For Filtering Or Shielding Light (e.g., Multicolor Filter For Photodetector) (epo) Patents (Class 257/E31.121)
E Subclasses
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Patent number: 11855109Abstract: A system and method for forming pixels in an image sensor is provided. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes an image sensor including a first pixel region and a second pixel region in a substrate, the first pixel region being adjacent to the second pixel region. A first anti-reflection coating is over the first pixel region, the first anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a first wavelength range of incident light. A second anti-reflection coating is over the second pixel region, the second anti-reflection coating reducing reflection for a second wavelength range of incident light that is different from the first wavelength range.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTDInventors: Yen-Chang Chu, Yeur-Luen Tu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai
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Patent number: 11159245Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods include leveraging the angular dependence of the angle of arrival of the incoming optical signal at an optical resonator and the output response signal to adjust the operating condition of the optical resonator. The optical resonator is dynamically tuned by rotating the optical resonator to optimize signal-to-noise ratio or other parameters for different modulation formats of the incoming optical signal or other different operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANYInventors: Andrew Kowalevicz, Benjamin P. Dolgin, Gary M. Graceffo
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Patent number: 11155684Abstract: There is provided a composition for coating a stepped substrate that has high filling properties of a pattern, and is capable of forming a coating film that does not cause degassing and heat shrinkage, and is used to form a coating film having flattening properties on the substrate. The composition for coating a stepped substrate includes a compound (C) having in the molecule a partial structure of Formula (1) (where R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a C1-10 alkyl group, or a C6-40 aryl group; five R3s are each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C1-10 alkoxy group, a C1-10 alkyl group, a nitro group, or a halogen atom; and * is a bond site to the compound); and a solvent.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: NISSAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Rikimaru Sakamoto, Takafumi Endo, Tadashi Hatanaka
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Patent number: 11070763Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions. The instructions are executable by the processor to generate a first image file representing a thermal image and a second image file representing a visible light image. The instructions are executable to generate a first blended image based on the thermal image, the visible light image, and a display setting. Furthermore, the instructions are executable to display the first blended image on a display and to transmit, via a network interface to a server having an application for serving an image file generated by the processor, an image file upload. The image file upload includes: the first and second image files and a third image file representing the first blended image or the display setting for generating a second blended image based on the thermal and visible light images and the display setting.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventors: Robert Hoevenaar, Joshua C. Covington, Oswaldo Neri, Roy S. Brozovich, Timothy G. Ruther, Michael D. LaFerle
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Patent number: 10924696Abstract: An image sensor for acquiring an image of an object comprises: an array of photo-sensitive areas (112); and a mosaic filter (114) associated with the array dividing the array into sub-groups (118) of photo-sensitive areas (112) extending across at least two rows and two columns, wherein the mosaic filter (114) transmits unique light properties to the photo-sensitive areas (112) within the sub-group (118); wherein the mosaic filter (114) comprises a sequence of unique filter portions associated with a set of photo-sensitive areas (112) along a row, wherein the set extends through more than one sub-group (118); wherein sequences comprising the unique filter portions are associated with each row and wherein the sequences associated with adjacent rows comprise different orders of the unique filter portions, such that different light properties are transmitted to photo-sensitive areas (112) in the same column of adjacent rows.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: IMEC VZWInventors: Julien Pichette, Nicolaas Tack
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Patent number: 10349015Abstract: Some embodiments provide an image sensor color filter array pattern that mitigates and/or minimizes the impact of optical and carrier crosstalk on color reproduction accuracy and/or signal-to-noise, the color filter array comprising a plurality of kernels, wherein each kernel has an identical configuration of color filter elements comprising primary color filter elements corresponding to at least three respective different primary colors, and a plurality of secondary color filter elements. A respective one of the secondary color filter elements is disposed as a nearest neighbor to and between every pair of primary color filter elements of different colors in the kernel, with the respective secondary color filter element representing a secondary color that is a combination of the different colors of the primary color filter elements that are nearest neighbors to the respective secondary color filter element.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGEInventors: Eric R. Fossum, Leo Anzagira
