With Backside Illumination (e.g., Having A Thinned Central Area Or A Non-absorbing Substrate) Patents (Class 257/447)
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Patent number: 8592934Abstract: On the front side of an n-type semiconductor substrate 5, p-type regions 7 are two-dimensionally arranged in an array. A high-concentration n-type region 9 and a p-type region 11 are disposed between the p-type regions 7 adjacent each other. The high-concentration n-type region 9 is formed by diffusing an n-type impurity from the front side of the substrate 5 so as to surround the p-type region 7 as seen from the front side. The p-type region 11 is formed by diffusing a p-type impurity from the front side of the substrate 5 so as to surround the p-type region 7 and high-concentration n-type region 9 as seen from the front side. Formed on the front side of the n-type semiconductor substrate 5 are an electrode 15 electrically connected to the p-type region 7 and an electrode 19 electrically connected to the high-concentration n-type region 9 and the p-type region 11.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.Inventor: Tatsumi Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20130299675Abstract: Realization of an adequate hole accumulation layer and reduction in dark current are allowed to become mutually compatible. A solid-state imaging device 1 having a light-receiving portion 12 to photoelectrically convert incident light is characterized by including a film 21, which is disposed on a light-receiving surface 12s of the above-described light-receiving portion 12 and which lowers an interface state, and a film 22, which is disposed on the above-described film 21 to lower the interface state and which has a negative fixed charge, wherein a hole accumulation layer 23 is disposed on the light-receiving surface 12s side of the light-receiving portion 12.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Tetsuji Yamaguchi, Yuko Ohgishi, Takashi Ando, Harumi Ikeda
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Publication number: 20130285180Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a photodiode and a first transistor located in a first chip, wherein the first transistor is electrically coupled to the photodiode. The backside illuminated image sensor further comprises a second transistor formed in a second chip and a plurality of logic circuits formed in a third chip, wherein the second chip is stacked on the first chip and the third chip is stacked on the second chip. The logic circuit, the second transistor and the first transistor are coupled to each other through a plurality of boding pads and through vias.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Tzu-Jui Wang, Szu-Ying Chen, Jen-Cheng Liu, Dun-Nian Yaung, Ping-Yin Liu, Lan-Lin Chao
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Publication number: 20130285188Abstract: A solid state imaging device 1 is provided with a photoelectric conversion portion 2 having photosensitive regions 13, and a potential gradient forming portion 3 arranged opposite to the photosensitive regions 13. A planar shape of each photosensitive region 13 is a substantially rectangular shape composed of two long sides and two short sides. The photosensitive regions 13 are juxtaposed in a first direction intersecting with the long sides. The potential gradient forming portion 3 has a first potential gradient forming region to form a potential gradient becoming lower along a second direction from one of the short sides to the other of the short sides, and a second potential gradient forming region to form a potential gradient becoming higher along the second direction. The second potential gradient forming region is arranged next to the first potential gradient forming region in the second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Tomohiro Ikeya, Yasuhito Yoneta, Hisanori Suzuki, Masaharu Muramatsu
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Patent number: 8569813Abstract: The objective of this invention is to provide a photodiode which has high sensitivity even to light with a wavelength in the blue region while maintaining the high-frequency characterstics. The n type second semiconductor layer (13) containing an n type electroconductive impurity at a low concentration is formed directly or via an intrinsic semiconductor layer (11) on the p type first semiconductor layer (10). The third semiconductor layer (20) containing an n type electroconductive impurity at a medium concentration is formed shallower than said second semiconductor layer (13) in its main plane. The fourth semiconductor layer (21) containing an n type electroconductive impurity at a high concentration is formed shallower than said third semiconductor layer (20) in the main plane of the third semiconductor layer (20).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Hiroyuki Tomomatsu, Tohru Katoh, Motoaki Kusamaki, Tetsuhiko Kinoshita
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Publication number: 20130278807Abstract: A backside illumination type solid-state imaging device includes stacked semiconductor chips which are formed such that two or more semiconductor chip units are bonded to each other, at least a first semiconductor chip unit is formed with a pixel array and a first multi-layered wiring layer, and a second semiconductor chip unit is formed with a logic circuit and a second multi-layered wiring layer, a connection wire which connects the first semiconductor chip unit and the second semiconductor chip unit, and a first shield wire which shields adjacent connection wires in one direction therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Machiko Horiike, Kazuchiro Itonaga
