Pixel-elements With Integrated Switching, Control, Storage, Or Amplification Elements (epo) Patents (Class 257/E27.132)
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Patent number: 8471316Abstract: An isolation area that provides additional active area between semiconductor devices on an integrated circuit is described. In one embodiment, the invention includes a complementary metal oxide semiconductor transistor of an image sensor having a source, a drain, and a gate between the source and the drain, the transistor having a channel to couple the source and the drain under the influence of the gate, and an isolation barrier surrounding a periphery of the source and the drain to isolate the source and the drain from other devices, wherein the isolation barrier is distanced from the central portion of the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-Chih Tai, Keh-Chiang Ku, Duli Mao, Vincent Venezia, Gang Chen
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Patent number: 8471315Abstract: The invention describes a solid-state CMOS image sensor array and in particular describes in detail image sensor array pixels having global and rolling shutter capabilities that are using a dual channel transfer-storage gate for charge transfer from a PD to a TX gate well and from the TX gate well onto a FD. The dual channels are stacked above each other where a shallow charge channel is used to drain surface generated dark current away from the pixel structure, while a buried bulk channel provides for standard charge transfer and storage functions. This feature thus improves the sensor noise performance and prevents signal contamination and various shading effects caused by the dark current buildup during a prolonged charge storage sequence in pixels of image sensor arrays using the global shutter mode of operation. Several embodiment of this concept are described including pixels which utilize shared circuitry, a complete PD reset capability, and an efficient anti-blooming control.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventors: Jaroslav Hynecek, Hirofumi Komori
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Patent number: 8466533Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8460993Abstract: A method for fabricating a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes providing a semi-finished substrate, forming a patterned blocking layer over a photodiode region of the substrate, implanting impurities on regions other than the photodiode region using a mask while the patterned blocking layer remains, and removing the mask.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLCInventor: Han-Seob Cha
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Patent number: 8461660Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms to improve potential well characteristics in a pixel cell. In an embodiment, a coupling portion of a pixel cell couples a reset transistor of the pixel cell to a floating diffusion node of the pixel cell, the reset transistor to reset a voltage of the floating diffusion node. In another embodiment, the pixel cell includes a shield line which extends athwart the coupling portion, where the shield line is to reduce a parasitic capacitance of the reset transistor to the floating diffusion node.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Omnivision Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Sohei Manabe
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Patent number: 8450780Abstract: Disclosed is a solid-state image sensor including a photoelectric converter, a charge detector, and a transfer transistor. The photoelectric converter stores a signal charge that is subjected to photoelectric conversion. The charge detector detects the signal charge. The transfer transistor transfers the signal charge from the photoelectric converter to the charge detector. In the solid-state image sensor, the transfer transistor includes a gate insulating film, a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film, a first spacer formed on a sidewall of the gate electrode on a side of the photoelectric converter, and a second spacer formed on another sidewall of the gate electrode on a side of the charge detector. The first spacer is longer than the second spacer.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tetsuya Oishi
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Patent number: 8440484Abstract: For forming a gate electrode, a conductive film with low resistance including Al or a material containing Al as its main component and a conductive film with low contact resistance for preventing diffusion of Al into a semiconductor layer are laminated, and the gate electrode is fabricated by using an apparatus which is capable of performing etching treatment at high speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideomi Suzawa, Koji Ono, Yoshihiro Kusuyama
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Patent number: 8441090Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8421133Abstract: A detector module, in particular for super-resolution satellites, contains a multi-chip carrier. At least one TDI-CCD detector and at least one CMOS chip are arranged on the multi-chip carrier, and are electrically connected to one another. The CMOS chip contains at least the digital output electronics for the TDI-CCD detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt E.V.Inventor: Andreas Eckardt
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Patent number: 8415724Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a photoelectric conversion unit with a semiconductor region of a first conduction type, an amplifying transistor, and a contact. The contact supplies, via a semiconductor region of a second conduction type arranged along a side surface and a bottom surface of an element isolation region, a reference voltage to the semiconductor region of the second conduction-type arranged below source and drain regions of the amplifying transistor in a region below a gate electrode of the amplifying transistor.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichiro Iwata, Hidekazu Takahashi
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Patent number: 8410532Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state imaging device comprising: a semiconductor substrate having a pixel region and a peripheral circuit region; a multilayer wiring layer including layers of wiring and an interlayer film interposed therebetween, and disposed above the semiconductor substrate to cover the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region except areas above the photoelectric conversion elements; a waveguide member filling the areas above the photoelectric conversion elements (waveguides) and covering the multilayer wiring layer at least within the pixel region; and an optical structure (composed of a color filter material and a lens material) disposed above the waveguide member within the pixel region, wherein a groove is formed by removing a portion of the waveguide member from an area within the pixel region that is in a border between the pixel region and the peripheral circuit region.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporaitonInventors: Shoichiro Tsuji, Kazuhiro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20130062593Abstract: Frontside-illuminated barrier infrared photodetector devices and methods of fabrication are disclosed. In one embodiment, a frontside-illuminated barrier infrared photodetector includes a transparent carrier substrate, and a plurality of pixels. Each pixel of the plurality of pixels includes an absorber layer, a barrier layer on the absorber layer, a collector layer on the barrier layer, and a backside electrical contact coupled to the absorber layer. Each pixel has a frontside and a backside. The absorber layer and the barrier layer are non-continuous across the plurality of pixels, and the barrier layer of each pixel is closer to a scene than the absorber layer of each pixel. A plurality of frontside common electrical contacts is coupled to the frontside of the plurality of pixels, wherein the frontside of the plurality of pixels and the plurality of frontside common electrical contacts are bonded to the transparent carrier substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics CorporationInventors: Robert A. Jones, David Forrai, Richard L. Rawe, JR.
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Patent number: 8390043Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided. The solid-state imaging device includes a pixel section, a peripheral circuit section, a silicide blocking layer formed in the pixel section except for part or whole of an area above an isolation portion in the pixel section, and a metal-silicided transistor formed in the peripheral circuit section.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keji Tatani
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Patent number: 8390124Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device including a substrate, and a first wiring layer, a second wiring layer, and a switch via formed on the substrate. The first wiring layer has first wiring formed therein and the second wiring layer has second wiring formed therein. The switch via connects the first wiring and the second wiring. The switch via includes at least at its bottom a switch element including a resistance change layer. A resistance value of the resistance change layer changes according to a history of an electric field applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Naoya Inoue, Yoshihiro Hayashi, Kishou Kaneko
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Publication number: 20130049151Abstract: Interconnect structures suitable for use in connecting anode-illuminated detector modules to downstream circuitry are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the interconnect structures are based on or include low atomic number or polymeric features and/or are formed at a density or thickness so as to minimize or reduce radiation attenuation by the interconnect structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vladimir A. Lobastov, Kevin Matthew Durocher, John Eric Tkaczyk, James Wilson Rose, Paul Alan McConnelee
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Patent number: 8383448Abstract: A method of fabricating an MOS device is provided. First, gates and source/drain regions of transistors are formed on a substrate. A photodiode doped region and a floating node doped region are formed in the substrate. Thereafter, a spacer stacked layer including a bottom layer, an inter-layer and a top layer is formed to cover each gate of the transistors. Afterwards, a first mask layer having an opening exposing at least the photodiode doped region is formed on the substrate, and then the top layer exposed by the opening is removed. Next, the first mask layer is removed, and then a second mask layer is formed on a region correspondingly exposed by the opening. A portion of the top layer and the inter-layer exposed by the second mask layer is removed to form spacers on sidewalls of the gates.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Ching-Hung Kao
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Patent number: 8384085Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device in which characteristics of a driver circuit portion are improved while the aperture ratio of a pixel portion is increased. Alternatively, it is an object to provide a semiconductor device with low power consumption or to provide a semiconductor device in which the threshold voltage of a transistor can be controlled. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having an insulating surface, a pixel portion provided over the substrate, and at least some of driver circuits for driving the pixel portion. A transistor included in the pixel portion and a transistor included in the driver circuit are top-gate bottom-contact transistors. Electrodes and a semiconductor layer of the transistor in the pixel portion have light-transmitting properties. The resistance of electrodes in the driver circuit is lower than the electrodes included in the transistor in the pixel portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hajime Kimura, Junichiro Sakata, Kohei Toyotaka
