Abstract: An imaging device capable of reducing a useless region on a substrate is provided. An imaging device including a plurality of substrates to be stacked includes a readout-only circuit disposed on a substrate different from a substrate having a pixel array unit including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements disposed thereon, and performing an operation of reading out electrical signals obtained through photoelectric conversion in the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, and a circuit disposed on a substrate different from the substrate having the readout-only circuit disposed thereon and performing an operation other than an operation of the readout-only circuit on the basis of the electrical signals.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a method for forming a pixel sensor. The method comprises forming a photodetector in a substrate. The substrate is patterned to define an opening above the photodetector. A gate electrode is formed within the opening, where the gate electrode has a top conductive body overlying a bottom conductive body. A first segment of a sidewall of the top conductive body contacts the bottom conductive body. A floating diffusion node is formed in the substrate laterally adjacent to the gate electrode. A second segment of the sidewall of the top conductive body overlies the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a visible light sensor portion and an infrared sensor portion arranged on the visible light sensor portion. The visible light sensor portion includes a first sensor layer and a first signal wiring layer, wherein a plurality of visible light sensing elements are arrayed in the first sensor layer and the first signal wiring layer is configured to process a signal output from the first sensor layer. The infrared sensor portion includes a second sensor layer in which a plurality of infrared sensing elements are arrayed, and a second signal wiring layer configured to process a signal output from the second sensor layer. The infrared sensor portion and the visible light sensor portion form a single monolithic structure which is effective in obtaining high resolution.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display device includes a pixel circuit provided in each of a plurality of pixels, a plurality of flip-flop circuits provided in a shift register and a reset element provided in each of the flip-flop circuits, and the reset element is an n-channel type transistor, the pixel circuit includes a light emitting element, a light emitting power supply and a switch element, and the light emitting element is disconnected from the light emitting power supply while the light emitting power supply is rising.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle is described, which includes a first hybridized device, a second hybridized device and a controller. The first hybridized device includes a first array of light emitting devices that illuminate a roadway on which the vehicle is located when operating. The second hybridized device includes a second array of light emitting devices that illuminate the roadway on which the vehicle is located when operating. The controller is electrically coupled to the first and second hybridized devices. When operating, the controller causes the first hybridized device to selectively project a first patterned light on to an object on the roadway, causes the first hybridized device to selectively project a second patterned light on to the object on the roadway, and causes a first camera to capture an image of the first patterned light projected on the object and the second patterned light projected on the object.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for solid-state X-ray detection with high temporal resolution are described. An example method includes receiving an X-ray pulse in a semiconductor chip resulting in an electron cloud being formed in the semiconductor chip, applying a first set of voltages across a first plurality of drift cathode strips on a first side of the semiconductor chip and a second plurality of drift cathode strips on a second side of the semiconductor chip, applying a second set of voltages to across the first and the second plurality of drift cathode strips to form an electric field having a linear profile to cause the electron cloud to drift along the middle of the semiconductor chip, and activating a counter cathode on the second side and one or more readout anodes on the first side to collect the electron cloud after spreading in the middle section of the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A photodetector comprises a semiconductor substrate having an input surface for receiving illumination, control electrodes for control of photogenerated charge within the substrate and a filter on the radiation input surface of the substrate, the filter comprising a dielectric-metal band pass filter having a metal layer and one or more dielectric layers with one dielectric layer between the substrate surface and the metal layer. A connector is provided for applying a bias voltage to the metal layer with respect to the substrate. In effect, the metal layer of the band pass filter provides two functions. The first function is as part of the ITF filter selecting the wavelength desired for the device. The second function is as a conductive layer allowing a bias to be provided between the substrate and the metal layer thereby producing a field within the surface of the substrate to which the filter is applied.

