US20260096230
2026-04-02
Electricity
H10F39/8027
An advanced image sensor is designed to enhance light utilization efficiency in electronic devices. This sensor incorporates a sensor substrate with photodetection cells, a spacer layer, and a color separation lens array composed of nanostructures. These nanostructures are engineered to split and direct incident light by wavelength within each unit pixel, improving light collection and detection accuracy. The design allows for varied pixel color combinations and nanostructure arrangements within unit pixels.
The sensor's unit pixels contain multiple pixels, with at least two pixels detecting light of the same wavelength. However, the wavelength detected by these pixels differs from those in other unit pixels. This configuration allows for a diverse range of light detection capabilities, enhancing the sensor's ability to capture images with greater color accuracy and detail. The sensor's structure supports multiple unit pixels, each with a unique arrangement of pixels and nanostructures tailored to specific wavelength detection.
Each unit pixel may consist of a first, second, and third pixel, with the first two pixels detecting one wavelength and the third detecting another. This arrangement varies across different unit pixels, allowing the sensor to cover a broader spectrum of light. The unit pixels can form patterns such as a 2x2 array to further optimize light detection and processing. This systematic arrangement ensures that the sensor can effectively differentiate and capture various wavelengths of light.
The sensor includes features like symmetrical nanostructures for efficient light splitting and collection. These structures are designed to be symmetrical along specific diagonal directions within each unit pixel, enhancing the sensor's ability to manage light directionality. Additionally, the sensor can incorporate optical diffusers and color filter layers to further refine light detection and improve image quality. Some pixels are also configured to perform autofocus functions, increasing the sensor's versatility.
This image sensor can be integrated into electronic devices equipped with a lens assembly and processor. The lens assembly forms an optical image of an object, which the sensor converts into an electrical signal. The processor then processes this signal to produce high-quality images. This integration allows for the development of electronic devices that capture images with enhanced color fidelity and reduced noise, meeting the growing demand for high-resolution imaging technology.