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Patent number: 8378401Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells each including a plurality of photoelectric sections arranged in an array of at least two rows and two columns; a plurality of floating diffusion sections each being connected to each of ones of the photoelectric sections which are included in the same row of each said photoelectric conversion cell via each of a plurality of transfer transistors, and being shared by said ones of the photoelectric sections; a plurality of read-out lines each being selectively connected to at least two of the transfer transistors; and a plurality of pixel amplifier transistors each detecting and outputting the potential of each said the floating diffusion section. Charges of the photoelectric conversion sections each being connected to one of the read-out lines and being read out by the transfer transistors are read out by different floating diffusion sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mitsuyoshi Mori, Takumi Yamaguchi, Takahiko Murata
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Publication number: 20130032917Abstract: This invention provides a solid-state image sensing apparatus in which a sensor portion that performs photo-electric conversion and plural layers of wiring lines including a signal line for the sensor portion are formed on a semiconductor substrate; which includes an effective pixel portion configured such that light enters the sensor portion, and an optical black portion shielded so that the light does not enter the sensor portion; and which has a light-receiving surface on the back surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The optical black portion includes the sensor portion, a first light-shielding film formed closer to the back surface side of the semiconductor substrate than the sensor portion, and a second light-shielding film formed closer to the front surface side of the semiconductor substrate than the sensor portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Keiji Nagata
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Patent number: 8344391Abstract: An integrated circuit including a substrate of a semiconductor material and first metal portions of a first metallization level or of a first via level defining pixels of an image. The pixels are distributed in first pixels, for each of which the first metal portion is connected to the substrate, and in second pixels, for each of which the first metal portion is separated from the substrate by at least one insulating portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SASInventors: Pascal Fornara, Fabrice Marinet
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Publication number: 20120319224Abstract: An object is to provide a solid state image pickup device and a camera which do not worsen a sensor performance in terms of an optical property, a saturated charge amount and the like. A solid state image sensor including a pixel region having a plurality of pixels includes at least a photodiode and an amplifying portion amplifying photocharges outputted from the photodiode in the pixel region, and further includes a well electrode for taking well potential of a well region in which the amplifying portion is arranged. Between the well electrode and the photodiode, no element isolation regions by an insulation film are arranged. Moreover, on the surface of a first semiconductor region in which the photodiode stores the charges, a second semiconductor layer of a conductivity type reverse to that of the first semiconductor region is arranged.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: TORU KOIZUMI
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Publication number: 20120319225Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to photovoltaic cells. Specifically, the present invention relates to photovoltaic (PV) cells configurable for energy conversion and imaging. In a typical embodiment, each photovoltaic cell (PV) in the photovoltaic array is divided into a pixel-based array. Each photovoltaic cell is coupled to a set of switches and the photovoltaic cell is dynamically configured for energy conversion or imaging based on the settings of at least one of the switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: Moon J. Kim
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Publication number: 20120312967Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pixel includes a first stage coupled to a second stage. The second stage includes a sampling capacitor and a subtraction capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Yannick De Wit, Tom A. Walschap, Tomas Geurts
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Patent number: 8330162Abstract: A pixel structure includes a drain extension portion disposed on an islanding semiconductor layer, wherein the islanding semiconductor layer is formed together with a thin-film transistor channel layer. Therefore, the total thickness of the islanding semiconductor layer and the drain extension portion is increased, such that the distance between the gate line and the drain extension portion is enlarged, and the coupling capacitance between the gate line and the drain extension portion can be lowered. Therefore, the display panel with the pixel structure of the present invention can have low coupling capacitance so as to improve the flicker phenomena obviously.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.Inventors: Ssu-Lin Yen, Chia-Ming Chiang
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Patent number: 8299513Abstract: An image sensor includes a photosensitive element, a reset circuit, an amplifier transistor, and a current source. The photosensitive element is coupled to generate an image charge in response to incident light and transfer the image charge to a circuit node. The reset circuit is coupled to selectively reset a voltage at the circuit node. The amplifier transistor includes a gate terminal responsive to the voltage at the circuit node. A current source is coupled between a high level power rail and a second terminal of the amplifier transistor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Tiejun Dai
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Patent number: 8298851Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided. The solid-state imaging device includes a pixel section, a peripheral circuit section, a silicide blocking layer formed in the pixel section except for part or whole of an area above an isolation portion in the pixel section, and a metal-silicided transistor formed in the peripheral circuit section.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Keiji Tatani