Abstract: A photonic mixer device for multiplying an impinging optical signal with a reference electrical signal includes: a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; two detector regions of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type; two biasing regions of the first conductivity type with a higher dopant concentration than the dopant concentration of the semiconductor substrate, each biasing region positioned near one of the respective detector regions, wherein an electrical field can be formed in the semiconductor substrate by applying a voltage bias between the biasing regions; two bias electrodes, which are isolated from the substrate and the biasing regions, wherein each bias electrode is only locally, partially or completely, covering an outer edge of one of the respective biasing regions.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light propagation time pixel, comprising modulation gates and integration nodes which are arranged on the upper face of a photosensitive semiconductor region. The photosensitive semiconductor region is designed as an N-epitaxy and is delimited laterally and/or at the corners by p-doped vertical p-structures. A buried layer with a p-doping adjoins the lower face of the photosensitive semiconductor region, and the vertical p-structures are in electric contact with the buried layer.

Abstract: Described herein are self-healing polymers comprising a base polymer and at least one healing agent disposed in the base polymer under pressure.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region. A substrate includes a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface. A photoelectric conversion element is disposed on the substrate. A passivation layer is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. A microlens is disposed on the passivation layer in the first region and is not disposed on the passivation layer in the second region. A pattern structure is disposed on an upper surface of the passivation layer in the second region. The pattern structure includes a metal and has at least one lateral side wall having a sloped profile.

Abstract: Provided are a solid-state imaging device, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device. The solid-state imaging device includes a first semiconductor layer in which a first photoelectric conversion unit and a first floating diffusion are formed, a second semiconductor layer in which a second photoelectric conversion unit and a second floating diffusion are formed, and a wiring layer including a wiring electrically connected to the first and second floating diffusions. The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are laminated, and the wiring layer is formed on a side of the first or second semiconductor layer, the side being opposite to a side on which the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer face each other.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging unit that makes it possible to increase the number of terminals, a method of producing the same, and an electronic apparatus. A solid-state imaging unit includes: an image sensor substrate including a light receiving region in which pixels that each convert incoming light to an electric signal are arranged in a matrix; a solder ball; a glass substrate opposite the image sensor substrate and the solder ball; and a through electrode that couples a wiring line pattern and the solder ball to each other by penetrating a glass adhesive resin interposed between the wiring line pattern and the solder ball. The solder ball is disposed outside the image sensor substrate in a plane direction. The wiring line pattern being formed on the glass substrate. The present disclosure is applicable, for example, to a package and the like including the image sensor substrate.

Abstract: A time-of-flight sensor for capturing a three-dimensional (3D) image of an object, includes: a light source for emitting projection light pulses at the object according to a projection signal; an array of pixel circuits for sensing reflection light pulses and storing image charges according to the reflection light pulses; and a processing circuit for calculating a first sum of first portions of the image charges and a second sum of second portions of the image charges to generate a distance information signal of the 3D image of the object simultaneously, wherein in one accumulation period, the first portion of the image charges is generated during a first time period, and the second portion of the image charges is generated during a second time period, wherein the second time period is directly following the first time period in the accumulation period.

Abstract: A color and infrared image sensor includes a silicon substrate, MOS transistors formed in the substrate, a stack covering the substrate and including a first photosensitive layer, an electrically-insulating layer, a second photosensitive layer, and color filters. The image sensor further includes electrodes on either side of the first photosensitive layer and delimiting first photodiodes, and electrodes on either side of the second photosensitive layer and delimiting second photodiodes. The first photosensitive layer absorbs the electromagnetic waves of the visible spectrum and of a portion of the infrared spectrum and the second photosensitive layer absorbs the electromagnetic waves of the visible spectrum and gives way to the electromagnetic waves of the portion of the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A pixel includes a photoconversion zone, an insulated vertical electrode and at least one charge storage zone. The photoconversion zone belongs to a first part of a semiconductor substrate and each charge storage zone belongs to a second part of the substrate physically separated from the first part of the substrate by the insulated vertical electrode.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device which includes, a photoelectric conversion film provided on a second surface side which is the opposite side to a first surface on which a wiring layer of a semiconductor substrate is formed, performs photoelectric conversion with respect to light in a predetermined wavelength region, and transmits light in other wavelength regions; and a photoelectric conversion layer which is provided in the semiconductor substrate, and performs the photoelectric conversion with respect to light in other wavelength regions which has transmitted the photoelectric conversion film, in which input light is incident from the second surface side with respect to the photoelectric conversion film and the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises a plurality of hybrid pixels. The hybrid pixel comprises a photodiode, which has a charge storage region and a photoelectric conversion region, and a transparent electrode. The transparent electrode applies a voltage to the charge storage region to modulate a potential with respect to a charge. Thereby the width of the charge storage region is reduced to form an effective charge storage region. Unless potentially modulated, the hybrid pixel functions as a normal pixel. Upon the potential modulation, the hybrid pixel functions as a phase detection pixel, which selectively stores the charge generated in a part of the photoelectric conversion region.

