Abstract: Process to release Silicon stress in forming CMOS image sensor. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an image sensor includes providing a first wafer that is a semiconductor substrate, where the first wafer has a first side and a second side opposite from the first side. The method also includes attaching a second wafer to the second side of the first wafer. The method further includes forming isolation structures in the second wafer by etching. The isolation structures are bounded by the second side of the first wafer. The method also includes growing an epitaxial layer between individual isolation structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector component comprising an X-ray detector chip made from a silicon substrate and comprising charge collecting electrodes. The X-ray detector chip is suitable for providing an X-ray-dependent current at the charge collecting electrodes. The X-ray detector component further comprises a CMOS read-out circuit chip comprising connection electrodes. The X-ray detector chip and the CMOS read-out circuit chip are mechanically and electrically connected in such a manner that the charge collecting electrodes and the connection electrodes are electrically connected. The invention further relates to an X-ray detection module, an imaging device and a method for manufacturing an X-ray detector component.

Abstract: Solid-state imaging devices are disclosed. In one example, a solid-state imaging device includes a conversion circuit connected to a vertical signal line of a pixel array, a voltage generation circuit that outputs a predetermined voltage, and a reference voltage generation circuit that receives the predetermined voltage and outputs a reference voltage. The reference voltage generation circuit includes an operational amplifier that amplifies the predetermined voltage and outputs the reference voltage, a capacitive element having one end connected to an input of the operational amplifier that is different from an input that receives the predetermined voltage, a first switching circuit that connects the other end of the capacitive element to either the predetermined voltage output from the voltage generation circuit or a feedback loop of the operational amplifier, and a second switching circuit that selectively connects the one end of the capacitive element to the feedback loop of the operational amplifier.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an image sensor with a passivation layer for dark current reduction. A device layer overlies a substrate. Further, a cap layer overlies the device layer. The cap and device layers and the substrate are semiconductor materials, and the device layer has a smaller bandgap than the cap layer and the substrate. For example, the cap layer and the substrate may be silicon, whereas the device layer may be or comprise germanium. A photodetector is in the device and cap layers, and the passivation layer overlies the cap layer. The passivation layer comprises a high k dielectric material and induces formation of a dipole moment along a top surface of the cap layer.

Abstract: An image sensor device is provided. The image sensor device includes a substrate having a front surface, a back surface, and a light-sensing region. The image sensor device includes a first isolation structure extending from the front surface into the substrate. The first isolation structure surrounds a first portion of the light-sensing region, and the first isolation structure has a first end portion in the substrate. The image sensor device includes a second isolation structure extending from the back surface into the substrate. The second isolation structure surrounds a second portion of the light-sensing region, the second isolation structure has a second end portion in the substrate, and the second end portion of the second isolation structure is closer to the front surface of the substrate than the first end portion of the first isolation structure.

Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a substrate including a first side on which light is incident and a second side opposite the first side; a first separation pattern extending from the second side, the first separation pattern being interposed between unit pixels in the substrate of a light-receiving region and a light-shielding region provided around the light-receiving region; a second separation pattern extending from the first side and overlapping the first separation pattern, the second separation pattern being provided in the substrate of the light-receiving region; and a contact film electrically connected to the first separation pattern, the contact film being provided in the substrate of the light-shielding region. A contact trench which extends from the first side is formed in the light-shielding region of the substrate and exposes the first separation pattern, and the contact film fills at least a part of the contact trench.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application are directed towards image sensors including composite backside illuminated (CBSI) structures to enhance performance. In some embodiments, a first trench isolation structure extends into a backside of a substrate to a first depth and comprises a pair of first trench isolation segments. A photodetector is in the substrate, between and bordering the first trench isolation segments. A second trench isolation structure is between the first trench isolation segments and extends into the backside of the substrate to a second depth less than the first depth. The second trench isolation structure comprises a pair of second trench isolation segments. An absorption enhancement structure overlies the photodetector, between the second trench isolation segments, and is recessed into the backside of the semiconductor substrate. The absorption enhancement structure and the second trench isolation structure collectively define a CBSI structure.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device having a structure suitable for higher integration. This semiconductor device includes: a first semiconductor substrate; and a second semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor substrate is provided with a first electrode including a first protruding portion and a first base portion. The first protruding portion includes a first abutting surface. The first base portion is linked to the first protruding portion and has volume greater than volume of the first protruding portion. The second semiconductor substrate is provided with a second electrode including a second protruding portion and a second base portion. The second protruding portion includes a second abutting surface that abuts the first abutting surface. The second base portion is linked to the second protruding portion and has volume greater than volume of the second protruding portion. The second semiconductor substrate is stacked on the first semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a method for forming a semiconductor structure. The method includes forming a first isolation structure on a first surface of a substrate. A second isolation structure is formed into the first surface of the substrate. Sidewalls of the first isolation structure are disposed laterally between inner sidewalls of the second isolation structure. A bond pad is formed in the substrate such that the second isolation structure continuously laterally wraps around the bond pad.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor including: a first impurity region of a first conductivity type; a plurality of second impurity regions of a second conductivity type disposed in the first impurity region and arranged in a first direction; and a light shielding layer that overlaps the first impurity region and does not overlap the second impurity regions in a plan view, wherein the first impurity region has a first portion between adjacent ones of the second impurity regions, the light shielding layer has a second portion that overlaps the first portion in a plan view, and a length of the second portion in the first direction is smaller than a length of the first portion in the first direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor image sensor includes following operation. A first substrate including a first bottom side and a first top side is provided. A first interconnect structure is disposed under the first bottom side of the first substrate. An insulating structure is formed over the first top side of the first substrate. A conductor penetrating the insulating structure and the first substrate is formed and a first bonding pad is formed in the insulating structure. A second substrate including a second bottom side and a second top side is provided with the second bottom side facing the first top side of the first substrate. A second interconnect structure is disposed under the second bottom side of the second substrate, and a second bonding pad is coupled to the second interconnect structure. The first bonding pad is bonded to the second bonding pad to form a first bonded structure.

Abstract: An imaging sensor includes a pixel array containing photodiodes, the photodiodes being isolated from one another by full thickness deep trench isolations. Row control circuitry controls which rows of the pixel array operate in an imaging mode and which rows of the pixel array operate in an energy harvesting mode, on a row by row basis. Switch circuitry selectively connects different groups of photodiodes in rows operating in the energy harvesting mode into forward biased series configurations between a voltage output line and a ground line, or into forward biased parallel configurations between the voltage output line and the ground line.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a first pixel separation structure in a substrate to separate pixels from each other. The first pixel separation structure includes a conductive layer therein. Moreover, the image sensor includes a wire layer that is spaced apart from the conductive layer on the substrate. A second pixel separation structure is adjacent to the first pixel separation structure in a first horizontal direction and is connected to a contact. The first and second pixel separation structures extend longitudinally in a second horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

Abstract: Based on the fact that a film thickness of a film formed in a film formation processing of repeatedly performing a first sequence varies according to a temperature of the surface on which the film is to be formed, the film formation processing is performed after the temperature of each region of the surface of the wafer is adjusted to reduce a deviation of a trench on the surface of the wafer, so that the film is very precisely formed on the inner surface of the trench while reducing the deviation of the trench on the surface of the wafer. When the trench width is narrower than a reference width, an etching processing of repeatedly performing a second sequence is performed in order to expand the trench width, so that the surface of the film provided in the inner surface of the trench is isotropically and uniformly etched.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor image sensor with improved quantum efficiency. The semiconductor image sensor can include a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface. An interconnect structure is disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor layer, and radiation-sensing regions are formed in the semiconductor layer. The radiation-sensing regions are configured to sense radiation that enters the semiconductor layer from the second surface and groove structures are formed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An integrated optical device, including: a semiconductor body delimited by a top surface; and at least one buried cavity, which extends in the semiconductor body, at a distance from the top surface, so as to delimit at the bottom a front semiconductor region, which functions as an optical guide.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises: a substrate; one or more active devices adjacent to the substrate; a first set of one or more layers to interconnect the one or more active devices; a second set of one or more layers; and a layer adjacent to one of the layers of the first and second sets, wherein the layer is to bond the one of the layers of the first and second sets.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an image sensor is provided. The method includes comprises forming a deep trench in a semiconductor substrate, performing a first plasma doping process to form a first impurity region a portion of in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to inner sidewalls and a bottom surface of the deep trench, the first impurity region being doped with first impurities of a first conductivity type, and performing an annealing process to diffuse the first impurities from the first impurity region into the semiconductor substrate to form a photoelectric conversion part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive implant comprising at least one pixel (10) having at least one diode (12, 12?), a stimulating electrode (14), a counter electrode (18), and a resistor (16), wherein the resistance of the resistor (16) is chosen according to a predetermined relation of resistance, a size of the stimulating electrode (14), and a size of the diode (12, 12?). Further, the present invention concerns a method to provide such an implant.

