of the semiconductor substrate are arranged at uneven intervals, respectively, and the second surface side regions and the first surface side regions are joined respectively in the semiconductor substrate so that the light reception regions extend from the second surface side to the first surface side of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Mabuchi
  • Patent number: 7884435
    Abstract: A pattern mask for forming a microlens includes mask pattern parts alternately arranged and corresponding to pixel regions in a matrix, wherein neighboring corners of the mask pattern parts overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Ho Jun