Abstract: Since the great number of elements constituting a unit pixel having an amplification function would hinder reduction of pixel size, unit pixel n,m arranged in a matrix form is comprised of a photodiode, a transfer switch for transferring charges stored in the photodiode, a floating diffusion for storing charges transferred by the transfer switch, a reset switch for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for outputting a signal in accordance with the potential of the floating diffusion to a vertical signal line, and by affording vertical selection pulse ?Vn to the drain of the reset switch to control a reset potential thereof, pixels are selected in units of rows.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and an operating method for the same are provided. The semiconductor structure comprises a first doped region, a second doped region, a third doped region, a fourth doped region and a first gate structure. The first doped region has a first type conductivity. The second doped region has a second type conductivity opposite to the first type conductivity. The first doped region is surrounded by the second doped region. The third doped region has the first type conductivity. The fourth doped region has the second type conductivity. The first gate structure is on the second doped region. The third doped region and the fourth doped region are in the second doped region and the first doped region on opposing sides of the first gate structure respectively.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging element including a transmission channel region provided in an optical black pixel region shielded from light from an outside of a semiconductor substrate by a light shielding film, for transmitting a charge existing inside the semiconductor substrate of the optical black pixel region to an outside of the optical black pixel region.

Abstract: A structure and method of manufacture is disclosed for a backside thinned imager that incorporates a conformal, Al2O3, low thermal budget, surface passivation. This passivation approach facilitates fabrication of backside thinned, backside illuminated, silicon image sensors with thick silicon absorber layer patterned with vertical trenches that are formed by etching the exposed back surface of a backside-thinned image sensor to control photo-carrier diffusion and optical crosstalk. A method of manufacture employing conformal, Al2O3, surface passivation approach is shown to provide high quantum efficiency and low dark current while meeting the thermal budget constraints of a finished standard foundry-produced CMOS imager.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including a photoelectric conversion element operable to generate electric charge according to the amount of incident light and to accumulate the electric charge in the inside thereof, an electric-charge holding region in which the electric charge generated through photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion element is held until read out, and a transfer gate having a complete transfer path through which the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element is completely transferred into the electric-charge holding region, and an intermediate transfer path through which the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion element during an exposure period and being in excess of a predetermined charge amount is transferred into the electric-charge holding region. The complete transfer path and the intermediate transfer path are formed in different regions.

Abstract: A global shutter pixel cell includes a serially connected anti-blooming (AB) transistor, storage gate (SG) transistor and transfer (TX) transistor. The serially connected transistors are coupled between a voltage supply and a floating diffusion (FD) region. A terminal of a photodiode (PD) is connected between respective terminals of the AB and the SG transistors; and a terminal of a storage node (SN) diode is connected between respective terminals of the SG and the TX transistors. A portion of the PD region is extended under the SN region, so that the PD region shields the SN region from stray photons. Furthermore, a metallic layer, disposed above the SN region, is extended downwardly toward the SN region, so that the metallic layer shields the SN region from stray photons. Moreover, a top surface of the metallic layer is coated with an anti-reflective layer.

Abstract: A unit pixel of a depth sensor including a light-intensity output circuit configured to output a pixel signal according to a control signal, the pixel signal corresponding to a first electric charge and a second electric charge, a first light-intensity extraction circuit configured to generate the first electric charge and transmit the first electric charge to the light-intensity output circuit, the first electric charge varying according to an amount of light reflected from a target object and a second light-intensity extraction circuit configured to generate the second electric charge and transmit the second electric charge to the light-intensity output circuit, the second electric charge varying according to the amount of reflected light. The light-intensity output circuit includes a first floating diffusion node. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize waste of a space, thereby manufacturing a small-sized pixel.