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Patent number: 10347675Abstract: An image sensor includes a color filter array and a light receiving element. The color filter array includes plural repeating unit cells, and at least one of the unit cells includes at least a yellow filter, at least one green filter, and at least one blue filter. The yellow filter is configured to transmit a green component and a red component of incident light. The green filter is configured to transmit the green component of the incident light. The blue filter is configured to transmit a blue component of the incident light. Each of the unit cells does not comprise a red filter configured to transmit the red component of the incident light. The light receiving element is configured to convert the incident light transmitted by the color filter array into electric signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Wei-Chieh Chiang, Keng-Yu Chou, Chun-Hao Chuang, Chien-Hsien Tseng, Kazuaki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10302496Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a color and brightness of an LED, when the LED is biased with a current pulse. The apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of filters and an output probe connected to the sensor, the output probe providing a color output and a brightness output in a single signal. The sensor may further include an input probe connected to the sensor providing power and a ground probe connected to the sensor providing a grounded connection to the sensor. The plurality of filters in the sensor are preferably configured in a matrix array of color receptors having different colors. The method of this invention utilizes pulsing/dynamic sampling to determine a frequency and/or a brightness of the LED output.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: NASA SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: Denis Corrochano
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Patent number: 9829469Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for measuring a nonlinear parameter of an object to be measured, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for measuring a nonlinear parameter of an object to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and ScienceInventors: Dae Cheol Seo, Seung Hyun Cho, Choon Su Park, Seung Seok Lee, Young Min Seong
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Patent number: 9720150Abstract: A color-film substrate and a liquid crystal device are disclosed. The color-film includes a substrate body and a color filter layer on the substrate body. The color filter layer includes duplicated color filter elements arranged in a sequence, and the color filter layer includes a first display area and a second display area arranged in a rim of the first display area. A thickness of the color filter elements of the second display area is larger than a thickness of the photo-resistor of the first display area such that a transmission rate of the display panel corresponding to the second display area is smaller than the transmission rate of the display panel corresponding to the first display area. In this way, the transmission rate of edges of the display panel is reduced and the light leakage problem can be overcome such that the uniformity of the brightness is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Wuhan China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., LtdInventors: Haiyan Sun, De-Jiun Li, Yuejun Tang
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Patent number: 9378686Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for providing pixel circuits for controlling the state of operation of light modulators in a display device. The state of operation of the light modulator can be controlled by the pixel circuit based on a data voltage stored in a data storage element of the pixel circuit. The pixel circuit includes an actuation circuit for providing an actuation voltage to the light modulator and a feedback circuit for providing a positive feedback voltage from an output node of the actuation circuit to an input node of the actuation circuit. In some implementations, the feedback circuit includes the data storage element connected between the input node and the output node.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Pixtronix, Inc.Inventor: Ilias Pappas
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Patent number: 9024405Abstract: A solid-state image sensor including an effective pixel portion in which a plurality of pixels including photodiodes formed on a semiconductor substrate are arranged, and a peripheral portion arranged around the effective pixel portion, includes a plurality of metal wiring layers arranged above the semiconductor substrate, and a planarizing film covering a patterned metal wiring layer that is a top layer among the plurality of metal wiring layers, wherein in the effective pixel portion, the plurality of metal wiring layers have openings configured to guide light to the photodiodes, and in the peripheral portion, an opening is provided in the top layer, and at least one metal wiring layer between the top layer and the semiconductor substrate has a pattern which blocks light incident on the photodiodes via the opening in the top layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Aoki
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Patent number: 8946797Abstract: There is provided a solid-state imaging device including a sensor substrate having a sensor-side semiconductor layer including a pixel region in which a photoelectric conversion section is provided and a sensor-side wiring layer provided on an opposite surface side from a light receiving surface of the sensor-side semiconductor layer, a circuit substrate having a circuit-side semiconductor layer and a circuit-side wiring layer and provided on a side of the sensor-side wiring layer of the sensor substrate, a connection unit region in which a connection section is provided, the connection section having a first through electrode, a second through electrode, and a connection electrode connecting the first through electrode and the second through electrode, and an insulating layer having a step portion which has the connection electrode embedded therein and has a film thickness that gradually decreases from the connection unit region to the pixel region.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kyohei Mizuta, Osamu Oka, Kaoru Koike, Nobutoshi Fujii, Hideki Kobayashi, Hirotaka Yoshioka
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Patent number: 8946847Abstract: A backside illuminated image sensor includes a substrate with a substrate depth, where the substrate includes a pixel region and a peripheral region. The substrate further includes a front surface and a back surface. The backside illuminated image sensor includes a first isolation structure formed in the pixel region of the substrate, where a bottom of the first isolation structure is exposed at the back surface of the substrate. The backside illuminated image sensor includes a second isolation structure formed in the peripheral region of the substrate, where the second isolation structure has a depth less than a depth of the first isolation structure. The backside illuminated image sensor includes an implant region adjacent to at least a portion of sidewalls of each isolation structure in the pixel region.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kuan-Chieh Huang, Chih-Jen Wu, Chen-Ming Huang, Dun-Nian Yaung, An-Chun Tu
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Patent number: 8941158Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a solid-state imaging device including: a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type having a first face and a second face that is the opposite side from the first face; a plurality of pixels provided on the first face of the semiconductor substrate, each of the pixels including a semiconductor region of a second conductivity type that converts incident light into signal charges, and stores the signal charges; a readout circuit provided on the second face of the semiconductor substrate to read the signal charges stored in the pixels; an ultrafine metal structure placed at intervals on a face on a side of the semiconductor region, the light being incident on the face; and an insulating layer provided between the ultrafine metal structure and the semiconductor region.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshinori Iida, Eishi Tsutsumi, Akira Fujimoto, Koji Asakawa, Hisayo Momose, Koichi Kokubun, Nobuyuki Momo
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Patent number: 8933530Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin-Ho Kim, Young-Hoon Park
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Patent number: 8890271Abstract: Various embodiments for etching of silicon nitride (SixNy) lightpipes, waveguides and pillars, fabricating photodiode elements, and integration of the silicon nitride elements with photodiode elements are described. The results show that the quantum efficiency of the photodetectors (PDs) can be increased using vertical silicon nitride vertical waveguides.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignees: Zena Technologies, Inc., President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Turgut Tut, Peter Duane, Young-June Yu, Winnie N. Ye, Munib Wober, Kenneth B. Crozier
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Patent number: 8872298Abstract: A unit pixel array of an image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of photodiodes, an interlayer insulation layer on a front-side of the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of micro lenses on a back-side of the semiconductor substrate. The unit pixel array of the image sensor further includes a wavelength adjustment film portion between each of the micro lenses and the back-side of the semiconductor substrate such that a plurality of wavelength adjustment film portions correspond with the plurality of micro lenses.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Chak Ahn, Kyung-Ho Lee
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Patent number: 8853758Abstract: There is provided a solid-state imaging device including plural pixel regions, each including a pixel having a photoelectric conversion unit, a color filter, and a microlens that condenses the incident light to the photoelectric conversion unit; a first light shielding portion that has a first end face at the side of the microlens, and a second end face opposite to the first end face, and that is formed at each side portion of each pixel region of the plurality of the pixel regions; and a second light shielding portion that has a first end face at the side of the microlens, and a second end face opposite to the first end face, and that is formed at each corner portion of the pixel region, in which a distance from a surface of the pixel to the first end face is short compared to the first light shielding portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoichi Ootsuka
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Patent number: 8791537Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible radiation detector including a substrate, a switching device on the substrate, an energy conversion layer on the switching device, a top electrode layer on the energy conversion layer, a first phosphor layer on the top electrode layer, and a second phosphor layer under the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Issac Wing-Tak Chan, Chao-Chiun Liang, Heng-Yin Chen, Ming-Hua Yeh
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Patent number: 8779541Abstract: A solid-state imaging device including a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally, wherein each of the pixels has at least a planarizing film formed on the upper side of a photoelectric conversion element, a filter formed on the upper side of the planarizing film, and a microlens formed on the upper side of the filter. The filter of some of the pixels is a color filter permitting transmission therethrough of light of a predetermined color component, whereas the filter of other pixels is a white filter permitting transmission therethrough of light in the whole visible spectral range. The refractive indices of the white filter, the microlens and the planarizing film have the following relationship: (Refractive index of white filter)?(Refractive index of microlens)>(Refractive index of planarizing film).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Sintaro Nakajiki, Yukihiro Sayama, Yuichi Seki, Masanori Harasawa, Yoshinori Toumiya
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Patent number: 8766291Abstract: The present invention relates to efficient organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). The devices employ three emissive sub-elements, typically emitting red, green and blue, to sufficiently cover the visible spectrum. Thus, the devices may be white-emitting OLEDs, or WOLEDs. Each sub-element comprises at least one organic layer which is an emissive layer—i.e., the layer is capable of emitting light when a voltage is applied across the stacked device. The sub-elements are vertically stacked and are separated by charge generating layers. The charge-generating layers are layers that inject charge carriers into the adjacent layer(s) but do not have a direct external connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Stephen Forrest, Xiangfei Qi, Michael Slootsky
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Patent number: 8749006Abstract: An improved image sensor, e.g., CCD, CID, CMOS. The image sensor includes a substrate, e.g., silicon wafer. The sensor also includes a plurality of photo diode regions, where each of the photo diode regions is spatially disposed on the substrate. The sensor has an interlayer dielectric layer overlying the plurality of photo diode regions and a shielding layer formed overlying the interlayer dielectric layer. A silicon dioxide bearing material is overlying the shielding layer. A plurality of lens structures are formed on the silicon dioxide bearing material. The sensor also has a color filter layer overlying the lens structures and a plurality of second lens structures overlying the color filter layer according to a preferred embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation, Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Beijing) CorporationInventors: Herb Huang, Mieno Fumitake
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Patent number: 8736007Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for reducing noise in CMOS image sensors. An improved CMOS image sensor includes a light sensing structure surrounded by a support feature section. An active section of the light sensing structure is covered by no more than optically transparent materials. A light blocking portion includes an opaque layer or a black light filter layer in conjunction with an opaque layer, covering the support feature section. The light blocking portion may also cover a peripheral portion of the light sensing structure. The method for forming the CMOS image sensors includes using film patterning and etching processes to selectively form the opaque layer and the black light filter layer where the light blocking portion is desired, but not over the active section. The method also provides for forming microlenses over the photosensors in the active section.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tien-Chi Wu, Tsung-Yi Lin
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Patent number: 8710534Abstract: A semiconductor light-receiving device includes two lenses; and a concave region, a height of the sidewall being higher than a top of the lenses, a distance between a position H and a lower edge of the sidewall vertical to a line segment C1 being grater than following condition: {(r+L)2?(W/2)2}1/2 where: C1 is a line segment connecting centers of the lenses; H is a midpoint of the C1; r is a radius of the lenses; W is an interval between the centers; and C2 is a lines passing through the centers in a direction vertical to the C1, wherein: the lower edge of the concave portion in an outer side of a region between the C2 is concentrically formed so as to have a distance of (r+L) from the center of the lenses; and W is following condition: W<2 (r+L).Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Yuji Koyama
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Patent number: 8669631Abstract: A solid state imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate with a solid state imaging element, a first impurity layer, a plurality of external electrodes, and a translucent substrate. The first impurity layer is formed on a back surface side of the substrate, and forms a pn junction with the substrate. The plurality of external electrodes is formed on the back surface of the substrate and is electrically connected to the solid state imaging element. The translucent substrate is fixed to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Yoshiteru Koseki
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Patent number: 8669632Abstract: A solid-state imaging device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The solid-state imaging device includes a structure that provides a high sensitivity and high resolution without variations in spectral sensitivity and without halation of colors, and prevents light from penetrating into an adjacent pixel portion. A plurality of photodiodes are formed inside a semiconductor substrate. A wiring layer includes a laminated structure of an insulating film and a wire and is formed on the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of color filters are formed individually in a manner corresponding to the plurality of photodiodes above the wiring layer. A planarized film and a microlens are sequentially laminated on each of the color filters. In the solid-state imaging device, each of the color filters has an refraction index higher than that of the planarized film and has, in a Z-axis direction, an upper surface in a concave shape.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Motonari Katsuno, Masayuki Takase, Masao Kataoka
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Patent number: 8664739Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an improved image sensor includes an array of germanium photosensitive elements integrated with a silicon substrate and integrated with silicon readout circuits. The silicon transistors are formed first on a silicon substrate, using well known silicon wafer fabrication techniques. The germanium elements are subsequently formed overlying the silicon by epitaxial growth. The germanium elements are advantageously grown within surface openings of a dielectric cladding. Wafer fabrication techniques are applied to the elements to form isolated germanium photodiodes. Since temperatures needed for germanium processing are lower than those for silicon processing, the formation of the germanium devices need not affect the previously formed silicon devices. Insulating and metallic layers are then deposited and patterned to interconnect the silicon devices and to connect the germanium devices to the silicon circuits.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Infrared Newco, Inc.Inventors: Clifford A. King, Conor S. Rafferty
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Patent number: 8664031Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing method including a process of forming a silicon oxide film by thermally oxidizing silicon in the atmosphere of oxygen gas or in the atmosphere of mixed gas of oxygen and hydrogen at a temperature of 800° C. or more in the state in which at least the silicon surface serving as a light-receiving portion of a photodiode is exposed, and a process of depositing a silicon nitride film on the silicon oxide film. At least the silicon oxide film and the silicon nitride film are finally left on the surface of the photodiode as an antireflection film.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tomotaka Fujisawa
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Patent number: 8664673Abstract: A process for forming a pixel circuit is disclosed comprising: (a) providing a transparent support; (b) forming a multicolor mask having at least four different color patterns; (c) forming integrated electronic components of the pixel circuit having at least four layers of patterned functional material comprising a first conductor, a dielectric, a semiconductor, and a second conductor each layer of patterned functional material corresponding to the four different color patterns of the multicolor mask. The functional material is patterned using a photopattern corresponding to each color pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Lyn M. Irving, David H. Levy, Lan B. Thai
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Publication number: 20140034900Abstract: A wavelength converting material comprising a phosphate compound have a chemical formula of ABl-m-nPO4:Mm, Nn, wherein A comprises an alkali metal element, B comprises an alkaline earth metal element, M is a sensitizer comprising a rare-earth element, and N is an acceptor comprising a rare-earth element, wherein 0<m?0.3 and 0<n?0.3.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: EPISTAR CORPORATIONInventors: Tzu-Chen Liu, Ru-Shi Liu
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Publication number: 20140001588Abstract: Monolithic optical sensor devices, and methods for fabricating such devices, are described herein. In an embodiment, a semiconductor wafer substrate includes a plurality of photodetector (PD) regions. A wafer-level inorganic dielectric optical filter is deposited and thereby formed over at least a subset of the plurality of PD regions. One or more wafer-level organic color filter(s) is/are deposited and thereby formed on one or more selected portion(s) of the wafer-level inorganic dielectric optical filter that is/are over selected ones of the PD regions. For example, an organic red filter, an organic green filter and an organic blue filter can be over, respectively, portions of the wafer-level inorganic dielectric optical filter that are over first, second and third PD regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: INTERSIL AMERICAS LLCInventors: Michael I-Shan Sun, Francois Hebert, Kenneth C. Dyer, Eric S. Lee
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Patent number: 8618622Abstract: Backlit detector for the detection of electromagnetic radiation around a predetermined wavelength, including a semiconductor absorption layer, formed above a transparent medium, capable of transmitting at least some of said radiation, and a mirror above the semiconductor layer, and placed between the mirror and the semiconductor layer, a periodic grating of metallic patterns, the mirror and the grating being included in a layer of material transparent to said radiation and formed on the semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Roch Espiau De Lamaestre, Salim Boutami, Olivier Gravrand, Jérôme Le Perchec
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Patent number: 8610152Abstract: A semiconductor device in which the damage such as cracks, chinks, or dents caused by external stress is reduced is provided. In addition, the yield of a semiconductor device having a small thickness is increased. The semiconductor device includes a light-transmitting substrate having a stepped side surface, the width of which in a portion above the step and closer to one surface is smaller than that in a portion below the step, a semiconductor element layer provided over the other surface of the light-transmitting substrate, and a stack of a first light-transmitting resin layer and a second light-transmitting resin layer, which covers the one surface and part of the side surface of the light-transmitting substrate. One of the first light-transmitting resin layer and the second light-transmitting resin layer has a chromatic color.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Daiki Yamada, Yohei Monma, Hiroki Adachi, Shunpei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8569782Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a housing main body and at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip mounted on the housing main body. In operation, the optoelectronic semiconductor chip emits primary radiation including an ultraviolet radiation fraction. The semiconductor component also includes a filter medium that absorbs the ultraviolet radiation fraction and is located at least in part between the semiconductor chip and the housing main body and/or between the semiconductor chip and an optical component.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbHInventor: Gertrud Kräuter