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Patent number: 8294232Abstract: An optical detector includes a detector surface operable to receive light, a depleted field region coupled to the underside of the detector surface, a charge collection node underlying the depleted field region, an active pixel area that includes the portion of the depleted field region above the charge collection node and below the detector surface, and two or more guard regions coupled to the underside of the detector surface and outside of the active pixel area. The depleted field region includes an intrinsic or a near-intrinsic material. The charge collection node has a first width, and the guard regions are separated by a second width that is greater than the first width of the charge collection node. The guard regions are operable to prevent crosstalk to an adjacent optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: John L. Vampola, Sean P. Kilcoyne, Robert E. Mills, Kenton T. Veeder
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Publication number: 20120241768Abstract: An optical sensor circuit (20) includes a transistor (20c) and a transistor (20d). The transistor (20c) is connected in series with the transistor (20d). The transistor (20d) is configured to receive light. A black matrix is provided so as to face the transistor (20c). A voltage generated at a connecting point (i.e., node (netB)) of the transistor (20d) and the transistor (20c) varies depending on intensity of light received via the transistor (20d).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsuhito Murai, Kazunori Morimoto, Yukihiko Nishiyama, Hajime Imai, Hideki Kitagawa
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Publication number: 20120242624Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thin film transistor fabricating method including a simplified step of forming contact holes. This method involves previously removing a gate insulating film (115) on a gate electrode (110) which is not covered with a channel layer (120) in a TFT (100). Hence, an insulating film formed on the gate electrode (110) which is not covered with the channel layer (120) becomes equal in thickness to an insulating film formed on a source region (120a) and a drain region (120b). Therefore, a contact hole (155) reaching a surface of the gate electrode (110) can be formed simultaneously with a contact hole (135a) reaching a surface of the source region (120a) and a contact hole (135b) reaching a surface of the drain region (120b).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuhide Tomiyasu, Hidehito Kitakado, Tadayoshi Miyamoto
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Patent number: 8274105Abstract: An object is to provide a solid state image pickup device and a camera which do not worsen a sensor performance in terms of an optical property, a saturated charge amount and the like. A solid state image sensor including a pixel region having a plurality of pixels includes at least a photodiode and an amplifying portion amplifying photocharges outputted from the photodiode in the pixel region, and further includes a well electrode for taking well potential of a well region in which the amplifying portion is arranged. Between the well electrode and the photodiode, no element isolation regions by an insulation film are arranged. Moreover, on the surface of a first semiconductor region in which the photodiode stores the charges, a second semiconductor layer of a conductivity type reverse to that of the first semiconductor region is arranged.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toru Koizumi
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Patent number: 8274126Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Publication number: 20120236190Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array and an infrared light eliminating portion. The pixel array has a plurality of pixel cells arranged as being array-shaped. The pixel array detects a signal level of each color light as being shared for each pixel cell. The infrared light eliminating portion eliminates infrared light from light proceeding toward a photoelectric conversion element. The infrared light eliminating portion is arranged for each pixel cell. The infrared light eliminating portion has selection wavelength being set in accordance with color light to be a detection target of the pixel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takayuki OGASAHARA, Risako Ueno
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Patent number: 8269260Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8269302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hui Tian, Edward Sargent
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Patent number: 8258560Abstract: This describes color filter arrangements for image sensor arrays that are formed using image sensor pixels with stacked photo-diodes. The stacked photo-diodes may include first and second photo-diodes and may have the ability to separate color signal according to the depth of carrier generation in a silicon substrate. A single color filter may be formed over the stacked photo-diodes to provide full red-green-blue sensing capability. Charge drain regions may also be formed at different depths in the silicon substrate. If the charge drain regions are formed beneath the stacked photo-diodes in the substrate, full red-green-blue color sensing may be achieved without the use of color filters.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventor: Jaroslav Hynecek
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Publication number: 20120217605Abstract: A semiconductor device having a solid-state image sensor which can prevent inter-pixel crosstalk more reliably. The device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a main surface; a first conductivity type impurity layer located over the main surface of the substrate; a photoelectric transducer including a first conductivity type impurity region and a second conductivity type impurity region which are joined to each other over the first conductivity type impurity layer; and transistors which configure a unit pixel including the photoelectric transducer and are electrically coupled to the photoelectric transducer. At least part of the area around the photoelectric transducer in a plan view contains an air gap and also has an isolation insulating layer for electrically insulating the photoelectric transducer and a photoelectric transducer adjacent to it from each other. The isolation insulating layer abuts on the top surface of the first conductivity type impurity layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventor: Tatsuya KUNIKIYO