Abstract: The invention describes the solid-state image sensor array and in particular describes in detail the junction gate BCMD pixel sensor array that can be used in the back side illuminated mode as well as in the front side illuminated mode. The pixels generally do not need addressing transistors and the reset is accomplished in a vertical direction to the junction gate, so no additional reset transistor is needed for this purpose. As a result of this innovation the pixel maintains large charge storage capacity when its size is reduced, has low noise due to the nondestructive charge readout, and no RTS noise. The pixel interface generated dark current is also drained to the gate, so the image sensor array operates with very low dark current noise even at high temperatures. The junction gate also serves as a drain for the overflow charge.

Abstract: A charge transfer device formed in a semiconductor substrate and including an array of electrodes forming rows and columns, wherein: the electrodes extend, in rows, in successive grooves with insulated walls, disposed in the substrate thickness and parallel to the charge transfer direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flat panel display includes a first mounting portion including a first input pad and a first output pad, a second mounting portion including a second input pad and a second output pad, a first common terminal and a second common terminal, which have a common potential, and a guard ring wiring which is formed in a manner to extend from the first common terminal, to pass between the first input pad and the first output pad of the first mounting portion, to pass between the second input pad and the second output pad of the second mounting portion, and to reach the second common terminal, the guard ring wiring including a first resistor element of a first resistance value and a second resistor element of a second resistance value which is higher than the first resistance value.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including: forming a first pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on some of photoelectric conversion units among a plurality of photoelectric conversion units arranged on the surface of a substrate; forming a mixed color prevention layer on a side wall of the first pattern; and forming a second pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on the rest of the photoelectric conversion units among the plurality of photoelectric conversion units while the mixed color prevention layer is closely disposed between the first pattern and the second pattern.

Abstract: A charge transfer device formed in a semiconductor substrate and including an array of electrodes distributed in rows and columns, wherein: each electrode is formed in a cavity with insulated walls formed of a groove which generally extends in the row direction, having a first end closer to an upper row and a second end closer to a lower row; and the electrodes of two adjacent rows are symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the sensor and comprising the direction of a row.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate having opposite first and second sides, a multilayer structure on the first side of the substrate, and a photo-sensitive element on the second side of the substrate. The photo-sensitive element is configured to receive light that is incident upon the first side and transmitted through the multilayer structure and the substrate. The multilayer structure includes first and second light transmitting layers. The first light transmitting layer is sandwiched between the substrate and the second light transmitting layer. The first light transmitting layer has a refractive index that is from 60% to 90% of a refractive index of the substrate. The second light transmitting layer has a refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the first light transmitting layer and is from 40% to 70% of the refractive index of the substrate.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a transfer transistor including a vertical gate portion extending in a depth direction of a substrate in an active region of the substrate and photodiode regions located at positions of different depths with respect to a top surface of the substrate in the active region. At least one color adjustment path extends between at least two photodiode regions of the photodiode regions and provides a charge movement path between the at least two photodiode regions.

Abstract: Each of pixels 10 arranged in an array pattern includes a photoelectric conversion element 11, a transfer transistor 13 for transferring charges to a floating diffusion layer 12, and an amplifier transistor 14 for outputting the transferred charges to an output line. An insulating isolation part 22 isolates the adjacent photoelectric conversion elements 11, and isolates the photoelectric conversion element 11 and the amplifier transistor 14. The insulating isolation part 22 constitutes a first region A between the photoelectric conversion elements 11 where the amplifier transistor 14 is not arranged, and a second region B between the photoelectric conversion elements 11 where the amplifier transistor 14 is arranged. First and second isolation diffusion layers 23 and 24 are formed below the insulating isolation part 22, and the second isolation diffusion layer 24 is wider than the first isolation diffusion layer 23 in the first region A.