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Patent number: 8569854Abstract: A semiconductor imaging instrument is disclosed, including a prescribed substrate, an imaging device array provided on the substrate and having plural semiconductor imaging devices and electrodes for outputting a signal charge upon photoelectric conversion of received light, and a color filter layer provided on the imaging device array, with an infrared light absorbing dye being contained in the color filter layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Yoshinori Uchida
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Patent number: 8558335Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion unit that is formed on a semiconductor substrate, a reading unit that reads signal charges of the photoelectric conversion unit, a gate insulating film and an electrode disposed thereon that constitute the reading unit, a light shielding film that covers the electrode, and an antireflection film that is formed on the photoelectric conversion unit and is constituted by films of four or more layers. The film of the lower layer of the antireflection film is also used as a stopper film during patterning, and a gap between the end of the light shielding film and the semiconductor substrate which is defined by interposing a plurality of films of the lower layer of the antireflection film is set so as to be smaller than the thickness of the gate insulating film.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Mitsuhiro Nagano
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Patent number: 8507963Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes a thin-film transistor formed on a substrate, and a photo diode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, wherein the photo diode includes a lower electrode connected to a drain electrode of the thin-film transistor, a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed from a transparent conductive film on the photoelectric conversion layer, the upper electrode being formed so as to be contained within an upper surface of the photoelectric conversion layer as viewed from a top, and a protective film (compound layer or the like) formed so as to protect a part of an upper surface of the photoelectric conversion layer located outside the upper electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Masami Hayashi
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Patent number: 8508043Abstract: A topographical feature is formed proximate to a conductive bond pad that is used to couple a solder bump to a semiconductor die. The topographical feature is separated from the conductive bond pad by a gap. In one embodiment, the topographical feature is formed at a location that is slightly beyond the perimeter of the solder bump, wherein an edge of the bump is aligned vertically to coincide with the gap separating the conductive bond pad from the topographical feature. The topographical feature provides thickness enhancement of a non-conductive layer disposed over the semiconductor die and the conductive bond pad and stress buffering.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Timothy H. Daubenspeck, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Christopher D. Muzzy, David L. Questad, Wolfgang Sauter, Timothy D. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8507308Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits bonded to a structure body in which a fibrous body is impregnated with an organic resin. The plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits are provided at openings formed in the structure body and each include a photoelectric conversion element, a light-transmitting substrate which has stepped sides and in which the width of the projected section on a first surface side is smaller than that of a second surface, a semiconductor integrated circuit portion provided on the second surface of the light-transmitting substrate, and a chromatic color light-transmitting resin layer which covers the first surface and part of side surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate. The plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits include the chromatic color light-transmitting resin layers of different colors.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidekazu Takahashi, Daiki Yamada, Yohei Monma, Takahiro Iguchi, Hiroki Adachi, Shunpei Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8508010Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device is provided. The method includes: forming an insulating layer extending over an effective pixel region where a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion element is arranged and a peripheral area adjacent to the effective pixel region; forming an opening in the insulating layer located immediately above the photoelectric conversion element on the effective pixel region; forming a dummy opening in the insulating layer on the peripheral region; and forming a buried layer on the insulating layer to fill the opening and the dummy opening formed in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Shunsuke Maruyama
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Patent number: 8493481Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixels and a plurality of color filters. The plurality of pixels is formed in a semiconductor substrate in a two-dimensional array arrangement. Each of the pixels has a photoelectric conversion region. The plurality of color filters is stacked on each of the pixels. The photoelectric conversion regions have the same depth irrespective of colors of the color filters stacked on the pixels. The width of a shallow portion of each of the photoelectric conversion regions is differ from a width of the deep portion of each of the photoelectric regions depending on the colors of the color filters stacked on the pixels.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Shunsuke Tanaka