Abstract: On the front side of an n-type semiconductor substrate, p-type regions are two-dimensionally arranged in an array. A high-concentration n-type region and a p-type region are disposed between the p-type regions adjacent each other. The high-concentration n-type region is formed by diffusing an n-type impurity from the front side of the substrate so as to surround the p-type region as seen from the front side. The p-type region is formed by diffusing a p-type impurity from the front side of the substrate so as to surround the p-type region and high-concentration n-type region as seen from the front side. Formed on the front side of the n-type semiconductor substrate are an electrode electrically connected to the p-type region and an electrode electrically connected to the high-concentration n-type region and the p-type region.

Abstract: A light emitting diode display device is provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a radiation-sensing region, at least one isolation structure, and a doped passivation layer. The radiation-sensing region is present in the semiconductor substrate. The isolation structure is present in the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to the radiation-sensing region. The doped passivation layer at least partially surrounds the isolation structure in a substantially conformal manner.

Abstract: Methods for forming an image sensor structure are provided. The method includes forming a light-sensing region in a substrate and forming a storage node adjacent to light-sensing region in the substrate. The method further includes forming a front side isolation structure partially surrounding an upper portion of the light-sensing region and forming a trench fully surrounding a bottom portion of the light-sensing region to expose a bottom surface of the front side isolations structure. The method further includes forming a backside isolation structure in the trench.

Abstract: Embodiments of interconnect structures of a three-dimensional (3D) memory device and method for forming the interconnect structures are disclosed. In an example, a 3D NAND memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, an alternating layer stack disposed on the semiconductor substrate, and a dielectric structure, which extends vertically through the alternating layer stack, on an isolation region of the substrate. Further, the alternating layer stack abuts a sidewall surface of the dielectric structure and the dielectric structure is formed of a dielectric material. The 3D memory device additionally includes one or more through array contacts that extend vertically through the dielectric structure and the isolation region, and one or more channel structures that extend vertically through the alternating layer stack.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate including opposite first and second surfaces, first and second gates, on the first surface of the substrate, which each extend in a first direction, a first isolation layer in the substrate between the first and second gates and having a first width in a second direction crossing the first direction, a second isolation layer on the first isolation layer, in the substrate, and having a second width smaller than the first width in the second direction. The second isolation layer is closer to the second surface of the substrate than the first isolation layer. A vertical distance between the first isolation layer and the second isolation layer is ? or less of a height of the first isolation layer.

Abstract: A pixel is formed on a semiconductor substrate that includes a photosensitive area having a first doped layer and a charge collection area of a first conductivity type extending through at least part of the first doped layer. At least two charge storage areas, each including a well of the first conductivity type, are separated from the charge collection area at least by a first portion of the first layer. The first portion is covered by a first gate. Each charge storage area is laterally delimited by two insulated conductive electrodes. A second doped layer of the second conductivity type covers the charge collection area and the charge storage areas.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device, which can provide a solid-state imaging device having further improved features such as reduced optical color mixing and the like. Also, an electronic device using the solid-state imaging device thereof is provided. According to a solid-state imaging device having a substrate and multiple photoelectric converters that are formed on the substrate, an insulating film forms an embedded element separating unit. The element separating unit is configured of an insulating film having a fixed charge that is formed so as to coat the inner wall face of a groove portion, within the groove portion which is formed in the depth direction from the light input side of the substrate.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device, which can provide a solid-state imaging device having further improved features such as reduced optical color mixing and the like. Also, an electronic device using the solid-state imaging device thereof is provided. According to a solid-state imaging device having a substrate and multiple photoelectric converters that are formed on the substrate, an insulating film forms an embedded element separating unit. The element separating unit is configured of an insulating film having a fixed charge that is formed so as to coat the inner wall face of a groove portion, within the groove portion which is formed in the depth direction from the light input side of the substrate.

Abstract: An image sensor device is provided. The image sensor device includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, and a light-sensing region. The image sensor device includes a first isolation structure in the substrate and adjacent to the first surface. The first isolation structure surrounds the light-sensing region. The image sensor device includes a second isolation structure passing through the first isolation structure and the substrate under the first isolation structure. The second isolation structure surrounds the light-sensing region and a portion of the first isolation structure.