Abstract: In a solid state imaging device with an electron multiplying function, in a section normal to an electron transfer direction of a multiplication register EM, an insulating layer 2 is thicker at both side portions than in a central region. A pair of overflow drains 1N is formed at a boundary between a central region and both side portions of an N-type semiconductor region 1C. Each overflow drain 1N extends along the electron transfer direction of the multiplication register EM. Overflow gate electrodes G extend from the thin portion to the thick portion of the insulating layer 2. The overflow gate electrodes G are disposed between both ends of each transfer electrode 8 in a longitudinal direction and the insulating layer 2, and they also function as shield electrodes for each electrode 8 (8A and 8B).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bipolar device. An emitter is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A collector is laterally spaced from the emitter in the substrate. A gate terminal is formed on the substrate, defining a space between the emitter and the collector. An extrinsic base is formed on the substrate with a predetermined distance from either the emitter or the collector, wherein the base, the emitter, the collector and the gate terminal are located in an active area defined by a hole in a surrounding isolation structure in the substrate.

Abstract: A unit pixel of a depth sensor including a light-intensity output circuit configured to output a pixel signal according to a control signal, the pixel signal corresponding to a first electric charge and a second electric charge, a first light-intensity extraction circuit configured to generate the first electric charge and transmit the first electric charge to the light-intensity output circuit, the first electric charge varying according to an amount of light reflected from a target object and a second light-intensity extraction circuit configured to generate the second electric charge and transmit the second electric charge to the light-intensity output circuit, the second electric charge varying according to the amount of reflected light. The light-intensity output circuit includes a first floating diffusion node. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize waste of a space, thereby manufacturing a small-sized pixel.

Abstract: There is provided an imaging element including a transmission channel region provided in an optical black pixel region shielded from light from an outside of a semiconductor substrate by a light shielding film, for transmitting a charge existing inside the semiconductor substrate of the optical black pixel region to an outside of the optical black pixel region.

Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device. Two unit cells are prepared each having three pixels and sharing an output circuit. One of the basic blocks is rotated by 180° such that a reset drain is shared, resulting in a 6-pixel 1-cell, and the cells are disposed in a square lattice pattern or checkerboard pattern. Thus, element isolation regions between the pixels and the output circuit disposed adjacent thereto are minimized, and the number of wirings disposed around the pixels is reduced. As a result, a margin for white scratches and saturation charge amounts may be increased despite the miniaturization of cells.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device having a protective wiring inserted between adjacent pixel pairs so that the generation of electrical charges caused by a voltage variation in adjacent pixel pairs may be restrained, and a method for manufacturing the same. A solid-state imaging device with an additional protective wiring may be provided between pixel pairs to restrain the generation of electric charges within one of the pixel pairs caused by a voltage variation in the other pixel pair. A method for manufacturing a solid-state imaging device with an additional protective wiring which is provided between pixel pairs to restrain the generation of electric charges within one of the pixel pairs caused by a voltage variation in the other pixel pair.

Abstract: In a solid state imaging device, and a method of manufacture thereof, the efficiency of the transfer of available photons to the photo-receiving elements is increased beyond that which is currently available. Enhanced anti-reflection layer configurations, and methods of manufacture thereof, are provided that allow for such increased efficiency. They are applicable to contemporary imaging devices, such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and CMOS image sensors (CISs). In one embodiment, a photosensitive device is formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photosensitive device includes a photosensitive region. An anti-reflection layer comprising silicon oxynitride is formed on the photosensitive region. The silicon oxynitride layer is heat treated to increase a refractive index of the silicon oxynitride layer, and to thereby decrease reflectivity of incident light at the junction of the photosensitive region.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include time-of-flight image pixels. A time-of-flight image pixel may include first and second charge storage regions coupled to a photosensor and a transfer transistor with a gate terminal coupled to the first storage region. An electronic device may further include a light pulse emitter configured to emit pulses of light to be reflected by objects in a scene. Reflected portions of the emitted pulses of light may be captured along with background light by the time-of-flight image pixels. Time-of-flight image pixels may be configured sense the time-of-flight of the reflected portions of the emitted pulses. The electronic device may include processing circuitry configured to use the sensed time-of-flight of the reflected portions to generate depth images of a scene. Depth images may include depth-image pixel values that contain information corresponding to the distance of the objects in the scene from the electronic device.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include monochrome image sensors having multi-storage-node image sensor pixels. A multi-storage-node image pixel may be synchronized with artificial light sources of different colors and may include a floating diffusion region and multiple storage regions. The image pixels may be sequentially exposed to each light color and may store charge associated with each color in each of the different storage regions. After exposure, the stored charge may be transferred to the floating diffusion region and subsequently read out using readout circuitry. The image pixel may have one set of storage gates that can perform both storage and transfer functions. Alternatively, the image pixel may have a first set of transfer gates for transferring charge to the storage regions and a second set of transfer gates for transferring charge from the storage regions to the floating diffusion region.