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Patent number: 8492807Abstract: A tiltable micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) system lens comprises a microscopic lens located on a front surface of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a semiconductor rim surrounding the periphery of the microscopic lens. Two horizontal semiconductor beams located at different heights are provided within a top semiconductor layer. The microscopic lens may be tilted by applying an electrical bias between the lens rim and one of the two semiconductor beams, thereby altering the path of an optical beam through the microscopic lens. An array of tiltable microscopic lenses may be employed to form a composite lens having a variable focal length may be formed. A design structure for such a tiltable MEMS lens is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Kirk D. Peterson, Jed H. Rankin
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Publication number: 20130180587Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are methods of preparing colorant sensitized solar cells using pre-sensitized semiconductor particles, said particles are coated and thermally processed at temperatures that maintains the sensitivity of the colorant. The pre-sensitized particles are prepared in an aqueous or organic solvent colorant admixture. The solar cells may contain heat sensitive substrates as well as heat resistant substrates. Also disclosed and claimed are solar cells prepared from the disclosed and claimed pre-sensitized semiconductor particles as well as the colorant/particle dispersion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Inventors: John C. Warner, Michael S. Viola, Olga Barykina, Vineet Dua
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Patent number: 8476622Abstract: Disclosed are an active matrix organic light emitting diode and a method for manufacturing the same. The active matrix organic light emitting diode includes: a substrate; a black matrix formed above a part of the substrate; at least one thin film transistor formed above the black matrix; a passivation film formed to entirely cover the at least one thin film transistor; a planarizing layer formed above the passivation film; a color filter formed above an upper part of the planarizing layer opposite to the position where the at least one thin film transistor is formed; and an organic light emitting diode formed above the color filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Sang Hee Park, Chi Sun Hwang, Byoung Gon Yu
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Patent number: 8471311Abstract: An anti-reflective image sensor and method of fabrication are provided, the sensor including a substrate; first color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; second color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; third color sensing pixels disposed in the substrate; a first layer disposed directly on the first, second and third color sensing pixels; a second layer disposed directly on the first layer overlying the first, second and third color sensing pixels; and a third layer disposed directly on portions of the second layer overlying at least one of the first or second color sensing pixels, wherein the first layer has a first refractive index, the second layer has a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index, and the third layer has a third refractive index greater than the second refractive index.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jeong-Ho Lee, Sang-Il Jung
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Publication number: 20130112256Abstract: A photovoltaic device operable to convert light to electricity, comprising a substrate, one or more structures essentially perpendicular to the substrate, and a wavelength-selective layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the structures comprise a crystalline semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Young-June YU, Munib WOBER
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Publication number: 20130105928Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: INTEVAC, INC.Inventors: Kenneth A. COSTELLO, Edward YIN, Michael Wayne PELCZYNSKI, Verle W. AEBI
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Publication number: 20130105925Abstract: An integrated die-level camera system and method of making the camera system include a first die-level camera formed at least partially in a die. A second die level camera is also formed at least partially in the die. Baffling is formed to block stray light between the first and second die-level cameras.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Dennis Gallagher, Adam Greengard, Paulo E.X. Silveira, Chris Linnen, Vladislav Chumachenko, Jungwon Aldinger
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Patent number: RE45493Abstract: An image sensor system using offset analog to digital converters. The analog to digital converters require a plurality of clock cycles to carry out the actual conversion. These conversions are offset in time from one another, so that at each clock cycle, new data is available. A CMOS image sensor converts successive analog signals, representing at least a portion of an image, into successive digital signals using an analog to digital circuit block. Multiple clock cycles may be used by the circuit block to fully convert an analog signal into a corresponding digital signal. The conversion of one analog signal into a corresponding digital signal by the circuit block may be offset in time and partially overlapping with the conversion of a successive analog signal into its corresponding successive digital signal by the circuit block.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLCInventors: Eric R. Fossum, Sandor L. Barna