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Publication number: 20130249033Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate having a front side and a back side, an insulating structure containing circuits on the front side of the substrate, contact holes extending through the substrate to the circuits, respectively, and a plurality of pads disposed on the backside of the substrate, electrically connected to the circuits along conductive paths extending through the contact holes, and located directly over the circuits, respectively. The image sensor is fabricated by a process in which a conductive layer is formed on the back side of the substrate and patterned to form the pads directly over the circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: JIN-HO KIM, YOUNG-HOON PARK
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Patent number: 8530266Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor includes a substrate layer having a frontside and a backside. An array of photosensitive pixels is disposed within the substrate layer and is sensitive to light incident through the backside of the substrate layer. A metal grid is disposed over the backside of the substrate layer. The metal grid surrounds each of the photosensitive pixels and defines optical apertures for receiving the light into the photosensitive pixels through the backside. The metal grid includes intersecting wires each having a triangular cross-section. A material layer surrounds the metal grid.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gang Chen, Duli Mao, Hsin-Chih Tai
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Patent number: 8519503Abstract: The present specification discloses front-side contact back-side illuminated (FSC-BSL) photodiode array having improved characteristics such as high speed of each photodiode, uniformity of the bias voltage applied to different photodiode, low bias voltage, reduced resistance of each photodiode, and an associated reduction in noise. The photodiode array is made of photodiodes with front metallic cathode pads, front metallic anode pad, back metallic cathode pads, n+ doped regions and a p+ doped region. The front metallic cathode pads physically contact the n+ doped regions and the front metallic anode pad physically contacts the p+ doped region. The back metallic cathode pads physically contact the n+ doped region.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: OSI Optoelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Peter Steven Bui, Narayan Dass Taneja
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Patent number: 8508013Abstract: A backside-illuminated active pixel sensor array in which crosstalk between adjacent pixels is prevented, a method of manufacturing the backside-illuminated active pixel sensor array, and a backside-illuminated image sensor including the backside-illuminated active pixel sensor array are provided. The backside-illuminated active pixel sensor array includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type that comprises a front surface and a rear surface, light-receiving devices for generating charges in response to light incident via the rear surface, and one or more pixel isolating layers for forming boundaries between pixels by being disposed between the adjacent light-receiving devices, a wiring layer disposed on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a light filter layer disposed on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein a thickness of the one or more pixel isolating layers decreases from a point in the semiconductor substrate toward the rear surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun-sub Shim, Jung-chak Ahn, Bum-suk Kim, Kyung-ho Lee
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Patent number: 8502335Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate having a bonding pad region and a non-bonding pad region. A relatively large via, called a “big via,” is formed on the substrate in the bonding region. The big via has a first dimension in a top view toward the substrate. The integrated circuit also includes a plurality of vias formed on the substrate in the non-bonding region. The plurality of vias each have a second dimension in the top view, the second dimension being substantially less than the first dimension.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Uway Tseng, Lin-June Wu, Yu-Ting Lin
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Patent number: 8466010Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging sensor with a seal ring support includes an epitaxial layer having an imaging array formed in a front side of the epitaxial layer. A metal stack is coupled to the front side of the epitaxial layer, wherein the metal stack includes a seal ring formed in an edge region of the imaging sensor. An opening is included that extends from the back side of the epitaxial layer to a metal pad of the seal ring to expose the metal pad. The seal ring support is disposed on the metal pad and within the opening to structurally support the seal ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian, Duli Mao, Keh-Chiang Ku
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Publication number: 20130113061Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor image sensor device. The image sensor device includes a substrate. The image sensor device includes a first pixel and a second pixel disposed in the substrate. The first and second pixels are neighboring pixels. The image sensor device includes an isolation structure disposed in the substrate and between the first and second pixels. The image sensor device includes a doped isolation device disposed in the substrate and between the first and second pixels. The doped isolation device surrounds the isolation structure in a conformal manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Chih-Yu Lai, Yeur-Luen Tu, Chih-Hui Huang, Cheng-Ta Wu, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Luan C. Tran