Abstract: A lens forming method according to the present invention for forming lenses capable of focusing light on a plurality of respective photoelectric conversion sections constituting of a semiconductor apparatus is described. The method includes a lens forming step of processing a lens forming material, in which an average gradient of a ? curve indicating a residual film thickness with respect to the amount of irradiation light is between ?15 and ?0.8 nm·cm2/mJ within the range of a residual film ratio of 10 to 50% or within the range of the amount of irradiation light of 55 to 137 mJ/cm2 into a lens surface shape, using a photomask with an optical transmittance that is varied according to a lens surface shape, as an exposure mask.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pixel, a pixel array, an image sensor including the same, and a method for driving the image sensor. The method for driving the image sensor includes starting an integration procedure of charges in a photoelectric conversion part, transferring the charges, which are integrated in the photoelectric conversion part for a first integration duration, into a charge storage part, reading a signal level of the first integration duration, transferring charges, which are integrated in the photoelectric conversion part for a second integration duration after the first integration duration, into the charge storage part, reading a signal level of the second integration duration, and calculating a light intensity by using the signal level of the first integration duration and the signal level of the second integration duration. A WDR image sensor is provided to detect all light intensities regardless of the degree of illuminance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state imaging device in which high S/N is achieved. A solid-state imaging device includes a photodiode, a transfer transistor, a floating diffusion, a floating diffusion wiring, an amplifying transistor, a power line, and first output signal lines, in which the first output signal lines are formed one on each side of the floating diffusion wiring in a layer having the floating diffusion wiring formed on a semiconductor substrate, and the power line is formed above the floating diffusion wiring.

Abstract: In an X-Y address type solid state image pickup device represented by a CMOS image sensor, a back side light reception type pixel structure is adopted in which a wiring layer is provided on one side of a silicon layer including photo-diodes formed therein. and visible light is taken in from the other side of the silicon layer, namely, from the side (back side) opposite to the wiring layer. wiring can be made without taking a light-receiving surface into account, and the degree of freedom in wiring for the pixels is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid-state image pickup device. The device includes a first substrate including a photoelectric conversion element and a transfer gate electrode configured to transfer charge from the photoelectric conversion element, a second substrate having a peripheral circuit portion including a circuit configured to read a signal based charge generated in the photoelectric conversion element, the first and second substrates being laminated. The device further includes a multilayer interconnect structure, disposed on the first substrate, including an aluminum interconnect and a multilayer interconnect structure, disposed on the second substrate, including a copper interconnect.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup device, including a photoelectric conversion element converting light into charges, a transfer gate for transferring the converted charges to a floating node, a source follower transistor for outputting a signal based on a voltage of the floating node to a signal line, and a clip circuit clipping the signal line at a first voltage and a second voltage.

Abstract: A unit pixel has a light receiving device containing a photoelectric conversion element for detecting a light to generate photoelectrons. The light receiving device contains a plurality of photoelectron distributors, which each have a first transfer unit for transferring the photoelectrons generated in the photoelectric conversion element, a photoelectron hold unit for temporarily holding the photoelectrons generated in the photoelectric conversion element, a second transfer unit for transferring the photoelectrons held in the photoelectron hold unit, and a floating diffusion layer for storing the transferred photoelectrons and converting the photoelectrons to a voltage. The unit pixel contains a reset transistor for resetting the potential of the floating diffusion layer to a reference potential and a photoelectron discharger for discharging the photoelectrons generated in the photoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: A first photoelectric conversion element, which detects light and converts the light into photoelectrons has: one MOS diode having an electrode formed on a semiconductor base body with an insulator therebetween; and a plurality of embedded photodiodes formed in the semiconductor base body. The electrode of the MOS diode has, when viewed from the upper surface, a comb-like shape wherein a plurality of branch portions are branched from one electrode portion. Each of the embedded photodiodes is disposed to nest between the branch portions of the electrode when viewed from the upper surface.