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Patent number: 8253174Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) structure is implemented. This embodiment is much less sensitive than conventional TFTs to alignment errors and substrate distortion. In such a configuration, there is no need to define gate features, so the layout is simplified. Moreover, the gate layer may be patterned by several inexpensive printing or non-printing methods.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Jurgen H. Daniel, Ana Claudia Arias
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Patent number: 8253178Abstract: An example complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes an epitaxial layer, an array of pixels, and a trench capacitor. The array of pixels are formed on a front side of the epitaxial layer in an pixel array area of the image sensor. The array of pixels includes one or more shallow trench isolation structures disposed between adjacent pixels for isolating the pixels in the pixel array area. The trench capacitor is formed on the front side of the epitaxial layer in a peripheral circuitry area of the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rongsheng Yang, Zhiqiang Lin
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Patent number: 8237206Abstract: A CMOS image sensor, in which an implantation process is performed on substrate under isolation structures each disposed between two adjacent photosensor cell structures. The implantation process is a destructive implantation to form lattice effects/trap centers. No defect repair process is carried out after the implantation process is performed. The implants can reside at the isolation structures or in the substrate under the isolation structures. Dark leakage and crosstalk are thus suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventor: Hsin-Ping Wu
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Patent number: 8232616Abstract: A solid state imaging device includes an array of pixels, each of the pixels includes: a pixel electrode; an organic layer; a counter electrode; a sealing layer; a color filter; and a readout circuit as defined herein, the photoelectric layer contains an organic p type semiconductor and an organic n type semiconductor, an ionization potential of the charge blocking layer and an electron affinity of the organic n type semiconductor in the photoelectric layer have a difference of at least 1 eV, and the solid-state imaging device further includes a transparent partition wall between adjacent color filters of adjacent pixels of the array of pixels, the partition wall being made from a transparent material having a lower refractive index than a material forming the color filters.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventors: Yoshiki Maehara, Takashi Goto, Hideyuki Suzuki, Daigo Sawaki
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Patent number: 8218043Abstract: The prevent invention is to provide a solid-state imaging device having a electrode configuration applicable to a progressive scan, and able to reduce a obstruction of incident light at the periphery of a light receiving portion, a method of producing the same, a camera including the same. A first transfer electrode, a second transfer electrode, and a third transfer electrode which have a single layer transfer electrode configuration are repeatedly arranged in a vertical direction. The first transfer electrodes are connected in a horizontal direction by an inter-pixel interconnection formed in the same layer. Shunt interconnections are formed in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction above the transfer layers. The shunt interconnection connected to the second transfer interconnection is formed on the inter-pixel interconnection. The shunt interconnection connected to the third transfer electrode is formed above the transfer electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hideo Kanbe
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Publication number: 20120154337Abstract: A semiconductor device with high definition, which includes a plurality of sets each including a photosensor and a display element including a light-emitting element arranged in a matrix is provided, wherein a power supply line electrically connected to the display element also serves as a power supply line electrically connected to the photosensor. Thus, the semiconductor device with high definition can be provided without decreasing the width of each power supply line. Thus, the definition of the semiconductor device can be improved while securing the stability of the potential of the power supply line. The stability of the potential of the power supply line leads to the stability of the driving voltage of the display element and the stability of the driving voltage of the photosensor. Accordingly, the semiconductor device with high definition, high display quality, and high accuracy of imaging or detection of an object can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Yoshiyuki KUROKAWA, Takayuki IKEDA, Takeshi AOKI
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Patent number: 8203195Abstract: Optically sensitive devices include a device comprising a first contact and a second contact, each having a work function, and an optically sensitive material between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material comprises a p-type semiconductor, and the optically sensitive material has a work function. Circuitry applies a bias voltage between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material has an electron lifetime that is greater than the electron transit time from the first contact to the second contact when the bias is applied between the first contact and the second contact. The first contact provides injection of electrons and blocking the extraction of holes. The interface between the first contact and the optically sensitive material provides a surface recombination velocity less than 1 cm/s.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: InVisage Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Igor Constantin Ivanov, Edward Hartley Sargent, Hui Tian