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Publication number: 20130113968Abstract: Optical isolation is provided for optically black pixels in image sensors. Image sensors, such as backside illumination (BSI) image sensors, may have an active pixel array and an array having optically black pixels. Isolation structures such as a metal wall may be formed in a dielectric stack between an active pixel array and optically black pixels. Patterned shallow trench isolation regions or polysilicon regions may be formed in a substrate between an active pixel array and optically black pixels. An absorption region such as a germanium-doped absorption region may be formed in a substrate between an active pixel array and optically black pixels. Optical isolation and absorption regions may be formed in a ring surrounding an active pixel array.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Victor Lenchenkov, Robert Daniel McGrath
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Patent number: 8436443Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor is provided which includes a substrate having a front side and a backside, a sensor formed in the substrate at the front side, the sensor including at least a photodiode, and a depletion region formed in the substrate at the backside, a depth of the depletion region is less than 20% of a thickness of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tzu-Hsuan Hsu, Han-Chi Liu, Ching-Chun Wang
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Patent number: 8436442Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave detecting element that can prevent a decrease in light utilization efficiency at sensor portions. The sensor portions are provided so as to correspond to respective intersection portions of scan lines and signal lines, and have semiconductor layer that generate charges due to electromagnetic waves being irradiated, and at whose electromagnetic wave irradiation surface sides upper electrodes are formed, and at whose electromagnetic wave non-irradiation surface sides lower electrodes are formed. Bias voltage is supplied to the respective upper electrodes via respective contact holes by a common electrode line that is formed further toward an electromagnetic wave downstream side than the semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Okada
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Patent number: 8435823Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device including forming a mask with apertures corresponding to a pixel pattern on the surface of a semiconductor layer, implanting second-conductivity-type impurity ions into the semiconductor layer from the front side of the layer to form second-conductivity-type photoelectric conversion parts and forming a part where no ion has been implanted into a pixel separation region, forming at the surface of the semiconductor layer a signal scanning circuit for reading light signals obtained at the photoelectric conversion parts after removing the mask, and removing the semiconductor substrate and a buried insulating layer from the semiconductor layer after causing a support substrate to adhere to the front side of the semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Hirofumi Yamashita
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Patent number: 8431429Abstract: A method of fabricating a backside illuminated imaging sensor that includes a device layer, a metal stack, and an opening is disclosed. The device layer has an imaging array formed in a front side of the device layer, where the imaging array is adapted to receive light from a back side of the device layer. The metal stack is coupled to the front side of the device layer and includes at least one metal interconnect layer having a metal pad. The opening extends from the back side of the device layer to the metal pad to expose the metal pad for wire bonding. The method includes depositing a film on the back side of the device layer and within the opening, then etching the film to form a frame within the opening to structurally reinforce the metal pad.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes, Duli Mao, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian
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Patent number: 8431975Abstract: A back side illumination (BSI) image sensor includes at least one pixel. The pixel area includes a photo diode and a transfer transistor. The transfer transistor has a control electrode made of a gate poly and a gate oxide for receiving a control instruction, a first electrode coupled to the photo diode, and a second electrode, wherein an induced conduction channel of the transfer transistor partially surrounds a recessed space which is filled with the gate poly and the gate oxide of the transfer transistor.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Himax Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Chih-Wei Hsiung, Fang-Ming Huang, Chung-Wei Chang
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Patent number: 8426238Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device is provided. A first pixel isolation member is formed in a semiconductor substrate including pixels by implanting impurity ions in a first region of the substrate to separate pixels in the first region from each other when viewed from a surface of the substrate. A second pixel isolation member is also formed in the substrate by forming a trench in a second region of the substrate different from the first region to separate pixels in the second region from each other, and filling the trench with an electroconductive material harder to polish by CMP than the substrate. The thickness of the substrate is reduced by CMP on a rear surface of the substrate using the second pixel isolation member as a stopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kenichi Nishizawa, Hiroshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 8421134Abstract: A back side illumination image sensor reduced in chip size has a capacitor disposed in a vertical upper portion of a pixel region in the back side illumination image sensor in which light is illuminated from a back side of a subscriber, thereby reducing a chip size, and a method for manufacturing the back side illumination image sensor. The capacitor of the back side illumination image sensor reduced in chip size is formed in the vertical upper portion of the pixel region, not in the outside of a pixel region, so that the outside area of the pixel region for forming the capacitor is not required, thereby reducing a chip size.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Siliconfile Technologies Inc.Inventors: In Gyun Jeon, Se Jung Oh, Heui Gyun Ahn, Jun Ho Won
