US20260247732
2026-08-20
Electricity
H10F39/8063
The patent describes an advanced image sensor featuring a nano-photonic lens array. This sensor is designed to improve light utilization efficiency by eliminating the traditional color filter, which typically absorbs two-thirds of incident light. Instead, it employs a series of nano-structures that focus light of specific wavelengths onto designated pixels, thereby enhancing the sensor's ability to capture images with greater precision and efficiency.
The image sensor is composed of a sensor substrate with four types of pixels and a corresponding nano-photonic lens array with four meta-regions. Each meta-region is equipped with nano-structures that direct light of different wavelengths to specific pixels. For example, light of a first wavelength is focused on the first and fourth pixels, light of a second wavelength on the second pixel, and light of a third wavelength on the third pixel. This arrangement facilitates precise color separation without the need for a color filter.
A key feature of the sensor is the inclusion of polarization-separating nano-structures within the second and third meta-regions. These structures are designed to separate light based on its polarization components. They direct light of the first wavelength with one polarization to the first pixel and with another polarization to the fourth pixel. This capability enhances the sensor's ability to capture detailed image information based on polarization, which is crucial for applications requiring high-fidelity image capture.
The polarization-separating nano-structures consist of extension portions that cross each other, forming a grid-like pattern. These portions are strategically designed with specific lengths and widths to effectively separate and direct the light. The design ensures that the structures are compact yet efficient, fitting within the confines of the meta-regions while maximizing their light-directing capabilities.
By integrating a polarization-separating layer between the sensor substrate and the nano-photonic lens array, the sensor further enhances its ability to manage light. This layer includes multiple polarization-separating groups that work in conjunction with the lens array to refine light capture. The innovative design promises significant improvements in image quality, offering a substantial leap over conventional sensors that rely on color filters. This technology is particularly advantageous for electronic devices requiring high-resolution and high-efficiency image capture.