Abstract: An image pickup device according to the present disclosure includes a first pixel and a second pixel each including a photodetection section and a light condensing section, the photodetection section including a photoelectric conversion element, the light condensing section condensing incident light toward the photodetection section, the first pixel and the second pixel being adjacent to each other and each having a step part on a photodetection surface of the photodetection section, in which at least a part of a wall surface of the step part is covered with a first light shielding section.

Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed. The image sensor includes an epitaxial layer, a plurality of plug structures and an interconnect structure. Wherein the plurality of plug structures are formed in the epitaxial layer, and each plug structure has doped sidewalls, the epitaxial layer and the doped sidewalls form a plurality of photodiodes, the plurality of plug structures are used to separate adjacent photodiodes, and the epitaxial layer and the doped sidewalls are coupled to the interconnect structure via the plug structures. An associated method of fabricating the image sensor is also disclosed. The method includes: providing a substrate having a first-type doped epitaxial substrate layer on a second-type doped epitaxial substrate layer; forming a plurality of isolation trenches in the first-type doped epitaxial substrate layer; forming a second-type doped region along sidewalls and bottoms of the plurality of isolation trenches; and filling the plurality of isolation trenches by depositing metal.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device, which can provide a solid-state imaging device having further improved features such as reduced optical color mixing and the like. Also, an electronic device using the solid-state imaging device thereof is provided. According to a solid-state imaging device having a substrate and multiple photoelectric converters that are formed on the substrate, an insulating film forms an embedded element separating unit. The element separating unit is configured of an insulating film having a fixed charge that is formed so as to coat the inner wall face of a groove portion, within the groove portion which is formed in the depth direction from the light input side of the substrate.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method of a solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device, which can provide a solid-state imaging device having further improved features such as reduced optical color mixing and the like. Also, an electronic device using the solid-state imaging device thereof is provided. According to a solid-state imaging device having a substrate and multiple photoelectric converters that are formed on the substrate, an insulating film forms an embedded element separating unit. The element separating unit is configured of an insulating film having a fixed charge that is formed so as to coat the inner wall face of a groove portion, within the groove portion which is formed in the depth direction from the light input side of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device may include a p-type metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor supported by a backside of an isolation layer. The integrated circuit device may also include an n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor supported by a front-side of the isolation layer, opposite the backside. The integrated circuit device may further include a shared contact extending through the isolation layer and electrically coupling a first terminal of the PMOS transistor to the first terminal of the NMOS transistor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state image sensor including preparing a wafer including a pixel region where a photoelectric conversion element is provided, a peripheral circuit region where a gate electrode of a peripheral MOS transistor for constituting a peripheral circuit is provided, and a scribe region. The method includes forming an insulating film covering the pixel region, the peripheral circuit region, and the scribe region, and forming a sidewall spacer on a side surface of the gate electrode by etching the insulating film so that portions of the insulating film remains to cover the pixel region and the scribe region, and forming a metal silicide layer in the peripheral circuit region by using, as a mask for protection from silicidation, the insulating film covering the pixel region and the scribe region.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor material including a photodiode disposed in the semiconductor material and an insulating material. A surface of the semiconductor material is disposed between the insulating material and the photodiode. The image sensor also includes isolation structures disposed in the semiconductor material and in the insulating material, and the isolation structures extend from within the semiconductor material through the surface and into the insulating material. The isolation structures include a core material and a liner material. The liner material is disposed between the core material and the semiconductor material, and is also disposed between the insulating material and the core material.

Abstract: A photo-detector having a photonic crystal structure for absorbing photons passing perpendicular to a surface of the photo-detector and a plasmonic resonance structure for absorbing photons passing along the surface of the photo-detector.

Abstract: Backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor devices are described as having pixel isolation structures formed on a sacrificial substrate. A photolayer is epitaxially grown over the pixel isolation structures. Radiation-detecting regions are formed in the photolayer adjacent to the pixel isolation structures. The pixel isolation structures include a dielectric material. The radiation-detecting regions include photodiodes. A backside surface of the BSI image sensor device is produced by planarized removal of the sacrificial substrate to physically expose the pixel isolation structures or at least optically expose the photolayer.

Abstract: A method of forming a HVMOS transistor device is provided. A substrate is provided. A first insulation structure and a trench are formed in the substrate. A base region having a second conductivity type is formed, wherein the base region completely encompasses the trench. Next, a gate dielectric layer and a gate structure are formed in the trench and covering a portion of the first insulation structure. Then, a drain region and a source region are formed in the substrate at two respective sides of the gate structure, and the drain region and the source region comprise a first conductivity type complementary to the second conductivity type. A channel is defined between the source region and the drain region along a first direction.

Abstract: Channel stop sections formed by multiple times of impurity ion implanting processes. Four-layer impurity regions are formed across the depth of a semiconductor substrate (across the depth of the bulk), so that a P-type impurity region is formed deep in the semiconductor substrate; thus, incorrect movement of electric charges is prevented. Other four-layer impurity regions of another channel stop section are decreased in width step by step across the depth of the substrate, so that the reduction of a charge storage region of a light receiving section due to the dispersion of P-type impurity in the channel stop section is prevented in the depth of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pinned photodiode, including: forming a region of photon conversion into electric charges of a first conductivity type on a substrate of the second conductivity type; coating said region with a layer of a heavily-doped insulator of the second conductivity type; and annealing to ensure a dopant diffusion from the heavily-doped insulator layer.

Abstract: An electronic structure includes a resistive memory device, and a P-I-N diode in operative association with the resistive memory device. A plurality of such electronic structures are used in a resistive memory array, with the P-I-N diodes functioning as select devices in the array. Methods are provided for fabricating such resistive memory device—P-I-N diode structures.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, light-sensing devices, a transparent dielectric layer and a grid shielding layer. The semiconductor layer overlies the substrate, and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The semiconductor layer includes microstructures disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer. The light-sensing devices are disposed on the first surface of the semiconductor layer. The transparent dielectric layer is disposed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer, and covers the microstructures. The grid shielding layer extends from the first surface of the semiconductor layer toward the second surface of the semiconductor layer, and surrounds each of the light-sensing devices to separate the light-sensing devices from each other, in which a depth of the grid shielding layer is greater than two-thirds of a thickness of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device that includes a pixel including a photoelectric conversion section, and a conversion section that converts an electric charge generated by photoelectric conversion into a pixel signal. In the solid-state imaging device, substantially only a gate insulation film is formed on a substrate corresponding to an area under a gate electrode of at least one transistor in the pixel.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate including a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region, and a first device isolation layer disposed in the substrate to define a plurality of unit pixels that are adjacent to each other in a first direction in the pixel region. Each of the plurality of unit pixels includes at least one light sensing element disposed in the substrate. The image sensor includes an interlayer insulating structure on the substrate, and a first blocking structure disposed on the first device isolation layer and penetrating the interlayer insulating structure. The first blocking structure is disposed between the plurality of unit pixels when viewed from a plan view. The first blocking structure extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from a plan view.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an intermediate region located between a pixel circuit region and a peripheral circuit region and forming a boundary with the pixel circuit region and the peripheral circuit region. The pixel circuit region, the peripheral circuit region, and the intermediate region are provided with a semiconductor layer, a first wiring layer on the semiconductor layer, and a second wiring layer located away from the semiconductor layer relative to the first wiring layer. Pixel circuits and a peripheral circuit are connected via one of at least the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer in the intermediate region. The area occupancy of the one wiring layer in the intermediate region relative to a total area thereof is between 0.5 times and 1.5 times the area occupancy of the one wiring layer in the pixel circuit region relative to a total area thereof.

Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes one or more photodiodes disposed in a semiconductor layer. Pixel circuitry is disposed in the semiconductor layer coupled to the one or more photodiodes. A passivation layer is disposed proximate to the semiconductor layer over the pixel circuitry and the one or more photodiodes. A contact etch stop layer is disposed over the passivation layer. One or more metal contacts are coupled to the pixel circuitry through the contact etch stop layer. One or more isolation regions are defined in the contact etch stop layer that isolate contact etch stop layer material through which the one or more metal contacts are coupled are coupled to the pixel circuitry from the one or more photodiodes.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.

Abstract: An imaging element includes an amplifying transistor. A signal charge from the photodiode is transferable to the gate of amplifying transistor, the photodiode being within a semiconductor substrate. The source and drain of the amplifying transistor are electrically isolated from a semiconductor substrate, wherein the source is within a well or the source and drain are within a silicon-on-insulator layer.