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Patent number: 8415725Abstract: A solid-state imaging device including: a substrate; a light-receiving part; a second-conductivity-type isolation layer; a detection transistor; and a reset transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Isao Hirota
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Publication number: 20130069188Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a camera assembly including a rear-facing camera and a front-facing camera operatively coupled together (e.g., bonded, stacked on a common substrate). In some embodiments of the invention, a system having an array of frontside illuminated (FSI) imaging pixels is bonded to a system having an array of backside illuminated (BSI) imaging pixels, creating a camera assembly with a minimal size (e.g., a reduced thickness compared to prior art solutions). An FSI image sensor wafer may be used as a handle wafer for a BSI image sensor wafer when it is thinned, thereby decreasing the thickness of the overall camera module. According to other embodiments of the invention, two package dies, one a BSI image sensor, the other an FSI image sensor, are stacked on a common substrate such as a printed circuit board, and are operatively coupled together via redistribution layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Gang Chen, Ashish Shah, Duli Mao, Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes
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Patent number: 8390089Abstract: Provided is a back side illuminated image sensor device. The image sensor device includes a substrate having a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The image sensor also includes a radiation-detection device that is formed in the substrate. The radiation-detection device is operable to detect a radiation wave that enters the substrate through the back side. The image sensor further includes a deep trench isolation feature that is disposed adjacent to the radiation-detection device. The image sensor device further includes a doped layer that at least partially surrounds the deep trench isolation feature in a conformal manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Szu-Ying Chen, Chun-Chieh Chuang, Jen-Cheng Liu, Dun-Nian Yaung
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Patent number: 8384176Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion section which is provided for each pixel and which converts light incident on a first surface of a substrate into signal charges, a circuit region which reads signal charges accumulated by the photoelectric conversion section, a multilayer film including an insulating film and a wiring film, the multilayer film being disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and a transmission-preventing film disposed at least between the wiring film in the multilayer film and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masakazu Furukawa, Keiji Mabuchi
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Patent number: 8384178Abstract: In a rear surface incidence type CMOS image sensor having a wiring layer 720 on a first surface (front surface) of an epitaxial substrate 710 in which a photodiode, a reading circuit (an n-type region 750 and an n+ type region 760) and the like are disposed, and a light receiving plane in a second surface (rear surface), the photodiode and a P-type well region 740 on the periphery of the photodiode are disposed in a layer structure that does not reach the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate, and an electric field is formed within the substrate 710 to properly lead electrons entering from the rear surface (light receiving surface) of the substrate to the photodiode. The electric field is realized by providing a concentration gradient in a direction of depth of the epitaxial substrate 710. Alternatively, the electric field can be realized by providing a rear-surface electrode 810 or 840 for sending a current.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keiji Mabuchi
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Patent number: 8378399Abstract: According to one embodiment, a backside illumination solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor layer, a first light-receiving unit and a second light-receiving unit, a circuit unit, an impurity isolation layer, and a light-shielding film. A first light-receiving unit and a second light-receiving unit are formed adjacent to each other in the semiconductor layer, convert light applied from a lower surface side of the semiconductor layer into a signal, and store electric charges. A circuit unit is formed on an upper surface of the semiconductor layer. An impurity isolation layer is formed to reach to the upper surface from the lower surface in the semiconductor layer and isolates the first light-receiving unit from the second light-receiving unit. A light-shielding film is formed on part of the lower surface side in the impurity isolation layer so as to extend from the lower surface to the upper surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Motohiro Maeda
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Patent number: 8373243Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging sensor with a seal ring support includes an epitaxial layer having an imaging array formed in a front side of the epitaxial layer. A metal stack is coupled to the front side of the epitaxial layer, wherein the metal stack includes a seal ring formed in an edge region of the imaging sensor. An opening is included that extends from the back side of the epitaxial layer to a metal pad of the seal ring to expose the metal pad. The seal ring support is disposed on the metal pad and within the opening to structurally support the seal ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian, Duli Mao, Keh-Chiang Ku
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Publication number: 20130032920Abstract: An image sensor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a front side and a backside. A first dielectric layer is on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. A metal pad is in the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric layer is over the first dielectric layer and on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. An opening penetrates through the semiconductor substrate from the backside of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the opening includes a first portion extending to expose a portion of the metal pad and a second portion extending to expose a portion of the second dielectric layer. A metal layer is formed in the first portion and the second portion of the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Jeng-Shyan Lin, Dun-Nian Yaung, Jen-Cheng Liu, Wen-De Wang, Shuang-Ji Tsai, Yueh-Chiou Lin
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Publication number: 20130032921Abstract: An image sensor includes a photosensitive region disposed within a semiconductor layer and a stress adjusting layer. The photosensitive region is sensitive to light incident through a first side of the image sensor to collect an image charge. The stress adjusting layer is disposed over the first side of the semiconductor layer to establish a stress characteristic that encourages photo-generated charge carriers to migrate towards the photosensitive region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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Patent number: 8368157Abstract: Image sensors with backside illumination image pixel arrays are provided. An image pixel array may have image pixels that are formed on a silicon substrate having front and back surfaces. The pixel array may have photodiodes formed in the front surface. A dielectric stack may be formed on the front surface. The dielectric stack may include interconnect structures and reflective light guides. A color filter array may be formed on the back surface of the substrate. Microlenses may be formed on the color filter array from the side facing the back surface. The pixel array may receive incoming light through the microlenses. The incoming light may enter the substrate through the back surface. The incoming light may penetrate the substrate and may be reflected by a light reflector in the reflective light guide back towards the photodiode. The image pixel array may exhibit improved quantum efficiency, sensitivity, and image contrast.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Aptina Imaging CoporationInventor: Victor Lenchenkov
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Publication number: 20130026548Abstract: An image sensor includes front-side and backside photodetectors of a first conductivity type disposed in a substrate layer of the first conductivity type. A front-side pinning layer of a second conductivity type is connected to a first contact. The first contact receives a predetermined potential. A backside pinning layer of the second conductivity type is connected to a second contact. The second contact receives an adjustable and programmable potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventors: John P. McCarten, Robert Michael Guidash
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Patent number: 8357984Abstract: An array of pixels is formed using a substrate, where each pixel has a substrate having a backside and a frontside that includes metalization layers, a photodiode formed in the substrate, frontside P-wells formed using frontside processing that are adjacent to the photosensitive region, and an N-type region formed in the substrate below the photodiode. The N-type region is formed in a region of the substrate below the photodiode and is formed at least in part in a region of the substrate that is deeper than the depth of the frontside P-wells.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Duli Mao, Sohei Manabe, Vincent Venezia, Hsin-Chih Tai, Hidetoshi Nozaki, Yin Qian, Howard E. Rhodes
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Publication number: 20130001725Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a backside illuminated image sensor that includes providing a device substrate having a frontside and a backside, where pixels are formed at the frontside and an interconnect structure is formed over pixels, forming a re-distribution layer (RDL) over the interconnect structure, bonding a first glass substrate to the RDL, thinning and processing the device substrate from the backside, bonding a second glass substrate to the backside, removing the first glass substrate, and reusing the first glass substrate for fabricating another backside-illuminated image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Kuan-Chieh Huang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Chih-Jen Wu, Chen-Ming Huang
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Publication number: 20130001733Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging apparatus is provided. The method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging apparatus includes forming an element separating area separating photoelectric converting elements therebetween by epitaxially growing a semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; and forming a charge accumulating area in the photoelectric converting element by epitaxially growing a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Ryota WATANABE
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Patent number: 8339494Abstract: An image sensor includes front-side and backside photodetectors of a first conductivity type disposed in a substrate layer of the first conductivity type. A front-side pinning layer of a second conductivity type is connected to a first contact. The first contact receives a predetermined potential. A backside pinning layer of the second conductivity type is connected to a second contact. The second contact receives an adjustable and programmable potential.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Truesense Imaging, Inc.Inventors: John P. McCarten, Robert Michael Guidash
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Patent number: 8324702Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion section which is provided for each pixel and which converts light incident on a first surface of a substrate into signal charges, a circuit region which reads signal charges accumulated by the photoelectric conversion section, a multilayer film including an insulating film and a wiring film, the multilayer film being disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and a transmission-preventing film disposed at least between the wiring film in the multilayer film and the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Masakazu Furukawa, Keiji Mabuchi
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Patent number: 8319867Abstract: In a case when a structure of forming a p+ layer on a substrate rear surface side is employed in order to prevent dark current generation from the silicon boundary surface, various problems occur. According to this invention, an insulation film 39 is provided on a rear surface on a silicon substrate 31 and a transparent electrode 40 is further provided thereon, and by applying a negative voltage with respect to the potential of the silicon substrate 31 from a voltage supply source 41 to the insulation film 39 through the transparent electrode 40, positive holes are accumulated on a silicon boundary surface of the substrate rear surface side and a structure equivalent to a state in which a positive hole accumulation layer exists on aforesaid silicon boundary surface is to be created. Thus, various problems in the related art can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Keiji Mabuchi, Nobuhiro Karasawa
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Patent number: 8314469Abstract: An image sensor structure and a method for making the image sensor structure, for avoiding or mitigating lens shading effect. The image sensor structure includes a substrate, a sensor array disposed at the surface of the substrate, a dielectric layer covering the sensor array, wherein the dielectric layer includes a top surface having a dishing structure, an under layer filled into the dishing structure and having a refraction index greater than that of the dielectric layer, a filter array disposed on the under layer corresponding to the sensor array, and a microlens array disposed above the filter array. A top layer may be additionally disposed to cover the filter array and the microlens array is disposed on the top layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Cheng-Hung Yu
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Publication number: 20120261783Abstract: A back-side illuminated image sensor formed from a thinned semiconductor substrate, wherein: a transparent conductive electrode, insulated from the substrate by an insulating layer, extends over the entire rear surface of the substrate; and conductive regions, insulated from the substrate by an insulating coating, extend perpendicularly from the front surface of the substrate to the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicants: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: Jens PRIMA, François ROY, Michel MARTY
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Publication number: 20120261784Abstract: A method for forming a back-side illuminated image sensor from a semiconductor substrate, including the steps of: a) forming, from the front surface of the substrate, areas of same conductivity type as the substrate but of higher doping level, extending deep under the front surface, these areas being bordered with insulating regions orthogonal to the front surface; b) thinning the substrate from the rear surface to the vicinity of these areas and all the way to the insulating regions; c) partially hollowing out the insulating regions on the rear to surface side; and d) performing a laser surface anneal of the rear surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicants: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: François Roy, Michel Marty
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Patent number: 8288837Abstract: A semiconductor radiation detector comprises a bulk layer of semiconductor material, and on a first surface of the bulk layer in the following order: a modified internal gate layer of semiconductor of second conductivity type, a barrier layer of semiconductor of first conductivity type and pixel dopings of semiconductor of the second conductivity type. The pixel dopings are adapted to be coupled to at least one pixel voltage in order to create pixels corresponding to pixel dopings. The device comprises a first conductivity type first contact. Said pixel voltage is defined as a potential difference between the pixel doping and the first contact. The bulk layer is of the first conductivity type. On a second surface of the bulk layer opposite to the first surface, there is nonconductive back side layer that would transport secondary charges outside the active area of the device or function as the radiation entry window.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Artto Aurola
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Patent number: 8283745Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a backside illuminated image sensor that includes providing a device substrate having a frontside and a backside, where pixels are formed at the frontside and an interconnect structure is formed over pixels, forming a re-distribution layer (RDL) over the interconnect structure, bonding a first glass substrate to the RDL, thinning and processing the device substrate from the backside, bonding a second glass substrate to the backside, removing the first glass substrate, and reusing the first glass substrate for fabricating another backside-illuminated image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kuan-Chieh Huang, Dun-Nian Yaung, Chih-Jen Wu, Chen-Ming Huang
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Publication number: 20120235271Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a solid-state image sensing device including a photodiode in which a semiconductor region of a first conductivity type formed on a substrate and a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type which is different from the first conductivity type is made as a PN junction. The semiconductor region of the first conductivity type has a first semiconductor region and a plurality of second semiconductor regions. Either of the first semiconductor region and each of the second semiconductor regions is formed by a material containing Si as a main component. The other of the first semiconductor region and each of the second semiconductor regions is formed by a material containing Si1-xGex (0<x?1) as a main component. Each of the plurality of second semiconductor regions is provided in a shape of an island over the first semiconductor region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Hisayo MOMOSE
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Patent number: 8247852Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging sensor with reinforced pad structure includes a device layer, a metal stack, an opening and a frame. The device layer has an imaging array formed in a front side of the device layer and the imaging array is adapted to receive light from a back side of the device layer. The metal stack is coupled to the front side of the device layer where the metal stack includes at least one metal interconnect layer having a metal pad. The opening extends from the back side of the device layer to the metal pad to expose the metal pad for wire bonding. The frame is disposed within the opening to structurally reinforce the metal pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Howard E. Rhodes, Duli Mao, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian
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Publication number: 20120181552Abstract: Photodetector arrays, image sensors, and other apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a surface to receive light, a plurality of photosensitive regions disposed within a substrate, and a material coupled between the surface and the plurality of photosensitive regions. The material may receive the light. At least some of the light may free electrons in the material. The apparatus may also include a plurality of discrete electron repulsive elements. The discrete electron repulsive elements may be coupled between the surface and the material. Each of the discrete electron repulsive elements may correspond to a different photosensitive region. Each of the discrete electron repulsive elements may repel electrons in the material toward a corresponding photosensitive region. Other apparatus are also disclosed, as are methods of use, methods of fabrication, and systems incorporating such apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventor: Hidetoshi Nozaki
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Publication number: 20120175722Abstract: A backside illuminated imaging sensor with a seal ring support includes an epitaxial layer having an imaging array formed in a front side of the epitaxial layer. A metal stack is coupled to the front side of the epitaxial layer, wherein the metal stack includes a seal ring formed in an edge region of the imaging sensor. An opening is included that extends from the back side of the epitaxial layer to a metal pad of the seal ring to expose the metal pad. The seal ring support is disposed on the metal pad and within the opening to structurally support the seal ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: OMNIVISION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Vincent Venezia, Yin Qian, Duli Mao, Keh-Chiang Ku
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Patent number: 8212328Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor includes a light receiving element disposed in a first substrate, an interlayer insulation layer disposed on the first substrate having the light receiving element, an align key spaced apart from the light receiving element and passing through the interlayer insulation layer and the first substrate, a plurality of interconnection layers disposed on the interlayer insulation layer in a multi-layered structure, wherein the backside of the lowermost interconnection layer is connected to the align key, a passivation layer covering the interconnection layers, a pad locally disposed on the backside of the first substrate and connected to the backside of the align key, a light anti-scattering layer disposed on the backside of the substrate having the pad, and a color filter and a microlens disposed on the light anti-scattering layer to face the light receiving element.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLCInventor: Sung-Gyu Pyo
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Patent number: 8198695Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keiji Mabuchi
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Patent number: 8198694Abstract: A back-illuminated type solid-state imaging device including (a) a semiconductor layer on a front surface side of a semiconductor substrate with an insulation film between them; (b) a photoelectric conversion element that constitutes a pixel in the semiconductor substrate; (c) at least part of transistors that constitute the pixel in the semiconductor film; and (d) a rear surface electrode to which a voltage is applied on the rear surface side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein, (1) a semiconductor layer of an opposite conduction type to a charge accumulation portion of the photoelectric conversion element is formed in the semiconductor substrate under the insulation film, and (2) the same voltage as the voltage applied to the rear surface electrode is applied to the semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keiji Mabuchi