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Patent number: 8188519Abstract: A solid-state imaging device that includes: a pixel array section configured by an array of a unit pixel, including an optoelectronic conversion section that subjects an incoming light to optoelectronic conversion and stores therein a signal charge, a transfer transistor that transfers the signal charge stored in the optoelectronic conversion section, a charge-voltage conversion section that converts the signal charge provided by the transfer transistor into a signal voltage, and a reset transistor that resets a potential of the charge-voltage conversion section; and voltage setting means for setting a voltage of a well of the charge-voltage conversion section to be negative.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Fumihiko Koga
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Patent number: 8159010Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state image pick-up device without shading in the dark state, and capable of making a dynamic range and a S/N high. Reference numeral 505 denotes an N-type cathode of a photodiode, 506 denoting a surface P-type region for forming the photodiode into an embedded structure, 508a denoting an N-type high concentration region which forms a floating diffusion and which is also a drain region of a transfer MOS transistor. Reference character 508b denotes a polysilicon lead-out electrode brought into direct contact with the N-type high concentration region. Light incident from the surface passes through an aperture without a metal third layer 525 to enter into the photodiode.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shunsuke Inoue
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Patent number: 8138535Abstract: Systems and methods of pixel sensing circuits. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a pixel sensing circuit includes a floating diffusion functionally coupled to and surrounded by a ring transfer transistor. The ring transfer transistor is functionally coupled to and surrounded by a photo diode. The photo diode may be surrounded by a region of poly silicon. The disclosed structure provides radiation hardening and low light performance.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: On Semiconductor Trading Ltd.Inventor: Manuel Innocent
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Publication number: 20120051383Abstract: An advanced, back-illuminated, silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) design is presented using silicon-on-sapphire with a novel crystalline aluminum nitride (AlN) antireflective layer between the silicon and R-plane sapphire. The substrate supports optical and electrical integration of a high quantum efficiency silicon APD with a gallium nitride (GaN)-VCSEL diode in each pixel to form a novel, compact, emitter-detector pixel for passive and active 2-D and 3-D high resolution, imaging focal plane arrays. Silicon mesa pixels are anisotropically etched with a central inverted mesa frustum cavity. The APD detector is fabricated in the silicon mesa and the GaN-VCSEL diode is grown epitaxially in the center of the mesa. A sapphire microlens below each pixel collimates the VCSEL beam and focuses optical returns into the APD detector. APDs share a common front-side anode, and VCSELs share a common cathode. The APD cathode is electrically connected to the VCSEL diode anode in each emitter-detector pixel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Alvin Gabriel Stern
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Patent number: 8124924Abstract: An output terminal of a photoelectric conversion element included in the photoelectric conversion device is connected to a drain terminal and a gate terminal of a MOS transistor which is diode-connected, and a voltage Vout generated at the gate terminal of the MOS transistor is detected in accordance with a current Ip which is generated at the photoelectric conversion element. The voltage Vout generated at the gate terminal of the MOS transistor can be directly detected, so that the range of output can be widened than a method in which an output voltage is converted into a current by connecting a load resistor, and so on.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Yanagisawa, Atsushi Hirose
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Patent number: 8106431Abstract: A solid state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells each including a plurality of photoelectric sections arranged in an array of at least two rows and two columns; a plurality of floating diffusion sections each being connected to each of ones of the photoelectric sections which are included in the same row of each said photoelectric conversion cell via each of a plurality of transfer transistors, and being shared by said ones of the photoelectric sections; a plurality of read-out lines each being selectively connected to at least two of the transfer transistors; and a plurality of pixel amplifier transistors each detecting and outputting the potential of each said the floating diffusion section. Charges of the photoelectric conversion sections each being connected to one of the read-out lines and being read out by the transfer transistors are read out by different floating diffusion sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Mitsuyoshi Mori, Takumi Yamaguchi, Takahiko Murata
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Publication number: 20120007197Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element, and a light shielding layer which covers the photoelectric conversion element is provided. The light shielding layer comprises a first light shielding portion which covers at least part of a region between the photoelectric conversion elements that are adjacent to each other, and a second light shielding portion for partially shielding light incident on the photoelectric conversion element of each of the plurality of pixels. An aperture is provided for the light shielding layer, the remaining component of the incident light passing through the aperture. A shape of the aperture includes a cruciform portion including a portion extending in a first direction and a portion extending in a second direction that intersects the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shin Kikuchi, Yuichiro Yamashita, Masaru Fujimura, Shoji Kono, Yu Arishima, Shinichiro Shimizu