ANTIBLOOMING IMAGING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An imager comprising:
- a filter formed to transmit light within a predetermined wavelength range; and
a pixel matrix configured to receive the light through the filter, the pixel matrix comprising an N×
M array of selectable photosensitive elements, wherein the N×
M array comprises a pinned photodiode structure formed in a region of photosensitive semiconductor material, and an n-type conductive region positioned between a charge carrier sink and the pinned photodiode structure, and wherein a volume between the n-type conductive region and the pinned photodiode structure is configured to prevent charge carriers from entering the photosensitive semiconductor material during an integration time.
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods are described to assist in reducing dark current in an active pixel sensor. In various embodiments, a potential barrier arrangement is configured to block the flow of charge carriers generated outside a photosensitive region. In various embodiments, a potential well-potential barrier arrangement is formed to direct charge carriers away from the photosensitive region during an integration time.
39 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An imager comprising:
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a filter formed to transmit light within a predetermined wavelength range; and a pixel matrix configured to receive the light through the filter, the pixel matrix comprising an N×
M array of selectable photosensitive elements, wherein the N×
M array comprises a pinned photodiode structure formed in a region of photosensitive semiconductor material, and an n-type conductive region positioned between a charge carrier sink and the pinned photodiode structure, and wherein a volume between the n-type conductive region and the pinned photodiode structure is configured to prevent charge carriers from entering the photosensitive semiconductor material during an integration time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An imager comprising:
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a filter formed to transmit light within a predetermined wavelength range; and a pixel matrix configured to receive the light through the filter, the pixel matrix comprising an N×
M array of selectable photosensitive elements, wherein the N×
M array comprises a photosensitive region, a diffusion region, and a charge carrier sink such that a volume between the photosensitive region and the charge carrier sink is configured to prevent charge carriers from entering the photosensitive region during an integration time. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An imager comprising:
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a filter formed to transmit light within a predetermined wavelength range; and a pixel matrix configured to receive the light through the filter, the pixel matrix comprising an N×
M array of selectable photosensitive elements, wherein the N×
M array comprises;a photosensitive region below a photogate; a transfer gate region coupled to the photosensitive region; a diffusion region coupled to the transfer gate region; a reset gate region coupled to the diffusion region; and a charge carrier sink coupled to the reset gate region diffusion such that a volume between the photosensitive region and the charge carrier sink is configured to prevent charge carriers from entering the photosensitive region during an integration time. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification